guitar with a floating bridge

How to restring an electric guitar with a floating bridge

Table of Content show

A floating bridge, also known as a floating tremolo or Floyd Rose bridge is a type of guitar bridge system that allows you to manipulate the pitch of the strings by moving the bridge up or down. That gives you the freedom to experiment with different techniques and add more effects to your playing style.

However, let’s be honest – changing the strings of a guitar with a floating bridge can be a bit tricky. But don’t worry!

We’ve got you covered with this easy step-by-step guide that will help you navigate the process with confidence. By following these simple instructions, you’ll be able to restring your electric guitar with a floating bridge on your own, saving both time and money.

Essential tools for restringing an electric guitar with a floating bridge

To successfully restring an electric guitar with a floating bridge, it’s crucial to have the right tools at your disposal. Here are the essential tools you’ll need for this task:

  • Allen key – 3 mm: This hex key is essential for adjusting the tension of the bridge and fine-tuning the intonation.
  • Wire cutters: Use wire cutters to trim the excess string length once it’s been properly installed and tuned.
  • String winder: A string winder will greatly speed up the process of removing and installing the strings, saving you time and effort.
  • Backplate: While not mandatory, a backplate can protect the rear cavity of your guitar from dust and debris during the restringing process.
  • Fine cloth: A soft, lint-free cloth is handy for wiping down the guitar’s body and neck, ensuring a clean surface before restringing.
  • Guitar strings: Of course, you’ll need a fresh set of guitar strings suitable for your playing style and preference. Choose the appropriate gauge and material for optimal sound and feel.
  • Neck cradle or headstand: These tools provide stability and support for the guitar’s neck, making it easier to remove and install the strings without damaging the instrument.
  • Polishing cloth and other cleaning materials: It’s always a good idea to have a polishing cloth and any necessary cleaning materials on hand to maintain the guitar’s finish and keep it looking its best.

Once you’ve gathered all the essential tools mentioned above, you’re ready to begin the restringing process. With the right tools in your arsenal, changing the strings on an electric guitar with a floating bridge becomes a manageable and rewarding experience.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Strings on a Guitar with a Floating Bridge”

By following these simple step-by-step instructions, you can confidently change the strings on your guitar with a floating bridge, improving playability and achieving great sound.

So let’s get started:

Place the guitar on a flat surface

Place the guitar on a flat surface and use a neck cradle or headstand to hold your guitar securely. It’s a good idea to lay a soft cloth or towel underneath to protect the guitar’s body from scratches. This ensures stability because the floating tremolo bridge is sensitive and needs a balanced setup for easy adjustments.

Remove the old strings

changing strings on guitar with a floating bridge

Remove the old strings using an Allen key to loosen the locking nut and set aside the locking blocks (remember their order). Release the tension on the strings and open the bridge to remove them one at a time.

Clean the fretboard

cleaning guitar with a floating bridge

Clean the fretboard using a polishing cloth. I’m always using this moment to apply a small amount of lemon oil.

Measure the new strings

restring c guitar with floating bridge

To measure the new strings correctly, pull each string straight and cut it about two machine heads further than the tuner for the corresponding string. For example, if you’re working on the E string, cut it at the tuner for the D string.

Unwind the tuning nuts

Unwind the fine-tuning nuts on the top of the floating bridge before inserting the string into the machine head. Keep unwinding until they’re fully loose, then wind them back in for one complete turn. This provides enough space for fine-tuning and stretching the strings later.

Install the new strings

guitar with bridge

Install the new strings by threading each string through the machine head hole and stretching it towards the tuner.

Apply tension using a string winder. Make sure the windings on the machine head go from the center of the headstock to the outside, without overlapping.

Lift the string slightly from the nut to avoid sliding, which can cause wear, buzzing, or muted sound while playing.

Fine-Tune the new strings

Fine-Tune the new strings by turning the fine-tuning screws on the floating bridge all the way up, then bring them down about two turns.

This creates enough space to accurately tune the strings. Adjust the fine-tuning screws before removing the backplate from under the bridge. Be patient during this step as you may need to repeatedly tune the strings until they reach the desired pitch.

It’s best to start with the low E string and work your way up to the high E.

Check this guide on how to choose the right electric guitar strings.

Stretch the new strings

As you stretch the strings, pay attention to the angle of the tremolo and ensure that the baseplate remains parallel to the guitar body. Then, fine-tune the strings again, ensuring they are perfectly tuned. 

Conclusion

Restringing an electric guitar with a floating bridge may initially seem challenging. However, by following the step-by-step instructions and using the right tools, you can confidently restring your guitar and enjoy the benefits of fresh strings.

Remember to gather the necessary tools, place the guitar on a stable surface, remove the old strings carefully, measure and install the new strings correctly, and fine-tune them for optimal sound. With patience and attention to detail, you can successfully restring your electric guitar and enhance your playing experience.

FAQ

What is a floating bridge guitar?

A Floating bridge guitar is equipped with a tremolo arm, which allows players to bend or pull the strings while playing, altering the pitch.

