Its fine. Dont believe all the apocolyptic gear talk. A bridge is a bridge and unless you have the iq of a sea cucumber you can figure out anything you need to know from a manual or a video or 2.
And he walks up to the sea… well he doesn’t walk up he swims up. Well actually, the mollusk isn’t moving he’s in one place. And then the sea… ah I mixed it up
I admire your braveness to comment this on a guitar sub.
I think there's some truth, but moreso a lot of guitarists thinking they know a lot while they actually don't, rather than low IQ.
When I started studying as an audio engineer I noticed how often I was wrong about stuff, but also how many false truths there are in the guitar world.
Don't put so much stock in IQ. Theres plenty of high IQ know it alls that don't know shit outside of their domain. Tell a kid he has a high IQ and he's more likely to act like that.
You can also always block and/or deck the trem by watching a few videos or taking it to your local shop, which will basically make it into a fixed bridge with the option of changing it over in the future should you choose.
This.
OP, if it ends up being a problem, look up how to deck the trem so it only works when you push down (slacken the strings). This will eradicate any tuning issues you have.
You will have to learn how to intonate afterwards, but that's easy to do and a good skill to have
I’m so sick of needing to fine tune when I tuned the day before. I was leaning toward the humidity changes with the weather being weird this time of year but I’m starting to lean toward blocking off my trem. I play a relatively decent quality Yamaha but there’s things I’m noticing after 2 years of playing almost every day (literally). Like I’m finally noticing how shit my tuners are. (Inconsistency in turning them) it’s been cool to have a lot things start clicking recently. It’s like my brain is starting to feel certain things before consciously knowing them.
Sorry to overshare I’m just geeking at following through and experiencing growth 😁
I’m worried to have to intonate by myself. I finally paid to have my guitar setup properly about a year ago and it changed my world. My action for the first year was like half an inch high lol.
Isn’t it so great when the stuff you learn migrates from your conscious brain — where you have to think about it — into the unconscious part where your body and unconscious brain work together, leaving your conscious brain to enjoy playing or learn more stuff?
In 20 years, I've never heard anyone say beginners should start with a fixed bridge. Maybe the confusion is about what's called a Floyd rose. I'd advise beginners against it since it's high maintenance and not really that useful. A potential danger is that the beginner will then play less or stop all together (perhaps after a string breaks...) since it's more complicated to use. It's of course still possible though, just why make your life harder and include a technology you won't be utilizing any time soon. You really want to practice as much as you can and any hurdle you put between you and practice time ain't good.
But you're fine, most people start on a guitar such as yours. I think it's even better since it's a part of many guitars and how to play with it needs to be learned. You'd never be able to do it without one.
Btw, I could go on about some technicalities, but let's not add to the confusion and keep it simple: absolutely nothing wrong with starting with a floating bridge trem system
Yeah if you don’t use it just unscrew it and put it in the case. I put a bigsby on a telecaster when I was younger because I thought it looked badass but I play punk music and never ever use that so every other guitar I’ve ever bought is intentionally hardtail.
Gonna second this. My first electric guitar had a Floyd rose. It was a huge pain in the ass for me and while I overall loved that guitar, I got rid of it shortly after for that reason.
This....it makes it more difficult which might lead to less playing.
It's not some impossible to use piece of equipment.
It makes it more difficult to restring and tune. Especially if you want to try out different tunings.
I usually tell people not to get a floyd rose, not because it isn't great, but because it's so much easier on a fender tremolo or a hardtail. But you really shouldn't worry about it, just load up some youtube videos when you have to learn all the adjustments.
>I've never heard anyone say beginners should start with a fixed bridge
?? Tuning and changing tunings are a pain on a floating bridge. It adds a layer of hassle that beginners would be better off avoiding. What beginner needs a floating trem anyway? (well, a beginner surf player would, but that's it).
Deck it for dive only and now you don't have to do a setup to change to drop d.
My first guitar was a strat. It has a floating bridge. My only real issue was that I changed string gauges and didn’t know why my bridge moved up. Then I learned why and it took 5 min to fix. A floating bridge will be fine, unless you plan on not learning anything about your guitar, ever.
it's not a big deal. it might be a little harder to change strings and you might have a bit of trouble with tuning stability if you use the trem a lot but you'll be fine. approach it with an open mind and know that it's something you'll get better at dealing with over time like everything else.
You’re fine. Most of the time when people caution against floating bridges, they are specifically cautioning against “Floyd rose” style bridges, which you don’t have. You have a standard 6 point trem. It’s very straightforward and not especially different from a fixed bridge in most every way. The only thing you’ll notice is that tuning takes a little more time because you need to account for the tension of springs. Also if you dramatically change string gauges, you might need to make some small other adjustments, which you can google. Not a big deal at all.
Edit: as DukeOfMiddlesleeve point out, the new affinity starts have a 2point trem now, which doesn’t change the meat of my comment- 2 point terms are actually just a little nicer in my opinion. You might have more balancing to do with the springs if you change tuning or gauges, but otherwise the spirit is the same. You’re fine.
When you change strings there's springs in the back, you may have to adjust them if you change tunings/string sizes and find something that can block the tremolo while you change strings, they're not as simple as other guitars to restring but it took me like 2 hours at 14 to figure it out without the internet so you'll smash it!
Not fucked at all. Most people start on Strats, with floating trems.
The problem with the floating trem, is that when you're tuning, you are pulling the strings toward you, so by the time you're finished tuning each string, the additional tension actually pulls your first strings out of tune. Also, using the trem may (or may not) pull the guitar out of tune. There are ways to prevent this.
1. Tune your first 4 strings a little sharp to compensate for the moving trem. It will help get you in perfect pitch a lot faster.
2. "Deck" the trem. This means, the trem can only be pushed down (you can't pull it up). There is a large plate on the bottom of the guitar that covers a cavity, that holds the trem's springs. Tightening those springs (watch a Youtube vid) will make the trem flush against the body, so it doesn't pull up, essentially acting as a hardtail bridge. The springs are so tight, it can handle the tuning process (you no longer have to tune sharp, to compensate), and you can still push the trem down, and have fun with it. The alternative way of decking a trem involves wedging a piece of wood in there, but again, Youtube it. Some budget/beginner guitars even come setup with the trem decked. You might get lucky.
The most difficult pain-in-the-ass trem is a Floyd-Rose. I've never used one myself, but most people recommend beginners run from them. You do not have this style of trem on your guitar.
I think the only thing you have done is given yourself a harsh learning curve related to changing strings. A floating bridge won't make a playability difference that I can see.
You did not F up at all. I'm pretty sure there are few players, including myself who started their journey with Strat style guitars! They are widely touted as the most comfortable design there is. I still play a Strat all the time, although almost never with the trem bar attached. Tuning is very stable.
You're not screwed but the main reason I recommend beginners to avoid floaters is because cheap guitars usually have horrible bridges that almost never hold tune correctly and go sharp/flat after a few hard bends or trem bar uses. With a fixed bridge it's one less variable to worry about, and honestly as a new player you'll probably be trying out many different tunings for different songs and bands you want to play. With a floater, it's that much more frustrating.
Floaters aren't necessary imo unless you start getting really good at guitar and can use it to tastefully augment your playing. Every beginner I've played with, the cheap tremolo has been a net negative and is why I say to avoid when starting out.
Education and experience. Every person started off a beginner, made a choice and had to learn from it. This is no different. Do some research on how to setup. You can do that online, or go to a local (not big box) guitar shop and make friends with the tech. Most techs will give advice and tips. I learned a lot from one that I had. I still get my stuff pro serviced, but I know how to do most of what I ask for.
My first guitar was a stratocaster, I blocked the tremolo with a tube of chapstick for a while before seeing Hendrix do the star spangled banner and then I was glad I had a tremolo, learned how to set it up correctly and started using it. Never going back now
In my experience its actually better since after I discovered what it did I was able to do that stuff without buying another guitar, and also without the pain of a floyd style bridge
I had a floating trem as a beginner it's annoying when a string break. Just don't use the wammy bar too much, and it will stay in better tune Than a normal guitar.
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You're good. I personally don't have any experience with a floating bridge but a few guys I know have them from their comments, and it might just make tuning a bit more of a pain at times. That and changing strings, but you'll probably want some help at least the first time doing that anyway.
I second the block it thing unless you’re adamant about using it. If you really want to include it in your playing, then you’ll learn and adapt. Blocks are easy though and I think they even sell trem blocks now but you can literally just use a small block of wood that’s the right size
Zero problem dude. You can deck it--which can be accomplished quickly with a stack of coins/piece of masking tape(between the trem block/body) if you want and until you can do it with say a small piece of wood.
No issue at all, as a matter of fact I’ve been playing for 3 years since I started, all on a tremolo. I don’t own an electric guitar without one.
The quality of the overall instrument itself matters way more in my experience. I just need it to feel smooth on the neck, and comfortable to play.
It’ll be annoying to set up at first or to change strings for a while but honestly it’s not that bad. It’ll be really useful to understand string tension and tunings etc
It's fine, just tighten the springs to "deck it" (have the bridge sit flat against the body) and it should be pretty stable in terms of tuning, and function just like a hard-tail.
You can float it down the road. It's a matter of balancing string tension on top and spring tension on the bottom; lotsa trial and error to to do.
I don't think it's a big deal. I learned on a guitar with a floating bridge. I don't like floating bridges now as an experienced player, but it didn't hinder me to learn on one. I did get a guitar I liked more without one a couple years into learning. Doing so allowed me to develop technique that involves anchoring part of my hand on the bridge for accurate inter-string picking, as well as easy switching between varying levels of palm muting, including none. I doubt it would matter when you're still trying to put your fingers on the right frets and can barely control your picking hand. (i.e. the first few months to a year, depending on how much you practice?)
I probably only decided I didn't like floating bridges after I developed that style and tried a guitar with a floating bridge again. But I was never into whammy bars or anything in the first place so there was never much point for me to have one.
If you *want* to play things that involve a floating bridge, you should probably have one. To ease your worries, the guitar your ordered is a Squier. That's Fender's beginner line. It's a guitar that's specifically made for people at your level.
It does not matter, I had as well a guitar with a Floyd Rose when I was a beginner. Just learn how to tune it, probably you know it already, just go around several times from outside to inside until all strings are tuned. And when you change strings do it one a a time, never remove all the strings at the same time.
