bridge plate gap in a strat

[5F6-A]

I have a vintage style strat clone that I'm very happy with.
Traditionally I had the bridge resting flat by using 5 springs but somehow I felt it wasn't sounding its best.
Now I've removed one and set it so there's a 4/32" gap ( a tiny bit higher than the traditional 3/32" that Fender always used in the old examples ).

Now I feel the guitar sounds better.... what is your take on the matter?

[kspeed]

I've never had much use for pulling up on a Strat's vintage style trem, so I screw mine down till they're touching the body (dive-only mode) which I've noticed increases resonance and sustain. I'm not sure raising the trem when it's already floating above the body would make a noticeable difference

[5F6-A]

Originally Posted by kspeed

I've never had much use for pulling up on a Strat's vintage style trem, so I screw mine down till they're touching the body (dive-only mode) which I've noticed increases resonance and sustain. I'm not sure raising the trem when it's already floating above the body would make a noticeable difference

it's funny... my experience is the opposite. the only niggle is that if you're bending one strings the ohter go slightly flat ... grrrr...

[kspeed]

Originally Posted by 5F6-A

it's funny... my experience is the opposite. the only niggle is that if you're bending one strings the ohter go slightly flat ... grrrr...

Could depend on the type of bridge block you've got, I suppose.

And on any sort of floating bridge, whether vintage style, Floyd, whatever, the bridge will naturally pull upward because of the string. The only way to avoid flat strings when bending a note, or not needing to bend a string as far to hit the right note, is to install a Tremel-no or block it in some fashion.

[5F6-A]

I see.... cheers for the info

[sapi]

Originally Posted by 5F6-A

it's funny... my experience is the opposite. the only niggle is that if you're bending one strings the ohter go slightly flat ... grrrr...

I agree. Mike DeTemple suggests the floating bridge and 3 springs too but i guess it's a matter of preference. Also when you bend you obviously have to bend comparitively more to reach a certain pitch as the trem/string gives. I tried 4 springs (i tune flat with 10's) for tension but it didn't make a difference (with a floating trem).
I watched Jimi live the other day, he was using 4 and 5 springs and probably trem flat on the deck.

[5F6-A]

Originally Posted by sapi

I tried 4 springs (i tune flat with 10's) for tension but it didn't make a difference (with a floating trem).

With the Strat I tune down a semitone with 10s too... I think I'm going to try to use a small wooden block to stop it from moving when bending but still have the angle and feel of a floating bridge.

BTW Sapi, I use these strings and I find them awesome. Give them a try if you wish...

[sapi]

Originally Posted by 5F6-A

With the Strat I tune down a semitone with 10s too... I think I'm going to try to use a small wooden block to stop it from moving when bending but still have the angle and feel of a floating bridge.

BTW Sapi, I use these strings and I find them awesome. Give them a try if you wish...

Thanks for the recommendation, at the mom i use DR Blues 10's. BTW i thought of it before, however - won't a wooden block stop you from using the trem normally, to go flat?

[5F6-A]

yes... i don't use the tremolo anyaway. I just like the feel of the bridge "floating" if you know what I mean. I think the guitar sounds better that way because that was the way it was designed originally, regardless your desicion to shake the tremolo arm or not.