In need of Strat setup advice

[Twanger]

How do you guys like to set up your Strats? I just bought a new Fender AS Strat last month and I want to set it up with a 10-46 set. I’ve been playing Teles for so long now that I forget how to setup the tremolo. I’ve had Strats in the past where I’ve blocked the bridge ala Clapton but this time I’d like to leave it floating, as I feel leaving it floating adds to the whole Strat vibe/tone.

How far should the bridge be away from the body at the back of the bridge, like an 1/8th of an inch? It’s a newer 2-point tremolo as well; right now the 2 pivot screws on either side of the bridge are down as far as they can go... should I raise them some?

I gotta say that I’m pretty impressed overall with these new American Standards that are currently out; I’m really digging this guitar. I played quite a few of them when I was shopping around and the quality seems much higher than it has in recent years. Most of the ones I played were quite resonant and the fit and finish was nice, tight neck pocket etc. Heck, even the pickups are pretty good; though I will change them eventually.

Anyway, any setup tips from you Strat-heads would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[bandofthieves™]

http://www.bothner.co.za/articles/stratcare.shtml

[JackButler]

Congrats on the new twanger!

Well, I might approach guitar setup differently than it should be...For my guitars it is purely setup by feel. I don't measure, user radius guides, etc. If the guitar is failry decent/similar to what you want to begin with, much easier. But from scratch...
I first lemon oil or boiled linseed oil the neck and fretboard, wipe it off, I like to buff it off again the next day. Most new/used guitars can use a nice drink of some sort of wood conditioner.
I first let the neck set for a few hours after any needed adjustment. Adjust again, let sit overnight.
Begin to dial in saddle height. I know many prefer a radius guide/tool, but I don't. I get them to what I "eye" as ideal. Intonate quickly.
After the guitar has had time with new tensions and such I then make sure the neck is how I like it, with the guitar tuned as I want it of course. Dial-in the saddle height for each string. Keep playing and tweaking until it is "ideal" once again.
I add any needed neck/pocket shims, which is usually a long process for me. Retweak everything, which usually means string/saddle height yet again:>).
I play strat trems with 5 springs, tightened flush against the body. Obviusly this step comes with the first neck adjustment/string height, etc.

Per floating, it take some extra time. Depending on how high you want the rear of the bridge or how much floating. I know there's a common spec for this, but again I prefer to feel it. With the dual posts it should be much easier for you.
1. trussrod adjust, basic saddle height and intonation placement.
2. start playing with the trem floating height/angle. This is tedious, as once you tighten/loosen the tremclaw, it messes with the tuning/string tension. Keep doing little steps back and forth.

I'm sure this hasn't helped you at all! I guess I'm trying to say...experiment with it. Sometimes it can get really frustrating! And usually things settle after a few days once again and with playing it you'll notice little nuances that you'll likely adjust.
One thing with floating, if you are use to a ceratin trem arm angle, then even this slightest change can sorta mess with your "feel". Back in the day I spent MANY hours refining how to sett up superstrats with floyds and locknuts, ugh talk about time consuming! But it paid off. Every once in awhile old friends will give me their floyd guitar after area techs have set it up and they don't like it. Makes me feel appreciated, but dang I wouldn't wanna do it all the time.

[carlygtr]

I find suggested measurements of how much the bridge should be off the body to be BS.

Decide if you want to pull the g string up 2 frets or 3 and adjust the claw as needed.

[bandofthieves™]

I find the info I provided a basic guide for someone that doesn't seem to know a lot about setting up a strat..YMMV Want more suggestions? Get your check book out..

[carlygtr]

I use measurements on everything as well. Action, neck relief, PU height, etc
IMO its the only way to keep a guitar consistantly adjusted.

The reason I dont take a measurement of the bridge off the body is, it doesnt make for a perfect step or step and a half pullup.

[bandofthieves™]

Originally Posted by carlygtr

I use measurements on everything as well. Action, neck relief, PU height, etc
IMO its the only way to keep a guitar consistantly adjusted.

The reason I dont take a measurement of the bridge off the body is, it doesnt make for a perfect step or step and a half pullup.

That is a fact.Add in the cheap ass springs we have to deal with..I can take 3 old springs and get more tension out of them than 5 new ones..Drives me crazy setting up floating bridges for all the detuners..

[Twanger]

Thanks for the advice guys. I figured much of it had to do with personal preference. I’m going to play around with it and see what I come up with. Thanks again!

[dosmun]

Here is Fender's setup guide. http://www.fender.com/support/strato...etup_guide.php

Dan Erlewine has a couple of good books that are good to have in your library as well.

Amazon.com: The Guitar Player Repair Guide - 3rd (Book) (9780879309213): Dan Erlewine: Books

Amazon.com: The Guitar Player Repair Guide - 3rd (Book) (9780879309213): Dan Erlewine: Books