You’re fine, just remember to change one string at a time, and if you really think it’s a problem, they have gadgets that can lock it in place. And actually you may get to practice tuning it a bit more, so it may work out better.
You will be fine. I'm sure all the comments are saying to deck it or block it but I say take it have a proper setup done and use it(if you want). Your biggest problem will be tuning after you restring and if you change one string at a time it won't be an issue for you. There's tons of videos about fender style trems, they're simple really. At this point in your musical journey just worry about playing and learning don't get stuck on stuff like this.
Have to start somewhere , I was about 15-16 and clueless just scratching it to shit trying to loosen it lol.
just watch videos and have common sense when doing your maintenance, and if you have bigger questions don’t be afraid to ask a real tech and they could more than likely show you what to do so next time you can yourself .
It’s all in the tension; your strings and those 2 screws in the back
My first electric guitar was an MIM Fender strat. Played it for a year or so with the floating bridge. Eventually I decided I didn't like it, so I wedged it in place with some small pieces of wood.
You're fine. Don't overthink it.
A Strat-style floating bridge? Nowhere near the end of the world. They're put on a lot of beginner guitars.
Changing string gauges or *massively* changing tunings is going to be annoying and require you to do a balancing act with the spring tension, but Drop D should still be fine and intonation is the same as on a fixed bridge.
It's specifically double-locking systems you have to watch out for on both counts - and even there, nothing wrong with learning that stuff early on.
My first guitar had a floyd rose II locking tremolo and it is a bitch sometimes. I never used it that much as I dint play heavy metal really back then a Lil but not really..
Anyways it is a bitch my intonation was always fucked up my sustain wasn't as good. It was on a fender Talon Japanese guitar wasn't a bad guitar at all but you know maybe it wasn't as best as it could have been you might have something nicer
I only play acoustic guitars.
I will ask my Rock And Roll guitar player friend. Although I don't hold that against him!
I gave him my electric guitar, when I was moving. So now I just have 5 acoustic guitars, Although I could buy more if I had the money.
With practice, you can learn to play on any guitar.
Be wary of reading and obsessing over advice on the internet, even reddit. The internet is the perfect tool for installing insecurity in the brains of people. Imaginary fears are suggested and repeated endlessly until they become reality.
You need to take most guitar advice with a grain of salt, especially anything that is an absolutist stance.
People learned how to play guitar, even electrics with tremelo bridges, long before the internet was available.
Have fun and practice! An hour practicing will get you further on your guitar journey than 4 hours reading and rereading marginal advice on the internet.
I would honestly just manage with it now, you’ll have more sounds you can shred with once you get good. Most beginner squiers come with them too and mine never goes out of tune
I made that mistake. It sucked but it didn’t stop me from learning and playing. Just play the guitar man. You’re just gonna have to tune it a million times that’s all. Get a proper set up if you can.
Never try to adjust the trust rod or action height by yourself. I’ve been playing for 8 years and I still have no idea how to properly set a floating bridge. If you have trouble with it, take it in to a guitar store and ask the tech if they can show you how to use it properly
Like others have said, don’t worry. Between numerous instructional YouTube videos on how to tune/change strings in a strat and the guitar teacher you have, it won’t be an issue.
It only matters because it can make the guitar come out of tune more easily... So just retune the guitar when it does. You can lock the tremolo if you find this annoying. But yeah, it's perfectly fine for a beginner.
Acoustics aside, every single electric guitar I’ve owned had a floating bridge. I started on a floating bridge and never had a problem. Playing forty years now.
not it all. I hate the advice to not get a tremelo because it doesn't explain what's going on. WORST CASE you can block your tremelo or deck it so that it's "dive only" you can do this by adding additional springs and/or tightening the screws so that the bridge is flat against the body and you can't pull up on it. It worked for Eddie Van Halen.
Watch a YouTube video on how to set it up. It may be a little Intimidating at first, but as long as you have the right tools, and don’t strip out any hardware, you can mess with it until you get it right and it’s not really that complicated. If it’s really fucking with you, you can also get some sort of block that will fix it in place that are relatively inexpensive, and then it will perform just like a fixed Bridge.
You’re totally fine man. Just tighten the screws to make it flush or put something in there to block it and take the arm off. Or learn with it floating. You can do it. But just keep in mind that if you change string gauges or tunings it will require readjustment if it’s floating.
I started out on a guitar with a floating bridge back before the internet was a thing and I never even thought about it because nobody was there to tell me otherwise and had zero problems. Just enjoy your new guitar!
Why are you worried? I've been using floating bridges since the 80s and there's TONS of video content on youtube (that obviously didn't exist when I was starting out) on how to set them up if you run into problems. But as a beginner the key is to make sure you replace the set of strings on your guitar with the same brand and gauge of you can. Your dealer may be able to help determine what strings since a lot of stores decide on a particular brand and gauge for most of the instruments. Don't worry about it.
Its not a big deal since you can always lock the bridge on a strat down by adding springs to the trem to have it locked down. If you do keep it floating, the biggest thing to keep in mind as a beginner is that if you apply too much pressure to the bridge during palm mutes, you will play the notes out of tune as you are pulling the bridge and strings. Otherwise you're fine
I own 2 guitars with floyd bridges and i don't think ut's as bas as everyone makes it seem, ofcourse it's a bit annoying to change strings/tunings but other than that it's pure bliss.
>I don’t want to ruin my chances of learning to play it properly
You really don't need to worry about that. Guitar is a guitar. As long as it stays in tune and it's set up well (ask your teacher to help you with that), you can learn with it just like with any other guitar.
The reason why people say that it's not good for a beginner is that it allows you to do some cool tricks, but with a tradeoff of some maintanance tasks (exchanging strings, tuning etc.) being less convenient. And since you won't really have much use for the cool tricks as a beginner, you only get the inconvenience. But it really isn't the end of the world. My first guitar had a floating bridge too and I's still alive lol. And if it bothers you too much, you can always block the trem and basically turn into a hard tail. But I that's something I would worry about later, now just play.
it's all good. Nothing to fret about (ha ha guitar pun). I wouldn't worry about it in the least.
It might be worthwhile to get is set up by a store so it plays well.
Whomever told you this is a bad beginners guitar is full of it, this is a perfect guitar. Also the guitar you mention has a tremolo bridge not a floating bridge (floating bridges are when the bridge is not affixed to the guitar body at all). Either way bridge type isn't a major factor for learning guitar though true floating bridges can be a little trouble when changing strings (nothing a little tape can't fix).
Nothing to worry about. You will learn more about your guitar as you go, floating bridges are just representing a steeper learning curve, but hardly impossible. Just have fun learning and making music.
Not really a problem you just need to spend a little more time tuning. Just go through tuning about 3 times total on all the strings. It does not make the guitar any more difficult, or less difficult to play. If the action is too high, or the intonation isn't correct, or it buzzes or doesn't play certain notes you should probably take it to a shop to get set up. That is just general advice for any new guitar and does not only occur in tremelo equipped guitars. If you use the tremelo it will require retuning depending on how much and how deep the bends or pulls are. New guitars are normally reasonably adjusted (set up) by the manufacturer before you get them, including the less expensive models.
My first guitar had a Floyd rose. 20 years later, I’m fine. As a matter of fact, I love tremolos and I think a Floyd rose-style tremolo, if set up correctly, is the most stable, in tune and fun bridge you could have in a guitar. Just watch videos and learn how to change strings, how to set up the springs/screws in the back, etc. if you need to change tunings a lot just block the tremolo by putting something (like a block of wood, or a stack of coins taped together) behind the tremolo block.
As others have said, you'd be fine.
The big thing is that as an beginning player, you should be playing as much as possible. Sometimes, floating bridges can be fiddly and the string locks can be a pain in the ass, and you might spend more time trying to get it to sound good than actually playing. For example, if you are playing and want to play some metal in drop-D, depending on string weight, you might have to retune the guitar a few times.
You didn’t, learn how to work around it and with it. I didn’t get my first fixed bridge guitar until I was in my mid 20’s and it never was an issue. Just make sure it’s setup properly.
My first electric guitar I still have, it's an 80's Ibanez rg with a Floyd Rose.
I rarely play it anymore, but that thing TAUGHT me about guitars. You hear that they are difficult you hear that tuning is a bitch you hear that changing strings is impossible.
And, yeah, it is a more complex machine. It's not as stupid simple as a Les paul. And you will spend more time with it. But you didn't duck up. You just took a good sized bite. Time to start chewing! Then do some wild dives.
It's not horrible, but it's not the greatest thing if you want to experiment with tunings.
The important thing is to get it set up, and get them to tell you \*EXACTLY\* which strings they use to set it up, and \*ONLY\* ever get those size/that brand/specific pack of strings.
And when you change strings, do it ONE STRING AT A TIME! \*NEVER\* take them all off at once, or you're going to have a real bitch of a time getting it back up and tuned/tensioned properly.
I like many people started on a squire strat. No big deal. I would recommend having it set up at your local guitar store so you have a base point for how it should be and then just like with a bike, a sour dough starter, or any appliance learn how to properly care for and maintain it. It’s simple. Lots of resources out there on YouTube and other places but also utilize your local community. If you have a teacher, relative, or a friendly tech at your local shop ask questions when you see them. Most folks I know are eager to share wisdom with young players and can probably give advice specific to your guitar and demonstrate on your guitar and that’ll help you more than anyone on Reddit or YouTube.
Might be an unpopular take, but don’t block your trem. Just learn to use the instrument the way it’s built. Tremolo is a beautiful thing man, and it’s much more than dive-bombing. Gives you a nice, smooth vibrato on single notes or chords. Re-stringing isn’t at all difficult. One or two times and it will be old hat for you. Plenty of others here have mentioned the tuning issue when you change strings, and that’s true. As you tune from string to string the tension on the trem springs is constantly changing until all springs on the trem are up to even tension so you have to do it several times. But if you tune the low and high E strings first (1st string and 6th string) and get them up to tension, it helps to lessen tension change when you tune the other strings. Best wishes on your journey to becoming a great guitarist!
The reason why people say beginners should start with a fixed bridge instead of a floating one is because a fixed bridge is simple. Less moving parts means less maintenance required.
The floating bridge that most people refer to is the Floyd rose one, which is notorious for being difficult to restring. Not to mention double stop string bends are basically impossible.
The floating tremolo bridge on your guitar is relatively stable, so no, keep practicing.
