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.