Guitar Essay Research Paper Stratocaster

Guitar Essay, Research Paper

Stratocaster — Adjustment and Care

The following setup procedures and specifications for your Stratocaster were derived using the strings, which come on the instruments as standard equipment from the factory. If you plan to change string gauges, you may need to adjust the specs somewhat to compensate for the changes in string sizes. Modifications of the specifications may also be made, (within limited parameters) to adjust for your individual playing style or application (i.e. how hard you pick, strum, or fret the guitar) Note: These are minimum specifications which are meant to guide you, and should not to be taken as hard and fast rules, as we realize that every player’s subjective requirements may differ somewhat.

Necessary Tools

- Set of automotive feeler gauges (.002 – .025)

- 6″ ruler (with 1/32″ and 1/64″ increments)

- Light machine oil ( 3-in-1, toy locomotive, or gun oil)

- Phillips screwdriver

- Electronic tuner

- Wire cutters

- Peg winder

- Polish and clothe

Strings

Lets start with strings. First, in order for strings to stay in tune well, they should be changed on a regular basis. Strings that have lost their integrity (worn where the string is pressed against the fret) or have become oxidized, rusty, and dirty will not return to pitch properly. To check if your strings need changing, run a finger underneath the string and feel for dirt, rust or flat spots. If you find any of these, you should change your strings.

No matter what gauge of strings you use or whether they’re pure nickel, nickel-plated steel, or stainless steel; for the best tuning stability we recommend you use Fender Bullet strings. The patented bullet-end is specifically designed for all styles of tremolo use, from extreme dives to smooth vibrato passages. The design allows the string to travel freely in the bridge block channel during tremolo use and return afterwards to its original position, seated snugly in the bridge block. This is accomplished by eliminating the extra string wrap, and the ball-end (the ball-end doesn’t fit properly into the string channel). The bullet-end has been shaped and sized to match the design of the bridge block channel.

Make sure and stretch your strings properly. After you have installed a new set and have them tuned to pitch, hold the strings at the first fret and hook your fingers under each string (one at a time) and tug lightly, moving your hand from the bridge to the neck. Re-tune and repeat several times.

Tuning Keys

Whether you are using locking, standard, or vintage tuning keys; how you wind the strings onto the pegs is very important. First start by loading all the strings through the bridge and then loading them onto the keys as follows:

Locking tuning keys – Imagine the headcap of the neck is the face of a clock, with the top being at 12 o’clock and the nut at 6 o’clock. Line the six tuning machines so that the 1st’ string keyhole is set at 1 o’clock, the 2nd at 2 o’clock, the 3rd and 4th at 3 o’clock, the 5th at 4o’clock, and the 6th at 5 o’clock. Pull the strings through taut, and tighten the thumb wheel locking the string in. Now tune to pitch.

Standard keys – In order to reduce string slippage at the tuning key, we recommend that you use a tie technique. This is accomplished by pulling the string through the keyhole, and pulling the string clockwise underneath itself and bringing it back over the top of itself; creating a knot. You will need to leave a bit of slack for the 1st string, so you have at least 2 to 3 winds around the post. As you progress down the line to the 6th string you will reduce the amount of slack and the amount of winds around the keys.

Vintage keys – For these keys you will want to pre-cut the strings to achieve the proper length and the desired amount of winds. Pull the 6th string to the 4th key and cut it (make sure when you are pulling the strings that you are pulling the string taut). Pull the 5th string to the 3rd key and cut it. Pull the 4th string between the 2nd and 1st keys and cut it. Pull the 3rd string just about to the top of the headcap and cut it. Pull the 2nd string about a 1/2″ past the headcap and cut it. Finally pull the 1st string 1 1/2″ past the top of the headcap and cut it. Insert into the center hole in the tuning key, bend and crimp to a 90. angle, and wind neatly in a downward pattern (carefully as to prevent overlapping of the strings).

If your tuning keys have a screw on the end of the button, check the tightness of the screw. This controls the tension of the gears inside the tuning keys. DO NOT over-tighten these screws. They should be tightened to “finger-tight”. This is very important especially on locking tuners.

Tremolo

Stratocasters can be found with four distinctive types of bridges. The most well known bridge is the vintage style “synchronized” tremolo. The other three are the American Standard bridge, which is a modern-day two-pivot bridge, the non-tremolo hardtail bridge, and the locking tremolo such as the American Deluxe or Floyd Rose locking tremolos. If you have a non-tremolo “hardtail” bridge, proceed to Intonation (Roughing it out). If you have a locking tremolo bridge click here.

First, remove the tremolo back

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