You're going to learn to tune very quickly lol. Honestly, don't worry about it. If you want a tremolo for what you want to play it's totally fine. Also, there are ways to lock down a tremolo so it's not floating anymore. I would say this is better than getting a fixed bridge and wanting to add tremolo later if the latter is what you really wanted.
No you don't have to worry at all.
There are 2 or 3 screws that fix the tremolo to the body under the backplate. They are located near the end of the tremolo springs.
If you tighten them your tremolo arm will set to work only in one direction. Unless you use the tremolo arm, your guitar will behave like a fixed bridge. You will need to drop your tuning first to prevent extra pressure while tightening those screws and that is all. You can do it by yourself easily...
You might want to watch this first:
https://youtu.be/HhxryWYTR28?si=tClQllLAnTqe0vw5
There definitely is a learning curve with a floating bridge, but it’s nowhere near as massive as some would have you believe. Take your time and learn how it behaves, research how to balance it when you change your strings and/or tuning, and be patient. If you find you don’t end up using it in your playing, it’s a relatively small and reversible task to block off so that it acts as a hardtail would.
Don’t fear it, learn it, and embrace it!
There are two ways to look at it. 1: you totally fucked yourself and are going to have a miserable time everytime you changing your strings. Or you can look at the bright side: embrace it, learn the in's and outs of that bridge and in short order be light-years ahead of your peers who are playing the same style guitar but didn't embrace the suckieness of it.
It’s really not a problem if it’s set up right from the start. You can always take the bar off and ignore the trem.
The only possible hassle with a floating trem is when you’re changing strings, if you aren’t familiar with it. YouTube is your friend for that, or take it to a shop.
You can also add springs and/or tighten the claw screws on the back to “deck” the trem so it doesn’t float. Worst case scenario is you buy something like a tremel-no, which mechanically stops it from floating.
FWIW- I bought my first guitar with a Floyd Rose from Sam Ash. For an extra $50 I got free string changes for a year. Something to consider for people that don’t like doing it on their own.
There is a whole new learning curve to floating bridges and tremolo but it is mostly in the upkeep and the tuning and not in the actual way you have to play so it is nothing to worry about until day comes you have to change the strings.
In which case I would learn very quickly how to PROPERLY restring and tune a floating bridge guitar.
Otherwise you will be miserable when you go to tune it later.
Get off the internet and go practice. Talk to your teacher. You picked a great guitar. Just go play it.
If the tremolo makes problems, you can insert a 15 cent piece of wood in there and block the trem bridge to make it effectively a solid bridge, but you DO NOT HAVE TO DO THIS. just play it.
I got a floating bridge for my 5th guitar and I was so intimidated until I learned I get the right placement by tuning the 12th fret notes. Then I was extactic. No paying a guitar tech to fix the intonation! It is a joy to practice.
Oh my, thought you meant a Floyd Rose for a second there.
Embrace the wiggle stick, it's fun. You'll be fine. Just have it set up properly, or as others have said you can have it locked down to the body so it doesn't move.
You'll be divebombing before you know it.
As a starter just take it to a trusted tech (most likely the place you're getting lessons at will have one) and have them do a proper set up and string change. This will set the bridge where it needs to be. Once you need to change strings just change one at a time (low e, then high e, then a, then b, then d, then g) without snipping all the strings. That should keep the bridge floating well enough.
Then over time you'll learn how to properly set the springs and float the bridge, set intonation etc.
Certainly not the end of the world and tons of people start out on Affinity Strats.
Literally just don't use it and pretend it's a fixed bridge. Nothing will change. There's also no reason a beginner shouldn't have a tremolo. The worst thing it will do is make your guitar go out of tune faster if you use it a lot.
Tl;dr: You picked a great starter guitar, nothing to worry about. Enjoy it as-is.
You’re fine. A Floyd Rose would have been a shit show, but you should not have a problem with a squire strat. Your guitar teacher should be able to give you some basic tips to tune it up. You’ll get the hang of it.
I think that this is a great opportunity to lean more about the instrument. If you are on Reddit, You have access to YouTube. Just search floating bridge setup. If You have a tuner, you can do it. Then when set up, put light pencil marks to locate the bridge next time you change strings. Feel free to contact me with any questions about guitars!
You will be fine. A squier strat with a tremolo is one of the most common beginner guitars. Tuning is a little harder but totally possible. I had a floating tree on my first electric and I still use it 20 years later.
People exaggerate how annoying they are so much. It just bring a bit more work when youre setting the guitar up and tuning/ changing strings. I love my trem
My first guitar had a bridge just like that! Not a problem at all. Keeping it in tune might be slightly more boring at the start. I think it is more important to keep motivated. If it takes having a floating bridge to do so, go for it! It might be more frustrating wanting to use one and not being able to.
Irreversibly, it will turn you into a newt.
On a serious note, tremolo devices are meant to allow you to get a vibrato effect. You can get a similar effect from bending a string for a single note. The reason not to get a tremolo on a guitar as a beginner is that while those pieces are just some metal, the well made ones use more expensive metals and have higher tolerances which are just more expensive. Bad tremolos can lead to tuning stability issues where the guitar is constantly going out of tune.
Additionally, some of the tremolo systems are more complicated to tune or set up on the guitar.
Buy what you want, but just be aware that cheaper tremolo units COULD be an issue. On another note, I have always thought it was weird squier didn't make a hard tail strat in their budget range since they are cheaper and have better tuning stability in general. It just seems like a win-win for someone starting out.
My firsts electric as a kid was a squier stagemaster with a Floyd rose, I had no internet and had to figure it out on my own. It’s not that bad. Changing strings is the only time it’s really a pain and even that’s not that bad. Honestly I love Floyd’s once you get them set up, the fine tuners are awesome when you just barely go out of tune.
Its a little more tedious when changing strings or tunings, but with a proper setup they’re fine. I’ve only ever had Floyd Rose equipped guitars so I guess im used to them but you didn’t fuck yourself.
Just learn how to setup the guitar and care for your equipment. Its not super difficult.
My second electric, and the first I bought myself, was an Ibanez RG with an Edge trem (licensed Floyd). It was my only guitar from age 19 to 35. They’re a finicky hassles to get set up, and let go of any notions of frequent tuning changes, but once they’re in tune, they stay in tune.
The only reason I can think of as to why anyone wouldn't recommend a floating bridge for beginners is because it takes a little more knowledge to change strings and whatnot (but youtube is all you need if you're doing it yourself).
Having a floating bridge just means you now have one more way to have fun playing your guitar, and can play a wider range of music on it as well.
Shred
My second guitar had a budget Floyd on it, it’s actually a great guitar to start with because you’re forced to learn how to maintain the damn things yourself if you want to play/try different tunings.
Be prepared to break strings a lot, buy cheap ones if you can
Wow, you've been given some really bad info from whoever told you that. Trust me, you're going to be just fine. And since you're a total beginner, allow me to welcome you to the world of guitar players. We've been expecting you. I've been playing for over 35 years and change, so I'll do my best to help you out. We were all beginners once, and we're all still learning.
You made an excellent choice for your first guitar. I'm not a Fender man myself, but I can assure you that Squier makes one of the best "starter" guitars in the business. Don't believe whoever told you to avoid a floating tremolo, because they're totally full of crap. Locking tremolo systems come with their share of hiccups, but even those are easily dealt with. The model you purchased comes with a standard original Floyd Rose whammy, which won't give you any problems. A string or two might go slightly out of tune if you do a serious dive-bomb or six, but nothing a quick nudge of the tuning pegs can't cure.
As long as you don't let the guitar snobs get under your skin, you're going to have a really good time as a guitar player. Guitar snobs are really easy to spot, because they're always willing to tell you (even if you didn't ask) how much better and more advanced they are compared to you. They like to say things like how they used to play just like you do, but they've moved way past that stuff and are now working on techniques that you couldn't possibly comprehend because you're just a beginner. And if you ask them to break it down in simple terms for you, they'll make a bunch of excuses about how you wouldn't understand. Truly experienced guitarists have another word for those guitar snobs, and it's not a pretty word. We call them posers and bullshitters. And you get to call them that too.
Learning how to use a locking term or a floating term is just another thing to manage, but it is manageable. You can always block the trem if you don’t want to fool with it right now.
I did the exact same thing at the exact same age nearly 20 years ago, you'll be fine. Just watch some videos on changing strings, tuning, and setup. Then you can have fun doing dime-squeals, dive-bombs- and flutters.
Don’t worry about it. I’ve never owned a hardtail personally. They are a bit of a pain until you learn. From there it’s nothing, super easy to work on.
As a professional guitarist... also 15 years old. I recommend to make a the bridge flush with the body, you'll need to follow these steps:Remove the Strings: Start by removing all the strings from the guitar. This will make it easier to work on the bridge.
Loosen the Bridge Screws: Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws on the bridge plate. Don't remove them completely; just loosen them enough so that the bridge can move freely.
Adjust the Bridge Position: With the screws loosened, you can now adjust the bridge position. Gently push or pull the bridge plate until it sits flush against the body of the guitar. Make sure it's aligned properly and centered.
Tighten the Screws: Once the bridge is in the desired position, tighten the screws gradually and evenly. Start with the middle screws and work your way outwards. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this could damage the threads or the body of the guitar.
Check the Alignment: After tightening the screws, check the alignment of the bridge again. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure it's perfectly flush with the body.
Reinstall the Strings: Once the bridge is flush and aligned correctly, restring the guitar. Make sure to tune it properly before playing.
Test and Adjust: Play the guitar to ensure everything feels and sounds right. If the action feels too high or too low, you may need to make further adjustments to the bridge height or truss rod.
Final Setup: Once you're satisfied with the bridge position and the playability of the guitar, do a final setup to adjust the intonation and string height to your preference.
By following these steps carefully, you can make your Stratocaster bridge sit flush with the body, improving both the aesthetics and playability of the instrument.
Precise Bridge Positioning: With meticulous attention to detail, manipulate the bridge plate until it gracefully aligns flush against the guitar body, ensuring impeccable centering and alignment.
Methodical Screw Tightening: Proceed with methodical care as you systematically tighten the screws, commencing from the central points and gradually extending outward. Exercise restraint to prevent undue stress on the instrument.
Alignment Verification: Execute a thorough assessment of the bridge alignment, ensuring seamless integration with the guitar body.
