How to drop tune tremolo guitar??? PLZ HELP ME!!!

[MHD]

Hey!

i have a Ibanez RG350EX.

and, i recently installed EMG Hz into it and i want to test it out on a song.

but the song is in drop B.

when i unscrew the locking nuts and start tuning it to drop B, the trem then sink into the guitar.

i tried placing stuff under the trem to make it "float", but when it is finally in tune, i remove the "stuff" and the trem sink again!!!

so, i juz tune, and it sink more, untill, it sink right at the bottom and cant sink anymore.

i then tune it to Drop B.

it was in tune after i screw the locking nuts back.

but when i plug in my amp, i realise that the string is tooo low, and if i press the 5th fret onwards, it will sound at the 24th fret.

i dont know how to tune this guitar to drop b with the bridge still floating.

i notice that, this only happens if i tune the guitar to half step down from Drop D and lower.

standard tuning and drop D are fine.

i do not want to send it to guitar shop to get it tune as i do not stick to 1 tuning. i would tune to standard or drop D most of the time.

i'm using 10's (strings)

Can anyone help me???

i really want to play that song and test my emg's.

i will really appreciate the help.

Thanks!

 

[dmitry_a]

Your bridge is not balanced when you drop tune because the string tension falls but the spring tension remains the same so it 'fall into the guitar' to a new equilibrium. I think you have to adjust the spring tension screws at the back of the guitar. If I'm not mistaken, you have to tune, check bridge level, adjust screws, retune, check level again until its balanced.

Personally I think you should not change tunings on a floating bridge often. Can't test on another song?

String gauge I'm not sure but if its drop B won't the strings be floppy at that tuning?

 

[rex922]

if you own a trem guitar its a bad idea to change tunings often.

One way around this though is to block the trem but you cant use your trem while its blocked(duh!)

 

[dmitry_a]

Precisely, which is why if I ever buy a second guitar it will be a fixed bridge.

 

[WindsofPlague]

yeah u need to balance the back too.
i always sticked to Drop c tuning.
takes time though.

 

[MHD]

Your bridge is not balanced when you drop tune because the string tension falls but the spring tension remains the same so it 'fall into the guitar' to a new equilibrium. I think you have to adjust the spring tension screws at the back of the guitar. If I'm not mistaken, you have to tune, check bridge level, adjust screws, retune, check level again until its balanced.

Personally I think you should not change tunings on a floating bridge often. Can't test on another song?

String gauge I'm not sure but if its drop B won't the strings be floppy at that tuning?

should i tighten the springs or loosen it then???

im guessing loosen it rite??

 

[dmitry_a]

Go here: http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/setup/angle.htm

http://www.jemsite.com/articles-menu/tech-setup-step-1-bridge-floating-tremolo-angle/

yes, you have to loosen. Try youtube if you want some vids. Found a good one before but it was for adjusting the bridge angle when you change string gauge but I think can apply to your case

 

[MHD]

Go here: http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/setup/angle.htm

http://www.jemsite.com/articles-menu/tech-setup-step-1-bridge-floating-tremolo-angle/

yes, you have to loosen. Try youtube if you want some vids. Found a good one before but it was for adjusting the bridge angle when you change string gauge but I think can apply to your case

i tried searching on youtube, but cant find one

 

[dmitry_a]

really?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHzlvIxlEV0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fkQWfhnVNw&feature=related

Its not your bridge but should be close

good if you can understand a British accent.

If you're not a hands-on-willing-to-mess-up-your-guitar person take it to a shop and ask if they can show you how to balance the bridge. Some guitar tech might be willing to show you.

 

[Valentinoz]

when using something to hold the bridge up, dont not loosen your strings too much. keep in mind that when you remove your 'something', the bridge will set in deeper into the hole. hence, pulling the strings more and a higher tune. come on dude, don't drop tune on a whammy.

 

[MHD]

hey!

thanks to all of you for helping me.

sorry for the late reply. i forgot to reply.

anw,
i finally manage to drop tune on my Ibanez.

Thanks!:mrgreen: