If your Strat-style guitar’s vibrato system has a hardtail setup or the whammy bar is currently configured to simply lower notes, you’ll discover how easy it is to adjust the trem for subtle up-and-down movements. If you’re into Hendrix-inspired rhythm guitar, classic surf, vintage rockabilly, or ’60s spy and space instrumentals, a floating trem is essential for nailing authentic sounds.
DIY: How to Float a Strat Trem
In this step-by-step tutorial, Nashville guitar tech John LeVan demonstrates how to “float” a two-post Stratocaster tremolo so it can both lower and raise the strings’ pitch.
By John LeVanOct 21, 2014
John LeVan
John LeVan has written five guitar repair books published by Mel Bay. His best seller, Guitar Setup, Maintenance & Repair, is a hands-on guide with a forward by Bob Taylor. John also authored PG’s Guitar Shop 101 column, hosted several PG DIY videos, and is an authorized warranty technician trainer for Taylor Guitars. To learn more about John’s repair and restoration workshops for players, technicians, and retail employees, visit guitarservices.com.
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Zach loves his Sovtek Mig 60 head, which he plays through a cab he built himself at a pipe-organ shop in Denver. Every glue joint is lined with thin leather for maximum air tightness, and it’s stocked with Celestion G12M Greenback speakers.
