bridge not floating

blackprs

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Jan 2, 2025
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This is my first time restringing my electric guitar I have done acoustics multiple times. When i put new strings on this guitar i was switching the gauge from 11 to 10 which i didnt think would effect it. My bridge looked funny like it wasn’t floating or no ease for it to go down. When i put the new strings on i realized that something was wrong cause all the strings were buzzing and didn’t have any space between the fret board. I adjusted the claw screws on the back to see if it would decrease the tension on the bridge it didn’t decrease it. I have also played with the screws a little i have reversals weekly and this is my only guitar. Last time i brought it to a local shop it took them three weeks. I would do anything i can to not bring it back there. I have provided some pictures above please help.
 
Hi @blackprs welcome to the forum.

This vid may be of some help to you -


Fast forward to about 8:46 for the juicy stuff.

It’s good practice to adjust the trem screw height with minimal tension from the trem claw and strings, to prevent the head from shearing off a trem screw.

From the one pic above can see (pic 1), your trem screws appear to have been adjusted too high.

Happy adjusting.
 
I am not sure where you are at but that bridge is way out of adjustment now. You have to be really careful adjusting those pivot screws at the front of the bridge. If you do it wrong you will ruin the knife edges on the bridge plate and have to replace the bridge. The video posted above should tell you all you need to know. Hopefully you haven't damaged the knife edges.
 
Okay, I have attempted to adjust the screws but when i do adjust them the bridge carries with the screw on the far right. It seems to be sticking not sure if that’s normal in this photo the springs aren’t attached.
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Okay, I have attempted to adjust the screws but when i do adjust them the bridge carries with the screw on the far right. It seems to be sticking not sure if that’s normal in this photo the springs aren’t attached.
IMG-1497.jpg

If you go to about 8:46 on the vid, you will see that John Mann has the trem decked and is using the 2.5mm Allen key (wrench) on the trem base plate, to set the screw height.

Once you have done that, screw in the trem claw, just a few turns. String up, making sure that the knife edge of the trem is sat in the grooves of the trem screws.

When you’re up to string tension, adjust the claw to get the trem to float perpendicular to the guitar body.
 
If you go to about 8:46 on the vid, you will see that John Mann has the trem decked and is using the 2.5mm Allen key (wrench) on the trem base plate, to set the screw height.

Once you have done that, screw in the trem claw, just a few turns. String up, making sure that the knife edge of the trem is sat in the grooves of the trem screws.

When you’re up to string tension, adjust the claw to get the trem to float perpendicular to the guitar body.
In case it isn't obvious, you will have to retune the guitar every time you adjust the claw screws because it changes the tension on them. Get everything back in tune and reassess. You may need to repeat this process a few times.
 
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