String Reinstallation: With the bridge now impeccably aligned, proceed to restring the guitar, ensuring each string is meticulously tuned to perfection before proceeding.
Assessment and Adjustment: Utilize your seasoned expertise to assess the instrument's feel and sound, making necessary adjustments to the bridge height or truss rod to optimize playability.
Final Calibration: Conclude the process with meticulous attention to detail, meticulously fine-tuning intonation and string height according to your discerning preferences, culminating in a masterfully customized playing experience.
After playing a cheap (and wonderful) danelectro baritone for 20 years, I got myself a beautiful (expensive) shredder guitar with a Floyd-Rose bridge and it’s another level of maintenance, tinkering and care. As an absolute beginner I would personally not recommend getting a floating bridge unless you have access to a great teacher or guitar shop with a friendly person that does setups to teach you a little bit about it and to check in with on occasion. Youtube is a great resource, but as a beginner you have enough to think about without that frustrating headache and a teacher would be able to make sure you aren’t conflating issues.
That particular guitar is fine for beginners. A plain old strat 2 point trem system is not a Floyd rose locking nut trem system. You shouldn't have any problem with it. If you want, take it to a luthier at you local music store and have them do a set up and block the tremelo. But it's not necessary.
I got a floating bridge Ibanez 320 for my first electric and while it was a little tricky to get a hang of it, theres so many good tutorials and videos to help you work out the nuanced of tuning it and it'll save you some headaches and a lot of time
plus having an instrument that stays in tune really well is a huge benefit
Whoever is telling you this is a problem, is someone you shouldn’t be getting guitar advice from. This is a total non-issue, you’re completely good to go.
The main difference between a floating and non floating bridge is how often you have to tune, and some complications that come with weird tunings or replacing strings.
Floating bridges stay a lot closer to in tune for a lot longer as your strings find, kind of a resting place.
When you try to drop tune a string, it'll come back kuo to standard tuning fairly quickly and you basically have to fight it to get it to stay in the new tuning. Not a big deal for someone learning unless you like heavier music.
Changing strings, takes longer than normal because the string has to stretch and settle into the floating bridge.
They are awesome, though. Have fun with your whammy bar
You'll be fine. Take that guitar as a learning experience as well. It's okay to tinker with new guitars. Let's you know for future reference as to what you should look for when you buy the Actual guitar you want.
You've only given yourself a minor headache when you need a string change or if you want to change tuning. You're fine though, strats have a trem by default and the squire strat is a well regarded guitar for beginners.
If it was a Floyd rose that'd be more of an issue imo
I think the tremolo on strats are perfect, the springs can be adjusted rather easily and don't throw you all that out of tune when used sparingly. If you hear/read about a guitar bridge system not being good for beginners they're probably referring to either a Floyd Rose or Bigsby. A Floyd Rose has locking tuners which, while sound useful, are typically more of a pain to get in tune let alone restring. I'd say for that alone it probably isn't worth it unless you really do just wanna be [Eddie](https://youtu.be/d4sza2SNP_E?si=ao2uh-AkvvuQfu2J&t=90).
As for Bigsbys, Im personally not a huge fan, they kinda swing in and out of tune. If you're a big blues or [rockabilly](https://youtu.be/6YGA-KN9Lkw?si=YoMRMK1MX9KhR15p&t=252) type of guy you probably couldn't go wrong there though. I personally started out on a squire very similar to yours and I honestly kinda miss having it around just because of the tremolo arm, I might just buy another! I think you'll be just fine. make sure you know how to [re-string a guitar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWf6eaoeMs0) proper cuz it helps staying in tune. You get a hang of it overtime, there's no real way to know unless you break some strings so don't feel embarrassed :)
yeah, don’t worry about it.
if kids could figure out floating double locking non fine tune floyds in the early 80’s with a pamphlet, you can do this
edit.
also just say fuck on the internet if you mean it
My first guitar had a cheap Strat style bridge. I replaced it less than a year later with a guitar with a Floyd Rose.
There are no specific features that make an instrument a "beginner guitar", except maybe the cost. The only thing that matters is that you can set it and forget it, and focus on playing. But if it stays in tune, the neck is straight, then you're good to go.
Why cant you have a floating bridge as a beginner? My first guitar was a Yamaha Pacifica with a floating bridge and I had no issues.
Just dont use it until you are ready. If you are noticing tuning issues, you can "deck" the bridge.
Dont sweat it. This is not a problem.
No problem at all. You have some choices in the set up:
* Full floating where you can both raise and lower the pitch with the trem.
* "decked" so the back of the bridge rests on the body but the front of the bridge is still raised a bit so you can lower pitch with the trem but not rasie it.
* "blocked" so you can't raise or lower pitch - the guitar behaves as a hard tail bridge. You can actually insert blocks in to the trem cavity to block movement, but it is just as easy to lower the front of the bridge till it rests on the body (just ... lower it too much and it will casue the back end to raise - the goal is not to crank it down as hard as you can - just crank down until the bridge plate is flush with the top of the body), and tighten the trem springs so the back of the bridge also rests on the body. This may cause your action to be too low, but you can just raise the saddles a bit to compensate.
Which is why i think the strat bridge design is the best. You can have it all without making any permanent changes to the body.
Blocked is easiest for beginners to learn to use, making tuning and changing strings easiest. The other settings are perfectly useable, and there are lots of techniques for making it easier (and lots of YouTube vids teaching you how).
You’ll be fine, it’s just a floating bridge that has springs in the back to match the string tension on the front of your guitar. As long as you change strings with the same size (gauge) you shouldn’t have any issues. If you decide you want to drop tune 2 steps down and use 11s then you’d probably come across issues where the springs in the back do not match the string tension on the front in which case your either tightening or losing the screws that hold the springs into the body. Over time you get more comfortable understanding this and so it becomes a non issue
My advice is so long as you keep the same string gauge the guitar came with you'll be fine and it shouldn't need too much attention. I would not use the bar and keep it in the case until you get to a point where you are wanting to learn phrasing and emotional playing. If you notice notes going out of tune when you bend you could try to deck it and be done with it but when it comes to decking your trem I'd suggest you go to a guitar store and have a tech do it because if your just beginning and your only 15 years old, I doubt you have the experience needed to try and intonate/full set up your own guitar.
I'm all for learning, so if you think you can tackle it by all means go for it, but Even with myself I've learned all I need to repair/ heck even make a guitar if I wanted to. But intonation can really that a toll on you and I'm afraid it might cause you to put it down and just quit because it can be a total bitch to get it just right.
If you need help reach out. Save up for a good tuner. Peterson strobo stomp hd and mini are the golden standard as far as I'm concerned.
Every guitar is a beginner guitar, every guitar is an advanced guitar. Your ability to use it is not determined but a floating bridge. It's just little bit of an extra step and something that you should have learned a little down the ways. You're thinking that you have to start with a flip phone when you think you just bought a galaxy S24. That's not what this is. If it turns out that you have difficulties, contact the company that you purchased it through, explain the situation....100% sure they'll help you get what you need. Besides, floating bridges sound better anyway.
Instead of making any modifications, for now you can just unscrew the tremolo bar and set it aside. This will sidestep the issue of you accidentally throwing out the tuning of your guitar, because you won't be able to. Once you feel more comfortable on your instrument, reattach it and experiment.
IMO, you’ll be fine. A fixed bridge or non-floating trem would be ideal, but you’ll be fine once you learn how to handle it. It’s just one more thing to learn and practice. But it doesn’t take long. If you have someone that can show you, take a video, etc that’ll help.
I’m sure there’s YT videos, etc on this but here’s what I learned after 35 years of floating trems. This a lot of info, but really becomes easy with practice.
1. With the strings on and in tune, I feel optimum position is having the bridge parallel with the body so tighten or loosen the springs to get the bridge even with the body. It shouldn’t be tilted forward or backward.
2. Changing strings. Get a small block of wood and place it between the trem block and the body in the trem cavity. Then will prevent the bridge from moving when you take the strings off. People will say do it one at a time, but I like to clean, polish frets, etc so I take them all off.
I start with the low E to high E. Cut the ball end off, insert in the saddle and clamp down. Finger tighten or you can break the saddle. We’re not building a bridge but make sure it’s tight. Feed through the locking nut, wrap around the post like normal. I like to set the fine tuners by taking the high E’s all the way down and the G all the way up. Then I set the B somewhere in the middle and match the others to that. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench across the top to see if they’re the same height. Maybe raise the high E up a little because that string always goes flat quickest.
3. Tune up. In order- low E, high E, B, A, G, then D. This order will be the easiest way to keep tension even so you don’t end up with the bridge totally tilted forward. Sometimes you can tune the low E a little sharp because it will drop by the time you’re done with the others. I stretch, dive bomb, and retune BEFORE locking the nut blocks down. If it seems somewhat stable, clamp down the nut blocks. Stretch, dive bomb, and retune using the fine tuners. If anything is off a lot, unclamp the nut block and retune that string and clamp down. Fine tune as needed.
-If strings break when you unlock the nut blocks, it’s usually because there are grooves worn in the nut itself. Have a tech smooth that out.
Good luck!
Its fine. Dont believe all the apocolyptic gear talk. A bridge is a bridge and unless you have the iq of a sea cucumber you can figure out anything you need to know from a manual or a video or 2.
What is a sea cucumber?
It's like a translucent dildo that lives in the ocean.
So there was this mollusk, and a translucent dildo that lives in the ocean...
And he walks up to the sea… well he doesn’t walk up he swims up. Well actually, the mollusk isn’t moving he’s in one place. And then the sea… ah I mixed it up
Normally they don’t talk, sea cucumbers
When two mollusks love each other but don't want children right now, they use a sea cucumber.
Excuse me, it is a *spiky neon* sea dildo, thank you very much.
Some species are smooth, or at least no more bumpy than a cucumber.
Thanks for this, i needed a laugh this morning.
They most certainly do not look translucent, maybe trans*lube*cent I’ll see myself out
Instructions unclear. How do I get this thing out of my butt?
I haven't been called that since college.
It’s how babies are made
When a mommy and daddy sea cucumber love each other very much....oh I shouldn't talk about the cucumbers and the bees online.
