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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.

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.