FR Special Setup Help

**Spider287** · 01-01-2012

Alright. I got that RRXMG a couple days ago, and I'm trying to set it up with some EB 11-54s to put it in drop C. The problem is that this is putting a lot more tension on the neck and bridge than there was before. I can't seem to get the FR balanced. I opened the panel on the back, but it looks/feels like the screws I would have normally tried to adjust are just dug straight into the wood and refuse to budge.

I don't have any pictures right now, but I'll get some soon.

And as an added thought, I'll probably have to adjust the truss rod, which I've never done before. I might have questions about that at some point.

Out of curiosity, what gauge strings do you guys usually use for drop C? Putting lighter strings on might be the easiest solution for me.

**NecrotizingTyleritis** · 01-01-2012

Uh. Im trying to absorb what your saying. So the part that the springs attach to before the bridge itself is screwed ALL the way into the body of the guitar?

**Spider287** · 01-01-2012

The screws still have visible threads on them, and I can see how it works and how it should adjust, but when I go to adjust them, it feels like it's taking way too much force to get them to move. I would imagine that the force needed goes up with how much tension there is, but it seemed a little ridiculous. Maybe I'm just being a wuss because I don't want to fuck my guitar up. lol

**Darkness Triumphs** · 01-01-2012

OK, any time you change strings or tuning on a floyd, you pretty much have to adjust everything. Truss rod, intonation, action, springs & spring orientation and spring tension screws. First thing I would do if I were you is go on youtube and search for some help videos.

The basic concept to keep in mind is you have to exactly balance the tension of the strings and springs. Just as an example, if you are going for heavier strings without changing the tuning, you will need to increase the tension since heavier strings require a greater tension to produce the same tone as a lighter string. (I tend to overthink this and get it backwards so somebody correct me if I have it wrong...)

I don't think lighter strings will solve your problem. The thing with a floyd is that your setup is only good for ONE tuning and ONE string combination, and you just have to find the right balance.

**Darkness Triumphs** · 01-01-2012

I would not try adjusting it under tension. Pull up on your bar or better yet, unlock your nut and loosen your strings. It can be a pain in the ass to loosen, make adjustments, and tighten....and repeat, but you will avoid damage this way

**Darkness Triumphs** · 01-01-2012

Originally Posted by Spider287

Out of curiosity, what gauge strings do you guys usually use for drop C? Putting lighter strings on might be the easiest solution for me.

I run 10-52s on my drop c guitar, but it all depends on how tight you like your strings.

**a7xschecter6661** · 01-01-2012

Originally Posted by Spider287

The screws still have visible threads on them, and I can see how it works and how it should adjust, but when I go to adjust them, it feels like it's taking way too much force to get them to move. I would imagine that the force needed goes up with how much tension there is, but it seemed a little ridiculous. Maybe I'm just being a wuss because I don't want to fuck my guitar up. lol

Porbably too much tension on the screws to move smoothly.
Undo all 3 or 4 springs from the bottom of the floyd so the plate that attaches into the body with 2 long screws is loose.
Then try moving the screws and definitely get the CORRECT screw driver that fits it, otherwise you're gonna strip it and that will be a big pain in the ass.

Worst case scenario drive it up north a few hours and I will help ya lol

**Spider287** · 01-01-2012

This is my second FR, so I have a little experience with the whole setup process. My Syn Special went from standard with lights to drop D with mediums.

This is a bit more extreme since it went from lights in standard to heavies and drop C. I figured that the difference in tension wouldn't be too drastic since they're heavier strings, but it's also in a lower tuning.

When I set up my Syn Special, it was pretty easy. Just kept tuning everything up, re-tune, make sure the bridge was level using the tension screws on the springs, repeat until it was all balanced and in tune. My problem with this Jackson is that when I go to adjust the screws on the springs, they don't budge. It has become impossible to get the guitar in tune without having too much tension on the bridge and making it completely unbalanced.

There are currently three springs on it.

I think if I can't figure it out, I might drop the gauge of the strings a little.

**a7xschecter6661** · 01-01-2012

Originally Posted by Spider287

This is my second FR, so I have a little experience with the whole setup process. My Syn Special went from standard with lights to drop D with mediums.

This is a bit more extreme since it went from lights in standard to heavies and drop C. I figured that the difference in tension wouldn't be too drastic since they're heavier strings, but it's also in a lower tuning.

When I set up my Syn Special, it was pretty easy. Just kept tuning everything up, re-tune, make sure the bridge was level using the tension screws on the springs, repeat until it was all balanced and in tune. My problem with this Jackson is that when I go to adjust the screws on the springs, they don't budge. It has become impossible to get the guitar in tune without having too much tension on the bridge and making it completely unbalanced.

There are currently three springs on it.

I think if I can't figure it out, I might drop the gauge of the strings a little.

I understand what you are doing, raise the tremelo handle loosening tension on the springs, and undo the springs from the bottom of the floyd.
Then try to adjust the screws without all the tension on them.

Bolts and screws are hard to turn if they are being pushed in or pulled out

**Spider287** · 01-01-2012

Alright. I'll try that. It's actually at my friend's house right now. I haven't been home since I bought it, so it has kinda been floating around. I plan on going back tonight at some point to finish setting it up.

For adjusting the truss rod, how do I know if it needs adjustment (which it probably does) and how do I know how much do adjust it?

I would imagine that I could just hold a ruler against the frets or something and adjust it until the neck is totally straight, but I don't know if the change is that drastic.

It sucks not knowing things simply because I've never done them. Doing stuff like this for the first time just kinda freaks me out because I'm always paranoid about irrevocably messing up my shiny new guitar. lol