Stratocaster Floyd Question:

Personally, I'd prefer a bit of a recess, even if just for the additional clearance and height adjustability. If the recess is finished to the same color and sheen as the rest of the body, it really doesn't look objectionable. It just looks like it's supposed to be that way. A lot of guitar makers just paint the recess a flat black, but it doesn't have to be that way. Others (such as the Les Paul Axcess) finish the recess just like the rest of the body.

You can see on my Jackson below that my bridge is very low. If you saw it in person you'd see that the bridge is really just a hair higher than the surface of the body. The recess allows the adjustability I need, and allows for a little pull up on the bar, if I want to do that.

But, it's your choice, of course.


Good point. I hate the flat black in that area. It should match the body....
 
Here you can see mine is even lower than Smitty's with the lower surface of the bridge plate slightly below the front face of the bodyWP_20170604_002.jpg
I don't like the "really low action" that some use so this could go even lower (though it is low). The black painted recess can be seen up closeWP_20170604_003.jpg, but I don't think it can be so much at a distance. Painted the same color as the body would be better though. Cheers
 
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Here you can see mine is even lower than Smitty's with the lower surface of the bridge plate slightly below the front face of the bodyView attachment 5437
I don't like the "really low action" that some use so this could go even lower (though it is low). The black painted recess can be seen up closeView attachment 5438, but I don't think it is so much at a distance. Painted the same color as the body would be better though. Cheers

Wow, you are a "Low Rider" Man!!!!
 
Wow, you are a "Low Rider" Man!!!!
Depends on which guitar. My LP is low, though not as low as this. My SG is higher because I also use it for slide with a short slide that fits between 1st & 2nd knuckle
WP_20170604_004.jpg & my strat is also higher because, well I like it like. Different guitars I play with a different touch. Cheers
 
I have always been under the impression it was for travel. I really wish I would have kept this one but it got me my 1st new SG Std. :)
Strat2.jpg

Strat3.jpg
 
My goal, if everything works out the way I hope it will...is to get down to a DT555 and my Von Herndon Studiocaster...

THE VONHERNDON TRI-TONE STUDIOCASTER DATA SHEET.jpg
 
Ok,

So why is it some Strat-style guitars have a Floyd that mounts like a stock Fender tremolo and others are sunk into that dreadful hole????
 
Ok,

So why is it some Strat-style guitars have a Floyd that mounts like a stock Fender tremolo and others are sunk into that dreadful hole????

A lot will have to do with the neck angle.

Keep in mind, unless you choose to deck the trem, the stock Fender trem does not sit parallel to the body. It actually angles up toward the rear. The front of the bridge is on the body, or very near to it. And you can lower the saddles. Conversely, Floyds sit parallel to the body and the saddles are not height adjustable. So, you either need to have a neck angle that is sharp enough to allow the Floyd to sit high enough to eliminate the need for a recess, or you have to have the recess if you're going to have a flatter, more Strat-like angle.
 
A lot will have to do with the neck angle.

Keep in mind, unless you choose to deck the trem, the stock Fender trem does not sit parallel to the body. It actually angles up toward the rear. The front of the bridge is on the body, or very near to it. And you can lower the saddles. Conversely, Floyds sit parallel to the body and the saddles are not height adjustable. So, you either need to have a neck angle that is sharp enough to allow the Floyd to sit high enough to eliminate the need for a recess, or you have to have the recess if you're going to have a flatter, more Strat-like angle.

Good explanation!

Question - why use the bar behind the nut to push the strings down? The stock fender roller trees work good, and less drilling into a highly stressed area of the neck...
 
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) converted his black Strat to adapt to a floyd rose. He eventually went back to the standard tremolo like on all Fender guitars.


;>)/
 
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) converted his black Strat to adapt to a floyd rose. He eventually went back to the standard tremolo like on all Fender guitars.

;>)/

The standard tremolo is a tuning nitemare. But, with a crew of roadies and spare guitars, its ok...
 
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My 2 point can take a decent use & stay in tune. At worst it might need a slight nudge in the opposite direction to the last manipulation to return all strings to tune. I did file the nut slot widths with the correct size files & then shape & polish with fine wet & dry paper. I have a 6 point on a squier strat that doesn't return so well, but I didn't put the time into it that I did with the two point. Nothing compares to a double locking system though. Man they can take some abuse. Cheers
 
The standard tremolo is a tuning nitemare. But, with a crew of roadies and spare guitars, its ok...

The standard tremolo is not a nightmare. There is a certain trick you can do. I. Own a 1998 American Standard Strat that you can divebomb like crazy and it will stay in tune perfectly. I can reveal the secret if you really want to know. Ask and you shall recieve with wisdom.


;>)/
 
The standard tremolo is not a nightmare. There is a certain trick you can do. I. Own a 1998 American Standard Strat that you can divebomb like crazy and it will stay in tune perfectly. I can reveal the secret if you really want to know. Ask and you shall recieve with wisdom.


;>)/

I've had 5 springs on my 1986 Squirecaster since new, but I never use the trem...it functions like a Hardtail....
 
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