How many types of floating bridges are there?

The two most common types of floating bridges are the Fender Tremolo and the Floyd Rose Floating Bridge.

Why is restringing an electric guitar with a floating bridge difficult?

Restringing an electric guitar with a floating bridge is difficult because the strings pass through the guitar body to the back and can easily shift out of place.

Maintaining the required balance is crucial, as the pulling force of the strings should match the force of the springs at the back, ensuring the bridge stays parallel to the guitar body.

Picture of Gary Lee

Gary Lee

Gary has been in love with music since he was a child. His passion is guitars and everything related to them. He is the founder of Riff-Mag and can't wait to share his knowledge with you.

117 thoughts on “How to restring an electric guitar with a floating bridge”

  3. After study a number of of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site record and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my website online as properly and let me know what you think.

  4. Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my website . Thanks =)

  7. I simply could not go away your website before suggesting that I extremely loved the standard information a person provide on your visitors? Is gonna be back steadily to inspect new posts

  13. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  14. Simply wanna input on few general things, The website style is perfect, the content is very excellent. “All movements go too far.” by Bertrand Russell.

  16. Great, I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task.

  19. Just desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness on your put up is just cool and that i can suppose you’re a professional on this subject. Fine together with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with drawing close post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please continue the enjoyable work.

  20. Howdy would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

  22. It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  23. Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is wonderful, let alone the content!

  24. Fantastic site you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get feed-back from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!

  25. Great amazing issues here. I am very glad to look your article. Thank you so much and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

  26. I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site :).

  27. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  28. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not forget this web site and give it a glance regularly.

  29. My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  31. Thanks, I have recently been looking for info about this topic for a long time and yours is the best I have found out till now. However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you certain about the supply?

  33. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  34. I have recently started a website, the info you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.

  37. Excellent website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get comments from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!

  38. Fantastic website. Plenty of helpful info here. I’m sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks for your sweat!

  39. I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours as of late, but I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty price sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the net can be much more helpful than ever before. “Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons.” by Walt Whitman.

  41. Im no longer certain where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or working out more. Thank you for great information I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.

  44. Good day! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Many thanks

  47. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  48. Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.

  49. Nearly all of what you articulate happens to be supprisingly appropriate and that makes me ponder why I had not looked at this in this light previously. This particular piece truly did switch the light on for me personally as far as this specific subject matter goes. Nonetheless at this time there is actually one point I am not too cozy with and whilst I attempt to reconcile that with the central idea of your position, permit me see what all the rest of your readers have to point out.Very well done.

  50. Good day very nice blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally?KI am glad to seek out so many helpful information right here in the put up, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  51. Great blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  52. Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!

  58. I’m still learning from you, as I’m making my way to the top as well. I absolutely enjoy reading all that is written on your site.Keep the tips coming. I enjoyed it!

  61. I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for posting. “The universe is not hostile, nor yet is it unfriendly. It is simply indifferent.” by John Andrew Holmes.

  62. I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  64. naturally like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very troublesome to inform the truth on the other hand I’ll definitely come again again.

  67. It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if I could I wish to recommend you few interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles relating to this article. I desire to learn more things about it!

  69. Good, I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task.

  70. Hi there are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  71. Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Terrific blog and excellent design and style.

  73. It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  74. I like this weblog so much, saved to my bookmarks. “Respect for the fragility and importance of an individual life is still the mark of an educated man.” by Norman Cousins.

  76. This web page is mostly a stroll-by way of for the entire information you needed about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and also you’ll undoubtedly discover it.

  79. Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  83. Some truly fantastic info , Gladiola I found this. “The true republic men, their rights and nothing more women, their rights and nothing less.” by Franklin P. Adams.

  84. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Superb work!

  90. I’ll immediately grasp your rss feed as I can not in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me recognize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  92. Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “Love is made in heaven and consummated on earth.” by John Lyly.

  93. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn something like this before. So good to seek out somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with somewhat originality. useful job for bringing one thing new to the web!

  95. I simply could not go away your site prior to suggesting that I extremely loved the standard info an individual supply for your visitors? Is going to be again steadily to check up on new posts.

  100. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today..

  103. Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and come with approximately all significant infos. I would like to look more posts like this.

  104. I’ve been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours as of late, yet I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours. It’s lovely worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content material as you probably did, the internet will probably be much more useful than ever before.

  105. It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  106. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.

  108. I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours these days, yet I never found any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty worth sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content material as you probably did, the net will be much more useful than ever before. “No one has the right to destroy another person’s belief by demanding empirical evidence.” by Ann Landers.

  109. I’d should examine with you here. Which isn’t one thing I usually do! I get pleasure from reading a submit that will make people think. Additionally, thanks for allowing me to remark!

  111. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  113. Excellent web site. Lots of useful information here. I’m sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you to your sweat!

  114. I am really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems? A few of my blog visitors have complained about my blog not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any advice to help fix this problem?

  115. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

Leave a Comment