How to string a Floyd Rose guitar

TC-TUNE

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at our store is:Floyd Rose string changeorHow to string a Floyd Roseis.
Many people struggle with issues like "not knowing how to string their guitars" or "not being able to tune their guitars properly."
Therefore, this time,Floyd Rose String Changing Procedure and Tuning Adjustment MethodI've summarized it in an easy-to-understand way.
Floyd Rose systems vary in specifications and functions depending on the manufacturing period and model. There are also many licensed models, such as the TAKEUCHI style and the Ibanez LO-Pro Edge.The basic concept of string replacement is the same for all of them.This time, the currentFloyd Rose OriginalLet's explain using this as an example.

By placing a cloth under the bridge before releasing the tension, you can prevent the bridge from scratching the body.

Next, remove the locking nut to remove the old strings.
The Floyd Rose locking nut is a component that secures the strings at the headstock.
Loosen the screw with a 3mm hex wrench and remove it completely. The strings will now be loose.

Next, loosen the strings and remove the tension bar.

What is a tension bar?

The tension bar isA small metal bar attached to the top of the nutis.
By ensuring the strings are firmly in contact with the grooves in the nut, the locking nut helps to minimize tuning changes when tightened.

Cut all the strings with wire cutters.
When a string breaks, the balance of the bridge is disrupted and it hits the body, but the cloth we inserted earlier will protect it from impact.

After cutting the strings, use a 3mm hex wrench to loosen and remove the saddle.

With the strings removed, it's the perfect time to clean the fretboard, frets, body, and bridge area.
Use a cloth to remove dust and dirt.

TCGAKKIWe recommend using Advance Guitars' dedicated cleaning cloth. We actually use it ourselves, so you can use it with confidence.

・What's the best instrument cleaning cloth? What do people actually use in real-world situations?

・Specialty shops reveal the guitar polishes and waxes they actually use in the field!

If the fretboard is made of rosewood, moisturize it appropriately with a special oil.
　Big Bends/Fret Board Juice

Next, prepare a new string.
This time, we'll be using "Futra," coated electric guitar strings that are available for an astonishing price of around 500 yen. This will be the first time they're being sold by a domestic retailer.

・Amazing! Coated electric guitar strings for under 500 yen: Ultimated Coated Strings Stainless Steel [Electric Guitar Strings]

Cut the string up to the folded-over end of the ball end.

Insert the strings into the saddle and secure them to the appropriate length with an Allen wrench.

A Floyd Rose bridge has "saddles" that secure the strings.
The metal block inside the saddle securely holds the strings in place.

*Please be careful not to overtighten, as this may cause the metal block to crack.

Wrap the end of the string around the tuning peg.

• Imagine winding it in a spiral pattern, gradually sloping downwards towards the base of the peg.
• Be careful not to let the end of the roll overlap the beginning.

Comparing photos of the correct amount of hair to examples of over- or under-winding makes it easier to understand.

The number of turns is just right.

The correct condition of all strings

Once all the strings are attached, install the tension bar.
Lower the tension bar until the strings are in close contact with the locking nut.

* If you overtighten the screws, in the worst case, they may penetrate all the way through to the back of the neck.
Be careful not to overtighten it.

Before tuning, perform the following preparations.
Slightly increase the tension of the springs so that the bridge is pulled towards the body.

Leave the fine tuner slightly loosened from its fully tightened position.

What is a fine tuner?

The fine tuners are used while the strings are secured with the locking nut.A small screw for fine-tuning the pitch.is.
You can slightly raise or lower the pitch without having to drastically change the tuning with the pegs.

Adjust the amount and position of the crosses so that the bridge is horizontal.

To prevent the bridge from rising above horizontal, tighten the spring on the back to adjust it.

We will perform tuning.
If the bridge lifts up, tighten the springs each time and repeat the tuning and spring adjustment process.

The string height is adjusted using the support post at the front of the bridge.

String height = distance between the string and the fret
・Approximate (12th fret)
  * 1st string: 1.5mm
  * 6th string: 1.5-2.0mm

*The guitar used as the subject of this article uses a flathead screwdriver to adjust the string height, but many models use a 3mm hex wrench for adjustment.

Use a 2.5mm wrench to match the harmonic sound at the 12th fret with the note you are actually pressing.

When adjusting the octave, if you turn the screw while the string tension is still high, the saddle will be pulled forward and move, making it difficult to return to its original position. Loosen the strings slightly, adjust the octave, and then tune the guitar. Repeat this process.

* If the actual pitch is low, move the saddle towards the neck.
* If the actual pitch is too high, move the saddle towards the body.
* Check and adjust all 6 strings.

Take the cross-up while the instrument is in tune.
When you remove the cloth, the bridge is pulled towards the body, so loosen the springs until the tuning returns to normal, aiming for a state where the bridge remains horizontal and stable.

Once all adjustments are complete, reattach the lock nut.

Fine-tuning is done using the fine tuner.

The work is complete when all the strings are tuned stably, the bridge is level, and the string height and octave are correct.

Points to note

* Changing string gauges or manufacturers may cause floating bridges or octave intonation issues.
* Be careful not to injure yourself, as the ends of the wire cutters and strings are sharp.
* The first time you do it, it will take a little time, but once you get the hang of it, you can change strings in about 10 minutes.

If you found this article helpful, please show your support!