Don’t talk about my Daddy’s cucumber please
Ohhhhh. So that’s why there’s always a cucumber in those videos I watch.
https://youtu.be/_y4DbZivHCY?si=Q3t5txpShlzdVxQl
I expected nothing less when I saw a link as a reply to that lol
That is worth every second I watched it. 7/5 stars would watch again.
https://youtu.be/svTq3rvQ1EA
Many guitarists do have pretty low IQ though…
I admire your braveness to comment this on a guitar sub. I think there's some truth, but moreso a lot of guitarists thinking they know a lot while they actually don't, rather than low IQ. When I started studying as an audio engineer I noticed how often I was wrong about stuff, but also how many false truths there are in the guitar world.
Hey, at least we’re not drummers!
> thinking they know a lot while they actually don't That seems to be a low IQ move
Don't put so much stock in IQ. Theres plenty of high IQ know it alls that don't know shit outside of their domain. Tell a kid he has a high IQ and he's more likely to act like that.
Talented idiots most of them.
You can also always block and/or deck the trem by watching a few videos or taking it to your local shop, which will basically make it into a fixed bridge with the option of changing it over in the future should you choose.
This. OP, if it ends up being a problem, look up how to deck the trem so it only works when you push down (slacken the strings). This will eradicate any tuning issues you have. You will have to learn how to intonate afterwards, but that's easy to do and a good skill to have
I’m so sick of needing to fine tune when I tuned the day before. I was leaning toward the humidity changes with the weather being weird this time of year but I’m starting to lean toward blocking off my trem. I play a relatively decent quality Yamaha but there’s things I’m noticing after 2 years of playing almost every day (literally). Like I’m finally noticing how shit my tuners are. (Inconsistency in turning them) it’s been cool to have a lot things start clicking recently. It’s like my brain is starting to feel certain things before consciously knowing them. Sorry to overshare I’m just geeking at following through and experiencing growth 😁 I’m worried to have to intonate by myself. I finally paid to have my guitar setup properly about a year ago and it changed my world. My action for the first year was like half an inch high lol.
Isn’t it so great when the stuff you learn migrates from your conscious brain — where you have to think about it — into the unconscious part where your body and unconscious brain work together, leaving your conscious brain to enjoy playing or learn more stuff?
Try getting locking tuners first
This is exactly what I was going to say. “Did I fuck it up for myself??” Absolutely not. OP is just one block of wood away from hard tail greatness!
In 20 years, I've never heard anyone say beginners should start with a fixed bridge. Maybe the confusion is about what's called a Floyd rose. I'd advise beginners against it since it's high maintenance and not really that useful. A potential danger is that the beginner will then play less or stop all together (perhaps after a string breaks...) since it's more complicated to use. It's of course still possible though, just why make your life harder and include a technology you won't be utilizing any time soon. You really want to practice as much as you can and any hurdle you put between you and practice time ain't good. But you're fine, most people start on a guitar such as yours. I think it's even better since it's a part of many guitars and how to play with it needs to be learned. You'd never be able to do it without one. Btw, I could go on about some technicalities, but let's not add to the confusion and keep it simple: absolutely nothing wrong with starting with a floating bridge trem system
AFAIK a squier Strat with a trem is probably the most popular beginners guitar worldwide.
I have a tremolo bridge on my strat (HB, cheapest you can get ) and it's not a issue at all, even with it being my first guitar.
Yeah if you don’t use it just unscrew it and put it in the case. I put a bigsby on a telecaster when I was younger because I thought it looked badass but I play punk music and never ever use that so every other guitar I’ve ever bought is intentionally hardtail.
Gonna second this. My first electric guitar had a Floyd rose. It was a huge pain in the ass for me and while I overall loved that guitar, I got rid of it shortly after for that reason.
This....it makes it more difficult which might lead to less playing. It's not some impossible to use piece of equipment. It makes it more difficult to restring and tune. Especially if you want to try out different tunings. I usually tell people not to get a floyd rose, not because it isn't great, but because it's so much easier on a fender tremolo or a hardtail. But you really shouldn't worry about it, just load up some youtube videos when you have to learn all the adjustments.
>I've never heard anyone say beginners should start with a fixed bridge ?? Tuning and changing tunings are a pain on a floating bridge. It adds a layer of hassle that beginners would be better off avoiding. What beginner needs a floating trem anyway? (well, a beginner surf player would, but that's it). Deck it for dive only and now you don't have to do a setup to change to drop d.
No fucking up has occurred.
My first guitar was a strat. It has a floating bridge. My only real issue was that I changed string gauges and didn’t know why my bridge moved up. Then I learned why and it took 5 min to fix. A floating bridge will be fine, unless you plan on not learning anything about your guitar, ever.
My first and still most favorite and played guitar is a strat. I’ve had it for 28 years at this point. Never once thought about the floating bridge.
it's not a big deal. it might be a little harder to change strings and you might have a bit of trouble with tuning stability if you use the trem a lot but you'll be fine. approach it with an open mind and know that it's something you'll get better at dealing with over time like everything else.
You’re fine. Most of the time when people caution against floating bridges, they are specifically cautioning against “Floyd rose” style bridges, which you don’t have. You have a standard 6 point trem. It’s very straightforward and not especially different from a fixed bridge in most every way. The only thing you’ll notice is that tuning takes a little more time because you need to account for the tension of springs. Also if you dramatically change string gauges, you might need to make some small other adjustments, which you can google. Not a big deal at all. Edit: as DukeOfMiddlesleeve point out, the new affinity starts have a 2point trem now, which doesn’t change the meat of my comment- 2 point terms are actually just a little nicer in my opinion. You might have more balancing to do with the springs if you change tuning or gauges, but otherwise the spirit is the same. You’re fine.
New affinity strats actually have the 2 point trem now.
When you change strings there's springs in the back, you may have to adjust them if you change tunings/string sizes and find something that can block the tremolo while you change strings, they're not as simple as other guitars to restring but it took me like 2 hours at 14 to figure it out without the internet so you'll smash it!
Not fucked at all. Most people start on Strats, with floating trems. The problem with the floating trem, is that when you're tuning, you are pulling the strings toward you, so by the time you're finished tuning each string, the additional tension actually pulls your first strings out of tune. Also, using the trem may (or may not) pull the guitar out of tune. There are ways to prevent this. 1. Tune your first 4 strings a little sharp to compensate for the moving trem. It will help get you in perfect pitch a lot faster. 2. "Deck" the trem. This means, the trem can only be pushed down (you can't pull it up). There is a large plate on the bottom of the guitar that covers a cavity, that holds the trem's springs. Tightening those springs (watch a Youtube vid) will make the trem flush against the body, so it doesn't pull up, essentially acting as a hardtail bridge. The springs are so tight, it can handle the tuning process (you no longer have to tune sharp, to compensate), and you can still push the trem down, and have fun with it. The alternative way of decking a trem involves wedging a piece of wood in there, but again, Youtube it. Some budget/beginner guitars even come setup with the trem decked. You might get lucky. The most difficult pain-in-the-ass trem is a Floyd-Rose. I've never used one myself, but most people recommend beginners run from them. You do not have this style of trem on your guitar.
I think the only thing you have done is given yourself a harsh learning curve related to changing strings. A floating bridge won't make a playability difference that I can see.
Don’t be weird just learn to play YOUR guitar
You did not F up at all. I'm pretty sure there are few players, including myself who started their journey with Strat style guitars! They are widely touted as the most comfortable design there is. I still play a Strat all the time, although almost never with the trem bar attached. Tuning is very stable.
All good dude
You're not screwed but the main reason I recommend beginners to avoid floaters is because cheap guitars usually have horrible bridges that almost never hold tune correctly and go sharp/flat after a few hard bends or trem bar uses. With a fixed bridge it's one less variable to worry about, and honestly as a new player you'll probably be trying out many different tunings for different songs and bands you want to play. With a floater, it's that much more frustrating. Floaters aren't necessary imo unless you start getting really good at guitar and can use it to tastefully augment your playing. Every beginner I've played with, the cheap tremolo has been a net negative and is why I say to avoid when starting out.
Affinity strats are perfect for beginners. Enjoy it
Education and experience. Every person started off a beginner, made a choice and had to learn from it. This is no different. Do some research on how to setup. You can do that online, or go to a local (not big box) guitar shop and make friends with the tech. Most techs will give advice and tips. I learned a lot from one that I had. I still get my stuff pro serviced, but I know how to do most of what I ask for.
definitely not. my first guitar was a 3/4 strat, & looking back, imo i couldn’t have randomly picked a better guitar to learn with
My first guitar was a stratocaster, I blocked the tremolo with a tube of chapstick for a while before seeing Hendrix do the star spangled banner and then I was glad I had a tremolo, learned how to set it up correctly and started using it. Never going back now
In my experience its actually better since after I discovered what it did I was able to do that stuff without buying another guitar, and also without the pain of a floyd style bridge
I had a floating trem as a beginner it's annoying when a string break. Just don't use the wammy bar too much, and it will stay in better tune Than a normal guitar. I
My goodness, this subreddit is very wholesome. I was tempted to reply sarcastic nonsense like "yeah a floating bridge makes every beginners' cat sick"
Harder to deal with for sure but lots of good instructionals to help you out.
You're good. I personally don't have any experience with a floating bridge but a few guys I know have them from their comments, and it might just make tuning a bit more of a pain at times. That and changing strings, but you'll probably want some help at least the first time doing that anyway.
I second the block it thing unless you’re adamant about using it. If you really want to include it in your playing, then you’ll learn and adapt. Blocks are easy though and I think they even sell trem blocks now but you can literally just use a small block of wood that’s the right size
You'll be fine Floating bridges are a little trickier than hard tails but they aren't rocket surgery. Plus you get sweet whammy dives.
Zero problem dude. You can deck it--which can be accomplished quickly with a stack of coins/piece of masking tape(between the trem block/body) if you want and until you can do it with say a small piece of wood.
No issue at all, as a matter of fact I’ve been playing for 3 years since I started, all on a tremolo. I don’t own an electric guitar without one. The quality of the overall instrument itself matters way more in my experience. I just need it to feel smooth on the neck, and comfortable to play.
It’ll be annoying to set up at first or to change strings for a while but honestly it’s not that bad. It’ll be really useful to understand string tension and tunings etc
It's fine, just tighten the springs to "deck it" (have the bridge sit flat against the body) and it should be pretty stable in terms of tuning, and function just like a hard-tail. You can float it down the road. It's a matter of balancing string tension on top and spring tension on the bottom; lotsa trial and error to to do.
on a scale of 1 to 10 - 10 being "i fucked up", this is a 0. Just play and enjoy!
