Q I was just wondering if there was any way I could help to keep my Floyd Rose in tune better? Unfortunately its not a "proper one", its one of those licensed ones. Does that make a huge difference in tuning stability?

David, Newcastle

A Hi David,

There are a few tricks to keeping this style of floating tremolo unit in tune. heres a couple of tips for you.

1. Make sure it has been set up and balanced properly first and foremost.

2. When changing strings on the unit do one string at a time.This will keep the unit from kicking out of balance during the process.

3. Make sure ALL moving parts are kept lubricated i.e the pivot posts, contact points for the springs both on the spring claw and the tremolo block. I use a graphite paste for this job as its the best lubricant there is and being a paste it lasts a very long time.

4.Make sure the strings are well stretched before final tuning and clamping the locking nut blocks.

Apart from these things always make sure you keep the unit well cleaned. Some of the "licensed" units out there that Ive seen are made from lesser alloys that can wear out fairly quickly at the pivot posts on both the unit base plate and the posts themselves this will prevent it from dropping back into place properly. Also as the springs stretch by being used then this will occur here too.

Best thing is to get it setup by a professional and get them to check to see if it is worth your while replacing it for a better one if need be.

Hope this helps you out!

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