Changing tuning easily with a Floyd?

[MartinBarre]

I distinctly remember reading a simple technique for changing tuning - for example, just going from standard E to Eb - on a floyd type guitar.
It really pisses me off messing around doing it the normal way, so can someone tell me the easy way?
IIRC it involved something like blocking the trem off, retuning to it the new tuning, with a bit of spring adjustment on the claw, then removing the block and it should all be ready to go near enough.

Is that right?

[Grandturk]

I would just drop the tuning, then adjust the springs and retune until the trem plate is level at the new tuning.

[Newc]

Loosen the nut, detune halfway to your target, then loosen the springs the other half of the way. Lock it down, fine tune, and you're set.

[Jayster]

E to Eb, should not be that drastic of a change. BUT yes, when I change my floyded strings(I'll depress the bar and then 'chock' the body of the floyd(I use .80 tortex(a stack of about 12-15(IIRC) seems to hold it beautifully. This is a great time saver.

If anyone wants I'll photo this this weekend.

[toejam]

You could just use your fine tuners.

[MartinBarre]

I would just drop the tuning, then adjust the springs and retune until the trem plate is level at the new tuning.

It's a pain in the ass, it's exactly why I'm asking this question...:idea:

[MartinBarre]

Okay, I didn't just mean E to Eb. Let's say I meant E to D. I'm sure I read a very simple technique - I even remember the guy saying "I don't understand why everyone doesn't do this".
Maybe I was just too drunk.

[livebiz]

I distinctly remember reading a simple technique for changing tuning - for example, just going from standard E to Eb - on a floyd type guitar.
It really pisses me off messing around doing it the normal way, so can someone tell me the easy way?
IIRC it involved something like blocking the trem off, retuning to it the new tuning, with a bit of spring adjustment on the claw, then removing the block and it should all be ready to go near enough.

Is that right?

I block most of my trems so minor changes are pretty simple, otherwise the easiest method is:

1. Remove current guitar
2. Place on stand (or toss to roadie if you're a star)
3. Strap on another guitar with preferred tuning

[Zaneus]

you'll have to either block the trem so it doesn't work like a normal floyd, or go through the motions of setting it up properly again.

You can get a tremel-no or a trem stopper that blocks the tream quickly and easily. then tune down and you wont have any problems. Just make sure to tune back up to E standard before unblocking the trem or else you're in for some fun

[Jayster]

you'll have to either block the trem so it doesn't work like a normal floyd, or go through the motions of setting it up properly again.

My point about 'temporary' blocking of the floyd, is when it's all said and done - I can change a 6 string OFR set of strings in about 15 mins(with properly stretching the strings). By temporarly blocking the 'underbelly' of the floyd's base plate - you can easily have correct string tension(not a lot of time wasted - no need for a screwdriver(as long as you're replacing the same gauge(or reasonably close)Once the strings have been properly stretched, un-chock the floyd, check tuning and lock down and rock out.

Anyhow if I'm reading into Steve-o's clarification. All you want to be able to do is have a guitar that is 'floyded' be able to go from standard to drop d?

You can easily set your floyd up for this(the only down side is that your range of motion for fine tuning your e(d) string will be limited - or of course there is some fucking guy named eddie van halen and he seems to like a d-tuna(I think that's what it's called(but that is an additional piece and therefore extra jack)).

Personally I have a couple of guitars so,,,,,, I keep 2 @ a440, 2@ a420, 2 @ dropped d, 1 @ c ....... etc..


I'm not sure if I'm understanding your question fully but I hope this helps!

[Dred]

Martin, I think you read this:

Block the trem with something like a knife and make sure it's completely level.
Change tuning, gauge, anything you want to change.
Afterwards, adjust the trem claw so that the floyd sits level again, but doesn't put pressure on the knife.
The knife then should slide out easily without any resistance.
If the trem is hindered by the trem sitting on it, you didn't make the floyd completely level at step three.


I'm pretty sure that's what you read and were looking for again, because I'm pretty sure that's what I read as well. Can't remember what thread that was, but I was willing to try that myself. Never got round to doing so, though

[dg]

Jayster, I think he wants to go easily to D, not just Drop D.

Dred, that sounds like instructions for someone having trouble getting their trem level, but the bottom line is that there's no easy shortcut to dropping & raising the tuning of a floyd by adjusting the springs, for the same reason that chords don't stay in tune (each string relative to the others) when you dive or pull up. The tension change has a different effect on each string of a floating trem, so each has to be tuned. There's no getting around it.

[MartinBarre]

Jayster, I think he wants to go easily to D, not just Drop D.

Dred, that sounds like instructions for someone having trouble getting their trem level, but the bottom line is that there's no easy shortcut to dropping & raising the tuning of a floyd by adjusting the springs, for the same reason that chords don't stay in tune (each string relative to the others) when you dive or pull up. The tension change has a different effect on each string of a floating trem, so each has to be tuned. There's no getting around it.

Yeah, Jayster, I was just meaning a general change in tuning - E to D, E to Eb, C to D, whatever.
Looks like I'm outta luck and gotta do the usual spring adjustments then.

I had one of my guitars tuned to D, but wanted to use it in my band so spent the time setting it up for standard E tuning.
Then I left the band before I used it and I just can't be arsed putting it back to D again!

[Jayster]

there are trans trems for many quick tuning changes!!!! I've never used one but some folks love them, I believe this will allow you several tuning choices by merely locking the whammies fulcrum in a different position.

I am unaware of any other trem(floyd or not) that would allow for such a drastic change - but I'd surely be interested in learning about this!!!!

[MartinBarre]

Well, what Dred posted wasn't what I read. I never read it on here, I don't actually recall WHERE I read it. I just remember thinking "that makes sense" but being too lazy to note it down.