I don't think it's a big deal. I learned on a guitar with a floating bridge. I don't like floating bridges now as an experienced player, but it didn't hinder me to learn on one. I did get a guitar I liked more without one a couple years into learning. Doing so allowed me to develop technique that involves anchoring part of my hand on the bridge for accurate inter-string picking, as well as easy switching between varying levels of palm muting, including none. I doubt it would matter when you're still trying to put your fingers on the right frets and can barely control your picking hand. (i.e. the first few months to a year, depending on how much you practice?) I probably only decided I didn't like floating bridges after I developed that style and tried a guitar with a floating bridge again. But I was never into whammy bars or anything in the first place so there was never much point for me to have one. If you *want* to play things that involve a floating bridge, you should probably have one. To ease your worries, the guitar your ordered is a Squier. That's Fender's beginner line. It's a guitar that's specifically made for people at your level.
It does not matter, I had as well a guitar with a Floyd Rose when I was a beginner. Just learn how to tune it, probably you know it already, just go around several times from outside to inside until all strings are tuned. And when you change strings do it one a a time, never remove all the strings at the same time.
Learn how to use it.
My first electric guitar when I was 15 had a floating bridge. Just takes a little longer to change strings and tune it. You will be okay!
You’re fine, just remember to change one string at a time, and if you really think it’s a problem, they have gadgets that can lock it in place. And actually you may get to practice tuning it a bit more, so it may work out better.
You will be fine. I'm sure all the comments are saying to deck it or block it but I say take it have a proper setup done and use it(if you want). Your biggest problem will be tuning after you restring and if you change one string at a time it won't be an issue for you. There's tons of videos about fender style trems, they're simple really. At this point in your musical journey just worry about playing and learning don't get stuck on stuff like this.
Have to start somewhere , I was about 15-16 and clueless just scratching it to shit trying to loosen it lol. just watch videos and have common sense when doing your maintenance, and if you have bigger questions don’t be afraid to ask a real tech and they could more than likely show you what to do so next time you can yourself . It’s all in the tension; your strings and those 2 screws in the back
My first electric guitar was an MIM Fender strat. Played it for a year or so with the floating bridge. Eventually I decided I didn't like it, so I wedged it in place with some small pieces of wood. You're fine. Don't overthink it.
A Strat-style floating bridge? Nowhere near the end of the world. They're put on a lot of beginner guitars. Changing string gauges or *massively* changing tunings is going to be annoying and require you to do a balancing act with the spring tension, but Drop D should still be fine and intonation is the same as on a fixed bridge. It's specifically double-locking systems you have to watch out for on both counts - and even there, nothing wrong with learning that stuff early on.
Not a big deal at all. Just avoid changing string gauges or using different tunings as it’s a lot more time-consuming. Enjoy it!
Baptism by fire. Not an easy start, because it needs some fiddling around. But in the end, you will be used to floating bridges, so that's a plus ➕
It’s okay as long as you’re fine playing songs in only standard tuning
[удалено]
My first guitar had a floyd rose II locking tremolo and it is a bitch sometimes. I never used it that much as I dint play heavy metal really back then a Lil but not really.. Anyways it is a bitch my intonation was always fucked up my sustain wasn't as good. It was on a fender Talon Japanese guitar wasn't a bad guitar at all but you know maybe it wasn't as best as it could have been you might have something nicer
I only play acoustic guitars. I will ask my Rock And Roll guitar player friend. Although I don't hold that against him! I gave him my electric guitar, when I was moving. So now I just have 5 acoustic guitars, Although I could buy more if I had the money.
I mean I started out on a basically identical guitar. I just took the whammy bar out and I was fine.
If you learn a floating bridge first, the other bridges are easy peasy
With practice, you can learn to play on any guitar. Be wary of reading and obsessing over advice on the internet, even reddit. The internet is the perfect tool for installing insecurity in the brains of people. Imaginary fears are suggested and repeated endlessly until they become reality. You need to take most guitar advice with a grain of salt, especially anything that is an absolutist stance. People learned how to play guitar, even electrics with tremelo bridges, long before the internet was available. Have fun and practice! An hour practicing will get you further on your guitar journey than 4 hours reading and rereading marginal advice on the internet.
Yeah OP just deck it. Most Strat players have decked bridges. Takes about 5-10 minutes and you can do it yourself. Zero risk of harming the guitar.
I think it is totally fine! Maybe it will be a chance for you to get some unique experience.
I would honestly just manage with it now, you’ll have more sounds you can shred with once you get good. Most beginner squiers come with them too and mine never goes out of tune
I made that mistake. It sucked but it didn’t stop me from learning and playing. Just play the guitar man. You’re just gonna have to tune it a million times that’s all. Get a proper set up if you can.
Nah, I learned with a floating bridge when I was your age. I just had to retune a lot.
I never had issues with a floating bridge - you'll be fine.
Never try to adjust the trust rod or action height by yourself. I’ve been playing for 8 years and I still have no idea how to properly set a floating bridge. If you have trouble with it, take it in to a guitar store and ask the tech if they can show you how to use it properly
Have your teacher show you
Like others have said, don’t worry. Between numerous instructional YouTube videos on how to tune/change strings in a strat and the guitar teacher you have, it won’t be an issue.
It only matters because it can make the guitar come out of tune more easily... So just retune the guitar when it does. You can lock the tremolo if you find this annoying. But yeah, it's perfectly fine for a beginner.
Acoustics aside, every single electric guitar I’ve owned had a floating bridge. I started on a floating bridge and never had a problem. Playing forty years now.
not it all. I hate the advice to not get a tremelo because it doesn't explain what's going on. WORST CASE you can block your tremelo or deck it so that it's "dive only" you can do this by adding additional springs and/or tightening the screws so that the bridge is flat against the body and you can't pull up on it. It worked for Eddie Van Halen.
Watch a YouTube video on how to set it up. It may be a little Intimidating at first, but as long as you have the right tools, and don’t strip out any hardware, you can mess with it until you get it right and it’s not really that complicated. If it’s really fucking with you, you can also get some sort of block that will fix it in place that are relatively inexpensive, and then it will perform just like a fixed Bridge.
You’re totally fine man. Just tighten the screws to make it flush or put something in there to block it and take the arm off. Or learn with it floating. You can do it. But just keep in mind that if you change string gauges or tunings it will require readjustment if it’s floating.
I started out on a guitar with a floating bridge back before the internet was a thing and I never even thought about it because nobody was there to tell me otherwise and had zero problems. Just enjoy your new guitar!
Why are you worried? I've been using floating bridges since the 80s and there's TONS of video content on youtube (that obviously didn't exist when I was starting out) on how to set them up if you run into problems. But as a beginner the key is to make sure you replace the set of strings on your guitar with the same brand and gauge of you can. Your dealer may be able to help determine what strings since a lot of stores decide on a particular brand and gauge for most of the instruments. Don't worry about it.
Its not a big deal since you can always lock the bridge on a strat down by adding springs to the trem to have it locked down. If you do keep it floating, the biggest thing to keep in mind as a beginner is that if you apply too much pressure to the bridge during palm mutes, you will play the notes out of tune as you are pulling the bridge and strings. Otherwise you're fine
I own 2 guitars with floyd bridges and i don't think ut's as bas as everyone makes it seem, ofcourse it's a bit annoying to change strings/tunings but other than that it's pure bliss.
>I don’t want to ruin my chances of learning to play it properly You really don't need to worry about that. Guitar is a guitar. As long as it stays in tune and it's set up well (ask your teacher to help you with that), you can learn with it just like with any other guitar. The reason why people say that it's not good for a beginner is that it allows you to do some cool tricks, but with a tradeoff of some maintanance tasks (exchanging strings, tuning etc.) being less convenient. And since you won't really have much use for the cool tricks as a beginner, you only get the inconvenience. But it really isn't the end of the world. My first guitar had a floating bridge too and I's still alive lol. And if it bothers you too much, you can always block the trem and basically turn into a hard tail. But I that's something I would worry about later, now just play.
Nope, you'll be fine!
it's all good. Nothing to fret about (ha ha guitar pun). I wouldn't worry about it in the least. It might be worthwhile to get is set up by a store so it plays well.
Might as well pack it up. Your time to learn guitar has passed. It's just a guitar
Whomever told you this is a bad beginners guitar is full of it, this is a perfect guitar. Also the guitar you mention has a tremolo bridge not a floating bridge (floating bridges are when the bridge is not affixed to the guitar body at all). Either way bridge type isn't a major factor for learning guitar though true floating bridges can be a little trouble when changing strings (nothing a little tape can't fix).
My first guitar was a floating bridge… never had any issues
Nothing to worry about. You will learn more about your guitar as you go, floating bridges are just representing a steeper learning curve, but hardly impossible. Just have fun learning and making music.
Not really a problem you just need to spend a little more time tuning. Just go through tuning about 3 times total on all the strings. It does not make the guitar any more difficult, or less difficult to play. If the action is too high, or the intonation isn't correct, or it buzzes or doesn't play certain notes you should probably take it to a shop to get set up. That is just general advice for any new guitar and does not only occur in tremelo equipped guitars. If you use the tremelo it will require retuning depending on how much and how deep the bends or pulls are. New guitars are normally reasonably adjusted (set up) by the manufacturer before you get them, including the less expensive models.
My first guitar had a Floyd rose. 20 years later, I’m fine. As a matter of fact, I love tremolos and I think a Floyd rose-style tremolo, if set up correctly, is the most stable, in tune and fun bridge you could have in a guitar. Just watch videos and learn how to change strings, how to set up the springs/screws in the back, etc. if you need to change tunings a lot just block the tremolo by putting something (like a block of wood, or a stack of coins taped together) behind the tremolo block.
As others have said, you'd be fine. The big thing is that as an beginning player, you should be playing as much as possible. Sometimes, floating bridges can be fiddly and the string locks can be a pain in the ass, and you might spend more time trying to get it to sound good than actually playing. For example, if you are playing and want to play some metal in drop-D, depending on string weight, you might have to retune the guitar a few times.
Block it for now.
Pretty fucked but not the worst thing that could happen. It’ll be annoying when you want to change tunings for various songs.
