Tuning a strat

I just picked up a 1996 strat that doesnt have a tremolo bar (but has the tremolo bridge) my question is do you need the bar to counter act the string tension? obviously each time i tune it it lifts up a few steps and i am not sure how to stop it :D thanks for the help guys.

Originally Posted by: ajt178I just picked up a 1996 strat that doesnt have a tremolo bar (but has the tremolo bridge) my question is do you need the bar to counter act the string tension? obviously each time i tune it it lifts up a few steps and i am not sure how to stop it :D thanks for the help guys.

Hi-
No, you don't need the bar. But you may want/need to get to the springs in the back that holds the bridge down. If, for any reason, you don't want the bridge to come up, you'll have to tighten the springs. I think Fender says the bridge should be about a 1/4 inch up; but at one time, the springs on my 1984 Strat were so tight, it was flush/flat to the body. It was only after I changed to a much heavier gauge strings, did I have to mess with the springs (and the truss rod). Hope this helps.

WOW LOL talk about missing the obvious i was staring at the springs for like 10 minutes. far be it from me to notice the screws that hold them in. :o

Originally Posted by: ajt178WOW LOL talk about missing the obvious i was staring at the springs for like 10 minutes. far be it from me to notice the screws that hold them in. :o

You wanna know what missing the obvious is? I have 3 Strats, and didn't notice until very recently the dot fret markers on the edge of the neck! To top that off, I've had my 1984 Strat for over 20+ yrs, bought it used with original case, tags- everything. I thought the bridge was fixed until I went into the case for something a few months ago, and discovered the trem bar. Talk about a DUH-UH moment... :eek: Good thing I'm not big on whammying....lol

tightened up the springs a bit and it stays in tune and plays like a charm. :cool: thanks :)

Glad to have been of some help. :)