US SS trem: how decked is decked?

[touch33]

Spent time working on New-For-Me ‘20 US SS, returning it to “factory” settings (before I experiment on finding my own) — which included decking the trem/bridge (it was poorly floated). When I adjust the spring claw tightly enough to solidly connect the bridge rear to the body (as in “pulling up on trem arm doesn’t raise pitch or increase sustain”) the trem is quite stiff and difficult to press — unlike my Martin GT-75’s Bigsby or my Steinberger TT2 trem.

Short of heading to the gym, questions:
How decked is decked?.
Am I missing something in my set-up?
Are the NYXL 09-42’s I’ve installed a problem vs using 10’s?
And what are your priorities re: sustain vs. feel vs. tuning stability?

 

[frankencat]

Loosen the springs until it is easier to push down. As long as the bridge plate is making contact with the body your are “decked”. To me decked also means that the plate is lying flat on the body which may require additional adjustments.

 

[touch33]

decked also means that the plate is lying flat on the body which may require additional adjustments.

“Flat”? I was under the impression that the front of the bridge plate is supposed to be 1/32” above the body when the rear is in contact, so as to create a slight rise in the bridge plate rear-to-front?

 

[Bobd]

“Flat”? I was under the impression that the front of the bridge plate is supposed to be 1/32” above the body when the rear is in contact, so as to create a slight rise in the bridge plate rear-to-front?

That's correct. The front end needs to be up a bit. I always adjust the springs to the point where the bridge just doesn't lift when making string bends. I have all 4 springs mounted.

 

[Rider1260]

As set up stock the front of the bridge is really close to how all PRS are set up , the springs are then tightened to get the back of the bridge to touch the body and yes the trem is really difficult to use and is drop only.
Basically it's more of a hard tail or similar to blocked in stock form.
I prefer it floating for my needs and tone.

 

[touch33]

Thx, Rider. After spending (too much) time on the Webs I'm coming to the conclusion that my "hard deck" needs some rethinking. I think my next move will be to loosen the springs to the point where I can actually move the trem arm without it fighting back, but stopping short of things being so loose that finger-bends pull other strings out of tune. Can you tell that this is my first Strat-ish trem?

 

[Rider1260]

Thx, Rider. After spending (too much) time on the Webs I'm coming to the conclusion that my "hard deck" needs some rethinking. I think my next move will be to loosen the springs to the point where I can actually move the trem arm without it fighting back, but stopping short of things being so loose that finger-bends pull other strings out of tune. Can you tell that this is my first Strat-ish trem?

If we were close I would be happy to sit with you and get your guitar playing to your liking, there are a few youtube videos from PRS on setting the silver sky there is also a John Mann Video on setting up a PRS / Mann 6 Screw bridge you might find helpful ( if you live near Chicago hit me up )

 

[touch33]

If we were close I would be happy to sit with you and get your guitar playing to your liking,

That would be SO cool — I’ve never had my very own guitar tech… . You are super-generous to offer.

I like to think I’m pretty adept at Guitar Setup — I’ve certainly acquired enough tools/etc. in my lifetime efforts to be so. I’m just a Fender/NotFender “Floating Tremolo” (as Leo dubbed it) noob — and a PRS Virgin to boot. That said, if you’re ever in Houston look me up — you can tech all my guitars (esp. the Steinie TransTrem2).

 

[frankencat]

“Flat”? I was under the impression that the front of the bridge plate is supposed to be 1/32” above the body when the rear is in contact, so as to create a slight rise in the bridge plate rear-to-front?

Yes, that is the traditional way to deck a Strat trem, flat on the body. PRS does not do this however and it would take a bit of adjustment to do it on the Silver Sky. It’s doable though.