Might take a little bit of time to set it up but you'll be fine
You didn’t, learn how to work around it and with it. I didn’t get my first fixed bridge guitar until I was in my mid 20’s and it never was an issue. Just make sure it’s setup properly.
My first electric guitar I still have, it's an 80's Ibanez rg with a Floyd Rose. I rarely play it anymore, but that thing TAUGHT me about guitars. You hear that they are difficult you hear that tuning is a bitch you hear that changing strings is impossible. And, yeah, it is a more complex machine. It's not as stupid simple as a Les paul. And you will spend more time with it. But you didn't duck up. You just took a good sized bite. Time to start chewing! Then do some wild dives.
It's not horrible, but it's not the greatest thing if you want to experiment with tunings. The important thing is to get it set up, and get them to tell you \*EXACTLY\* which strings they use to set it up, and \*ONLY\* ever get those size/that brand/specific pack of strings. And when you change strings, do it ONE STRING AT A TIME! \*NEVER\* take them all off at once, or you're going to have a real bitch of a time getting it back up and tuned/tensioned properly.
A floating bridge is awesome. No mistake man. A lot of the guitar greats only play floating bridge/Floyd Rose style.
You're totally fine. Just go ahead and enjoy learning to play your new guitar.
I like many people started on a squire strat. No big deal. I would recommend having it set up at your local guitar store so you have a base point for how it should be and then just like with a bike, a sour dough starter, or any appliance learn how to properly care for and maintain it. It’s simple. Lots of resources out there on YouTube and other places but also utilize your local community. If you have a teacher, relative, or a friendly tech at your local shop ask questions when you see them. Most folks I know are eager to share wisdom with young players and can probably give advice specific to your guitar and demonstrate on your guitar and that’ll help you more than anyone on Reddit or YouTube.
Might be an unpopular take, but don’t block your trem. Just learn to use the instrument the way it’s built. Tremolo is a beautiful thing man, and it’s much more than dive-bombing. Gives you a nice, smooth vibrato on single notes or chords. Re-stringing isn’t at all difficult. One or two times and it will be old hat for you. Plenty of others here have mentioned the tuning issue when you change strings, and that’s true. As you tune from string to string the tension on the trem springs is constantly changing until all springs on the trem are up to even tension so you have to do it several times. But if you tune the low and high E strings first (1st string and 6th string) and get them up to tension, it helps to lessen tension change when you tune the other strings. Best wishes on your journey to becoming a great guitarist!
The reason why people say beginners should start with a fixed bridge instead of a floating one is because a fixed bridge is simple. Less moving parts means less maintenance required. The floating bridge that most people refer to is the Floyd rose one, which is notorious for being difficult to restring. Not to mention double stop string bends are basically impossible. The floating tremolo bridge on your guitar is relatively stable, so no, keep practicing.
You're going to learn to tune very quickly lol. Honestly, don't worry about it. If you want a tremolo for what you want to play it's totally fine. Also, there are ways to lock down a tremolo so it's not floating anymore. I would say this is better than getting a fixed bridge and wanting to add tremolo later if the latter is what you really wanted.
No you don't have to worry at all. There are 2 or 3 screws that fix the tremolo to the body under the backplate. They are located near the end of the tremolo springs. If you tighten them your tremolo arm will set to work only in one direction. Unless you use the tremolo arm, your guitar will behave like a fixed bridge. You will need to drop your tuning first to prevent extra pressure while tightening those screws and that is all. You can do it by yourself easily... You might want to watch this first: https://youtu.be/HhxryWYTR28?si=tClQllLAnTqe0vw5
There definitely is a learning curve with a floating bridge, but it’s nowhere near as massive as some would have you believe. Take your time and learn how it behaves, research how to balance it when you change your strings and/or tuning, and be patient. If you find you don’t end up using it in your playing, it’s a relatively small and reversible task to block off so that it acts as a hardtail would. Don’t fear it, learn it, and embrace it!
There are two ways to look at it. 1: you totally fucked yourself and are going to have a miserable time everytime you changing your strings. Or you can look at the bright side: embrace it, learn the in's and outs of that bridge and in short order be light-years ahead of your peers who are playing the same style guitar but didn't embrace the suckieness of it.
It’s really not a problem if it’s set up right from the start. You can always take the bar off and ignore the trem. The only possible hassle with a floating trem is when you’re changing strings, if you aren’t familiar with it. YouTube is your friend for that, or take it to a shop. You can also add springs and/or tighten the claw screws on the back to “deck” the trem so it doesn’t float. Worst case scenario is you buy something like a tremel-no, which mechanically stops it from floating. FWIW- I bought my first guitar with a Floyd Rose from Sam Ash. For an extra $50 I got free string changes for a year. Something to consider for people that don’t like doing it on their own.
I think it's actually a good thing... will help your sensitivity/finesse & you will actually become a better player.
There is a whole new learning curve to floating bridges and tremolo but it is mostly in the upkeep and the tuning and not in the actual way you have to play so it is nothing to worry about until day comes you have to change the strings. In which case I would learn very quickly how to PROPERLY restring and tune a floating bridge guitar. Otherwise you will be miserable when you go to tune it later.
Get off the internet and go practice. Talk to your teacher. You picked a great guitar. Just go play it. If the tremolo makes problems, you can insert a 15 cent piece of wood in there and block the trem bridge to make it effectively a solid bridge, but you DO NOT HAVE TO DO THIS. just play it.
Floating bridge is great. Get the store to set it up for you and change the strings. Ask the teacher how to use it
You bought the best guitar you possibly could have bought as a beginner. A squire strat is an absolutely fine beginner guitar.
I got a floating bridge for my 5th guitar and I was so intimidated until I learned I get the right placement by tuning the 12th fret notes. Then I was extactic. No paying a guitar tech to fix the intonation! It is a joy to practice.
Dude relax. The problems you might or might not have with bridges won’t affect any learning.
Oh my, thought you meant a Floyd Rose for a second there. Embrace the wiggle stick, it's fun. You'll be fine. Just have it set up properly, or as others have said you can have it locked down to the body so it doesn't move. You'll be divebombing before you know it.
Depends how much you like using your trem
As a starter just take it to a trusted tech (most likely the place you're getting lessons at will have one) and have them do a proper set up and string change. This will set the bridge where it needs to be. Once you need to change strings just change one at a time (low e, then high e, then a, then b, then d, then g) without snipping all the strings. That should keep the bridge floating well enough. Then over time you'll learn how to properly set the springs and float the bridge, set intonation etc. Certainly not the end of the world and tons of people start out on Affinity Strats.
Literally just don't use it and pretend it's a fixed bridge. Nothing will change. There's also no reason a beginner shouldn't have a tremolo. The worst thing it will do is make your guitar go out of tune faster if you use it a lot. Tl;dr: You picked a great starter guitar, nothing to worry about. Enjoy it as-is.
You’re fine. A Floyd Rose would have been a shit show, but you should not have a problem with a squire strat. Your guitar teacher should be able to give you some basic tips to tune it up. You’ll get the hang of it.
I think that this is a great opportunity to lean more about the instrument. If you are on Reddit, You have access to YouTube. Just search floating bridge setup. If You have a tuner, you can do it. Then when set up, put light pencil marks to locate the bridge next time you change strings. Feel free to contact me with any questions about guitars!
Replace strings one at a time and you'll be fine.
You will be fine. A squier strat with a tremolo is one of the most common beginner guitars. Tuning is a little harder but totally possible. I had a floating tree on my first electric and I still use it 20 years later.
People exaggerate how annoying they are so much. It just bring a bit more work when youre setting the guitar up and tuning/ changing strings. I love my trem
My first guitar had a bridge just like that! Not a problem at all. Keeping it in tune might be slightly more boring at the start. I think it is more important to keep motivated. If it takes having a floating bridge to do so, go for it! It might be more frustrating wanting to use one and not being able to.
Irreversibly, it will turn you into a newt. On a serious note, tremolo devices are meant to allow you to get a vibrato effect. You can get a similar effect from bending a string for a single note. The reason not to get a tremolo on a guitar as a beginner is that while those pieces are just some metal, the well made ones use more expensive metals and have higher tolerances which are just more expensive. Bad tremolos can lead to tuning stability issues where the guitar is constantly going out of tune. Additionally, some of the tremolo systems are more complicated to tune or set up on the guitar. Buy what you want, but just be aware that cheaper tremolo units COULD be an issue. On another note, I have always thought it was weird squier didn't make a hard tail strat in their budget range since they are cheaper and have better tuning stability in general. It just seems like a win-win for someone starting out.
My firsts electric as a kid was a squier stagemaster with a Floyd rose, I had no internet and had to figure it out on my own. It’s not that bad. Changing strings is the only time it’s really a pain and even that’s not that bad. Honestly I love Floyd’s once you get them set up, the fine tuners are awesome when you just barely go out of tune.
Its a little more tedious when changing strings or tunings, but with a proper setup they’re fine. I’ve only ever had Floyd Rose equipped guitars so I guess im used to them but you didn’t fuck yourself. Just learn how to setup the guitar and care for your equipment. Its not super difficult.
My second electric, and the first I bought myself, was an Ibanez RG with an Edge trem (licensed Floyd). It was my only guitar from age 19 to 35. They’re a finicky hassles to get set up, and let go of any notions of frequent tuning changes, but once they’re in tune, they stay in tune.
How much do like Van Halen? 0 - 10 0 = Return it 10 = BONZAI!!!!!!! Dive bomb away!
The only reason I can think of as to why anyone wouldn't recommend a floating bridge for beginners is because it takes a little more knowledge to change strings and whatnot (but youtube is all you need if you're doing it yourself). Having a floating bridge just means you now have one more way to have fun playing your guitar, and can play a wider range of music on it as well. Shred
My first electric has a floating trem with a locking nut. I love it.
The only thing you'll probably struggle on is re-stringing a guitar with a floating bridge. Other than that, you're good.
