Tremolo Bar question

[HackRabbit]

I have a Strat that came with a Tremolo bar installed. This implementation only deceases the pitch of a note.

Are their bars systems that will both decrease and increase the pitch of a note?

If so, are there terms to describe the two types of bars? (decrease pitch
only verses decrease and increase pitch) and how difficult is it install a bar that decreases and increases pitch?

I am not really interested in a clamping system bar like the Floyd Rose, that is a bit of overkill for my needs.

Thank you in advance

[billyz]

Strat trems are sometimes setup that way to improve tuning stabilty. The standard setup does allow for a raised pitch as well. Simple loosen the springs in the rear cavity to allow the plate to rise up around a 1/8 +- inch above the guitar top . you will probably need to readjust the string height and intonation a bit. Also, loosen the front six fulcrum screws. leave the middle four slightly loose and then adjust the two outer screws to just meet the plate after you loosened the rear springs and returned to pitch.

[vibratoking]

I have a Strat that came with a Tremolo bar installed. This implementation only deceases the pitch of a note.

Are their bars systems that will both decrease and increase the pitch of a note?

If so, are there terms to describe the two types of bars? (decrease pitch
only verses decrease and increase pitch) and how difficult is it install a bar that decreases and increases pitch?

I am not really interested in a clamping system bar like the Floyd Rose, that is a bit of overkill for my needs.

I float the trem on all my strats. It is usually just called a floating trem. I can't stand a trem that is setup flush to the body so that the pitch can only be dropped. The strat trem can be setup both ways. Remove the plastic cover on the back of your guitar. Should be 6 screws. Inside you will see a claw with springs attached to one side and two screws attaching the other side of the claw to the body. Simply adjust the two screws. Counterclockwise will allow the trem to float up from the body. Most guys typically allow it to float so that the G string can be raised a major third or from G to B. As you raise the bar the strings are not raised an equal amount, so do this on the G string.

Your trem may be a vintage type with 6 screws holding it to the knife edge on the top of the guitar. If so, do what BillyZ said about adjusting the screws. If not, it should be a two point American tremolo. You normally don't have to adjust these, although they are adjustable in height.

Depending the size of the strings you use and how firm you want the tremolo action, you may want to experiment with the number of springs attached between the claw and bridge in the back cavity. More springs gives a tighter feel.

Also, powdered graphite applied to the nut and bridge after EACH string change will go a long way towards tuning stability.

Have fun with it.

[HackRabbit]

Thank you so much for the information!

[bcmatt]

When I bought by Eric Johnson Strat off a guy, I noticed the same thing (that it was tightened down against the body). When I'm bending, I need both ways too. Even though The Eric Johnson strat is meant to be screwed down because that's how he likes it, I loosened and floated the bridge.

That guitar never seems to go out of tune either. It was probably my first time adjusting a strat bridge, but the thing is perfect. It is my most stay-in-tune guitar that I have ever owned. That old strat trem system is pretty amazing once it is set.