Can a SE DGT be decked any other way besides using a block of wood?

[Jerrydpi]

Full Disclosure: I come from a Strat World

I’m ready to enter the PRS World, and the one guitar I’m focused on is the SE DGT.

I’m not really into using the tremolo on my Strat, so I decked the tremolo system by adding more springs, as well as by tightening the screws on the claw versus using a block of wood, that which I don’t want to do on either guitar.

Can (and how) I deck the SE DGT the same way as my Strat?

 

[shimmilou]

"Decked" just means that the bridge is flush with the body, and can dive bomb but not pull up. "Blocked" is when a block of wood is used, in conjunction with decking, to prevent bridge movement either way. On other S type guitars I sometimes prefer prefer to deck the bridge, then tighten down the claw screws to hold the bridge firmly in place by the pull of the springs, not using whammy at all, but no block of wood needed. The DGT Bridge functions very well, no need to deck or block, just use it. The mounting screws are different on PRS, they have a groove in the shaft which makes decking a little different, NOT tightening the screw heads all the way down like on a Strat.

 

[Jerrydpi]

So can the PRS bridge be made to be flush with the body?

FWIW, I neglected to say that when the Strat bridge was flush to the body, to my ears the sound and sustain improved.

 

[Broseph]

I would say yes it’s possible. You likely would ruin the tremolo mounting screws tho. But it should be fine decked long as it’s a keeper and you won’t use the tremolo in the future. I assume you deck by having a little lift on the front of the tremolo while the back is against the wood. This should allow the block to rest against the wood or come close to it.

 

[Jerrydpi]

Correct, on the Strat, with no strings attached, I tightened the 6 screws to be flush with the bridge, and then loosened them about a 1/4 turn to be barely above/off the bridge.

 

[dsenoj]

Correct, on the Strat, with no strings attached, I tightened the 6 screws to be flush with the bridge, and then loosened them about a 1/4 turn to be barely above/off the bridge.

Definitely don't do this on a PRS. It will ruin the knife edge on your trem.

 

[Jerrydpi]

So as long as I don’t attach/use the tremolo arm, are you saying there’s no need to deck it, and that there will be no noticeable difference in tuning stability and sound by not decking it?

 

[dsenoj]

So as long as I don’t attach/use the tremolo arm, are you saying there’s no need to deck it, and that there will be no noticeable difference in tuning stability and sound by not decking it?

I'm not saying that. Just don't touch the 6 screws on the bridge because it will ruin your trem knife edge. The PRS trem is pretty stable though. You may find that it's stable enough even without decking/blocking it. I once decked the trem on my Custom 24 by tightening the trem claw screws on the back slightly. I don't think it caused a problem doing it that way. I eventually reverted it back to floating when I had a chance to get it setup by the PTC at a local guitar store event. I didn't notice any stability difference.

I do think decking the trem slightly raises the bridge saddles.

If you really want to block your trem, then I think it's best to go with a block of wood. But try it first. You may find you like the tone even if you never use the trem.

 

[bodia]

You can do it without ruining the knife edge, as is seen on the Silver Sky. It’s decked per Mayer’s desires, and can be set to float if you so desire. Remove all of the strings, and the trem springs so there is no tension on the trem. Might be easier to just unscrew the claw vs getting the spring out of the block. Lower the screws all the same amount. The goal would be to get the knife edge of the trem into the grove of the screws when you are decked.

 

[Black Plaid]

You can do it without ruining the knife edge, as is seen on the Silver Sky. It’s decked per Mayer’s desires, and can be set to float if you so desire. Remove all of the strings, and the trem springs so there is no tension on the trem. Might be easier to just unscrew the claw vs getting the spring out of the block. Lower the screws all the same amount. The goal would be to get the knife edge of the trem into the grove of the screws when you are decked.

Just remember, there are 6 screws that need to be not just at the exact same height, but at just the right height so as not to cause any undue vertical tension in one of the screw notches.

It's a pretty precise operation, do it wrong and you are going to have a bad time.

It's not like a strat that has flat screw shafts against a dull edge.

 

[garrettb]

You could go for a Tremol-No. That way the vibrato is there for you if you're feeling wild and crazy.

I wouldn't lower the bridge all the way to the body. The neck angle is set based on the taller bridge height, so your saddles will have to be cranked up like crazy.

But really, blocking a trem with wood is the easiest and cheapest way...

 

[Rider1260]

I don't think you will have enough adjustment in the saddles to "deck " the trem like a Strat , you can block it , Trem No it or tighten the springs so the back of the bridge touches the body ( like a Silver Sky ) , if it was me I would just have the back of the trem touch the body then you could still use the trem ( drop only ) if you really wanted to , I would try it floating for a time even if you don't use it but that's just me.

 

[SinSir]

There's enough saddle height to deck. I've de-decked from purchases this way. I also had a tech deck one that didn't know PRS trems because thats how he sets up strats. Lesson learned there. But I agree with others I wouldn't deck it.

 

[Huggy Love]

But really, blocking a trem with wood is the easiest and cheapest way...

IMHO it's a better method, adding resonance and sustain with a more solid and stable connection to the body.