Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: gwEm on May 28, 2016, 11:23:11 PM

Title: String tension with trem system
Post by: gwEm on May 28, 2016, 11:23:11 PM
Is it my imagination or do strats with vintage trem systems have more string tension than hardtails?

I feel like something is going on there.
Title: Re: String tension with trem system
Post by: Kiichi on May 29, 2016, 12:16:01 AM
Off the top of my head I could not think why. Since tension should be the same for any given set of strings in the same tuning on both system cause it is needed for that pitch. Scale should also not be different on fenders. It is also not running any longer as far as I know.

In my experience the only difference between perceived string tension between trem and hardtail is when bending. I donīt exactly recall what it was like since I did not compare for quite a while, but I seem to think that bending on trem actually seemed softer to me.
Title: Re: String tension with trem system
Post by: Telerocker on May 29, 2016, 12:33:04 AM
Is it my imagination or do strats with vintage trem systems have more string tension than hardtails?

I feel like something is going on there.

My Fender American Series telecasters plays more smooth and strings are easier to bend than on my USA standard HSS-stratocaster, which has the standard vintagestyle trem. I have to work harder on the strat than on the tele somehow. Same strings though:  EB regular slinky's (0.10). Both set up by the same tech.
Title: Re: String tension with trem system
Post by: Dave Sloven on May 29, 2016, 06:00:13 AM
Steeper break angle over the bridge?
Title: Re: String tension with trem system
Post by: gwEm on May 29, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
Telerocker: yes, that's exactly the feeling I have. Glad someone else has it too! Agree, it doesn't seem to make much sense.
Title: Re: String tension with trem system
Post by: JacksonRR on May 29, 2016, 05:24:51 PM
Steeper break angle over the bridge?

That would be my first guess as well. Really any point of contact and how that's acting. It could be sensing a sharper string angle(better anchor on the point of contact) or the minute difference in travel that has to be compensated for when bending with a trem. Sometimes, I feel like bends on a trem feel more difficult until I get to the top of the bend and in that portion, it feels squishier. It can be a tough cookie as the more you play, the more efficient your movements and less effort is required, freeing up your mind to sense the smaller details. Ernie Ball strings might not be the best for this comparison. According to Curt Mangan, their wire supply comes from various manufacturers, depending on price at any given point in time. Can't imagine the tolerances are ultra-tight if you're operating like that.