NoOnes First build - A standard strat!

[FrankenWashie]

nice strat, super clean , super cool.

Not sure if this helps, but for proper trem setup with 3 springs, they should be parallel , not cranked in at the claw. Claw is typically located about 25mm out from the edge of the rout

Stan I can't recall any similar trem set up I've ever seen with them parallel, isn't that weird? Probably one of those things that people do because they saw someone else do it, but no one knows why its done!

[Dikkybee007]

If they are not parallel the outside springs are under more tension than the middle due to the change in length. Don't ask me it was Pythagoras's theory.

[stan]

Stan I can't recall any similar trem set up I've ever seen with them parallel, isn't that weird? Probably one of those things that people do because they saw someone else do it, but no one knows why its done!

Yes, some people do stuff without knowing why...

You are right Dikky, it gives uneven tension, since the outside springs are now over a longer distance than the centre one, and with some enthusiastic trem use the middle spring can drop out - that's why you dont do it.

If you are using 2 springs then angled is correct. Outside lugs on the block and either side of centre at the claw.

[FrankenWashie]

Yes, some people do stuff without knowing why...

You are right Dikky, it gives uneven tension, since the outside springs are now over a longer distance than the centre one, and with some enthusiastic trem use the middle spring can drop out - that's why you dont do it.

If you are using 2 springs then angled is correct. Outside lugs on the block and either side of centre at the claw.

Well. I've two trem equipped in process, so now I know how to do it right. Thanks Stan!

Edit: Apologies for the more or less on -topic Thread Jack NoOne!

[DrNomis_44]

This was the most nerve shredding part of the process.

I stressed for a long time about how to correctly locate the neck and bridge. Finally after posting on here my confidence was boosted enough to just get on with it.

I think now if i was to do it again i'd just fix the neck into the pocket and only really worry about the exact bridge placement. The neck needs a nice snug fit so that tends to dictate where it will sit. I think I over thought it far too much!

Other than stressing about this there were no real problems. once the neck was on i fixed the high and low E tuners and used the string method to locate the bridge and fixed it down.

Attachment 19757

Before fixing the pick guard i shielded the cavity with te rest of the copper tape. I could probably have done with maybe 15 extra cm of tape!

Attachment 19758

Naturally not everything went smoothly. Even after checking the spacing when I came to fit the pick guard the bridge was oh so slightly too close to the neck and it wouldn't fit. I sanded down the bridge cutout with a dremel enough for the trem to work and not risk catching on anything.

Attachment 19759

Attachment 19760

I used a ruler to align the tuners before fixing them and even though the holes look in line the tuners are slightly off.

Then on went the strings, messed around alot with the trem claw tention to get this set right (so i ever so slightly pull up) and thats about it!

Attachment 19761

I may try and take a few better photos of it!

At the moment my problem is the thing will not stay in tune in any shape or form. you only have to look at it and it goes off. I give the trem a light press and everything goes sharp. I think it might be the nut, although i got a bone replacement and have given it a drop of lube. Any ideas?!

Anyway thats it. Thanks for reading!

NoOne

For what it's worth, I've had no end of trouble trying to get my Gold Strat to stay in tune, tried replacing the stock nut with a bone one, tried replacing the stock tuners with a set of Grover Rotomatic Locking Tuners, even tried a set of Gold Sperzels (supposed to be the best Locking Tuners you can buy, and they were a set of staggered height tuners too so I didn't need a string tree), tried setting the bridge so that it sat flat on the body, tried putting lubricant in the nut slots, tried making sure the trem springs were installed parallel to each other, even tried setting it up to Fender Strat setup specs, nothing worked.

[wardo1219]

That is a very nice piece of craftsmanship. Anyone would be proud to own that. Fine job Sir. Good luck with the new addition to the family

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