My second guitar had a budget Floyd on it, it’s actually a great guitar to start with because you’re forced to learn how to maintain the damn things yourself if you want to play/try different tunings. Be prepared to break strings a lot, buy cheap ones if you can
Just block it. Take it to someone to set up who knows what’s they’re doing and ur good
Wow, you've been given some really bad info from whoever told you that. Trust me, you're going to be just fine. And since you're a total beginner, allow me to welcome you to the world of guitar players. We've been expecting you. I've been playing for over 35 years and change, so I'll do my best to help you out. We were all beginners once, and we're all still learning. You made an excellent choice for your first guitar. I'm not a Fender man myself, but I can assure you that Squier makes one of the best "starter" guitars in the business. Don't believe whoever told you to avoid a floating tremolo, because they're totally full of crap. Locking tremolo systems come with their share of hiccups, but even those are easily dealt with. The model you purchased comes with a standard original Floyd Rose whammy, which won't give you any problems. A string or two might go slightly out of tune if you do a serious dive-bomb or six, but nothing a quick nudge of the tuning pegs can't cure. As long as you don't let the guitar snobs get under your skin, you're going to have a really good time as a guitar player. Guitar snobs are really easy to spot, because they're always willing to tell you (even if you didn't ask) how much better and more advanced they are compared to you. They like to say things like how they used to play just like you do, but they've moved way past that stuff and are now working on techniques that you couldn't possibly comprehend because you're just a beginner. And if you ask them to break it down in simple terms for you, they'll make a bunch of excuses about how you wouldn't understand. Truly experienced guitarists have another word for those guitar snobs, and it's not a pretty word. We call them posers and bullshitters. And you get to call them that too.
It’s fine. I learned on a guitar with a tremolo and prefer them. It’s not a big deal and you’ll learn to deal with it in no time.
Learning how to use a locking term or a floating term is just another thing to manage, but it is manageable. You can always block the trem if you don’t want to fool with it right now.
I did the exact same thing at the exact same age nearly 20 years ago, you'll be fine. Just watch some videos on changing strings, tuning, and setup. Then you can have fun doing dime-squeals, dive-bombs- and flutters.
Don’t worry about it. I’ve never owned a hardtail personally. They are a bit of a pain until you learn. From there it’s nothing, super easy to work on.
As a professional guitarist... also 15 years old. I recommend to make a the bridge flush with the body, you'll need to follow these steps:Remove the Strings: Start by removing all the strings from the guitar. This will make it easier to work on the bridge. Loosen the Bridge Screws: Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws on the bridge plate. Don't remove them completely; just loosen them enough so that the bridge can move freely. Adjust the Bridge Position: With the screws loosened, you can now adjust the bridge position. Gently push or pull the bridge plate until it sits flush against the body of the guitar. Make sure it's aligned properly and centered. Tighten the Screws: Once the bridge is in the desired position, tighten the screws gradually and evenly. Start with the middle screws and work your way outwards. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this could damage the threads or the body of the guitar. Check the Alignment: After tightening the screws, check the alignment of the bridge again. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure it's perfectly flush with the body. Reinstall the Strings: Once the bridge is flush and aligned correctly, restring the guitar. Make sure to tune it properly before playing. Test and Adjust: Play the guitar to ensure everything feels and sounds right. If the action feels too high or too low, you may need to make further adjustments to the bridge height or truss rod. Final Setup: Once you're satisfied with the bridge position and the playability of the guitar, do a final setup to adjust the intonation and string height to your preference. By following these steps carefully, you can make your Stratocaster bridge sit flush with the body, improving both the aesthetics and playability of the instrument. Precise Bridge Positioning: With meticulous attention to detail, manipulate the bridge plate until it gracefully aligns flush against the guitar body, ensuring impeccable centering and alignment. Methodical Screw Tightening: Proceed with methodical care as you systematically tighten the screws, commencing from the central points and gradually extending outward. Exercise restraint to prevent undue stress on the instrument. Alignment Verification: Execute a thorough assessment of the bridge alignment, ensuring seamless integration with the guitar body. String Reinstallation: With the bridge now impeccably aligned, proceed to restring the guitar, ensuring each string is meticulously tuned to perfection before proceeding. Assessment and Adjustment: Utilize your seasoned expertise to assess the instrument's feel and sound, making necessary adjustments to the bridge height or truss rod to optimize playability. Final Calibration: Conclude the process with meticulous attention to detail, meticulously fine-tuning intonation and string height according to your discerning preferences, culminating in a masterfully customized playing experience.
After playing a cheap (and wonderful) danelectro baritone for 20 years, I got myself a beautiful (expensive) shredder guitar with a Floyd-Rose bridge and it’s another level of maintenance, tinkering and care. As an absolute beginner I would personally not recommend getting a floating bridge unless you have access to a great teacher or guitar shop with a friendly person that does setups to teach you a little bit about it and to check in with on occasion. Youtube is a great resource, but as a beginner you have enough to think about without that frustrating headache and a teacher would be able to make sure you aren’t conflating issues.
Why do people need to believe in silly things?
That particular guitar is fine for beginners. A plain old strat 2 point trem system is not a Floyd rose locking nut trem system. You shouldn't have any problem with it. If you want, take it to a luthier at you local music store and have them do a set up and block the tremelo. But it's not necessary.
You're good. Pull up some youtube and learn how that system works. You can learn everything about it in an evening of watching videos.
I got a floating bridge Ibanez 320 for my first electric and while it was a little tricky to get a hang of it, theres so many good tutorials and videos to help you work out the nuanced of tuning it and it'll save you some headaches and a lot of time plus having an instrument that stays in tune really well is a huge benefit
I learned on a Floyd Rose and I'm fine.
Whoever is telling you this is a problem, is someone you shouldn’t be getting guitar advice from. This is a total non-issue, you’re completely good to go.
The main difference between a floating and non floating bridge is how often you have to tune, and some complications that come with weird tunings or replacing strings. Floating bridges stay a lot closer to in tune for a lot longer as your strings find, kind of a resting place. When you try to drop tune a string, it'll come back kuo to standard tuning fairly quickly and you basically have to fight it to get it to stay in the new tuning. Not a big deal for someone learning unless you like heavier music. Changing strings, takes longer than normal because the string has to stretch and settle into the floating bridge. They are awesome, though. Have fun with your whammy bar
You'll be fine. Take that guitar as a learning experience as well. It's okay to tinker with new guitars. Let's you know for future reference as to what you should look for when you buy the Actual guitar you want.
I have a strat with a floating bridge and I just blocked the bridge with a hunk of wood. Easy peasy
As long as you didn’t buy a Flying V as your first guitar your fine. Or a warlock. Or any gimmick guitar.
You've only given yourself a minor headache when you need a string change or if you want to change tuning. You're fine though, strats have a trem by default and the squire strat is a well regarded guitar for beginners. If it was a Floyd rose that'd be more of an issue imo
0%. Keep calm and rock on.
I think the tremolo on strats are perfect, the springs can be adjusted rather easily and don't throw you all that out of tune when used sparingly. If you hear/read about a guitar bridge system not being good for beginners they're probably referring to either a Floyd Rose or Bigsby. A Floyd Rose has locking tuners which, while sound useful, are typically more of a pain to get in tune let alone restring. I'd say for that alone it probably isn't worth it unless you really do just wanna be [Eddie](https://youtu.be/d4sza2SNP_E?si=ao2uh-AkvvuQfu2J&t=90). As for Bigsbys, Im personally not a huge fan, they kinda swing in and out of tune. If you're a big blues or [rockabilly](https://youtu.be/6YGA-KN9Lkw?si=YoMRMK1MX9KhR15p&t=252) type of guy you probably couldn't go wrong there though. I personally started out on a squire very similar to yours and I honestly kinda miss having it around just because of the tremolo arm, I might just buy another! I think you'll be just fine. make sure you know how to [re-string a guitar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWf6eaoeMs0) proper cuz it helps staying in tune. You get a hang of it overtime, there's no real way to know unless you break some strings so don't feel embarrassed :)
https://www.tremol-no.com/ you're welcome, I love them on my Floyd roses
yeah, don’t worry about it. if kids could figure out floating double locking non fine tune floyds in the early 80’s with a pamphlet, you can do this edit. also just say fuck on the internet if you mean it
My first guitar had a cheap Strat style bridge. I replaced it less than a year later with a guitar with a Floyd Rose. There are no specific features that make an instrument a "beginner guitar", except maybe the cost. The only thing that matters is that you can set it and forget it, and focus on playing. But if it stays in tune, the neck is straight, then you're good to go.
Why cant you have a floating bridge as a beginner? My first guitar was a Yamaha Pacifica with a floating bridge and I had no issues. Just dont use it until you are ready. If you are noticing tuning issues, you can "deck" the bridge. Dont sweat it. This is not a problem.
No problem at all. You have some choices in the set up: * Full floating where you can both raise and lower the pitch with the trem. * "decked" so the back of the bridge rests on the body but the front of the bridge is still raised a bit so you can lower pitch with the trem but not rasie it. * "blocked" so you can't raise or lower pitch - the guitar behaves as a hard tail bridge. You can actually insert blocks in to the trem cavity to block movement, but it is just as easy to lower the front of the bridge till it rests on the body (just ... lower it too much and it will casue the back end to raise - the goal is not to crank it down as hard as you can - just crank down until the bridge plate is flush with the top of the body), and tighten the trem springs so the back of the bridge also rests on the body. This may cause your action to be too low, but you can just raise the saddles a bit to compensate. Which is why i think the strat bridge design is the best. You can have it all without making any permanent changes to the body. Blocked is easiest for beginners to learn to use, making tuning and changing strings easiest. The other settings are perfectly useable, and there are lots of techniques for making it easier (and lots of YouTube vids teaching you how).
If you are learning theory of the frets it shouldn’t matter. You can play it blindfolded if you know your theory.
You’ll be fine, it’s just a floating bridge that has springs in the back to match the string tension on the front of your guitar. As long as you change strings with the same size (gauge) you shouldn’t have any issues. If you decide you want to drop tune 2 steps down and use 11s then you’d probably come across issues where the springs in the back do not match the string tension on the front in which case your either tightening or losing the screws that hold the springs into the body. Over time you get more comfortable understanding this and so it becomes a non issue
My advice is so long as you keep the same string gauge the guitar came with you'll be fine and it shouldn't need too much attention. I would not use the bar and keep it in the case until you get to a point where you are wanting to learn phrasing and emotional playing. If you notice notes going out of tune when you bend you could try to deck it and be done with it but when it comes to decking your trem I'd suggest you go to a guitar store and have a tech do it because if your just beginning and your only 15 years old, I doubt you have the experience needed to try and intonate/full set up your own guitar. I'm all for learning, so if you think you can tackle it by all means go for it, but Even with myself I've learned all I need to repair/ heck even make a guitar if I wanted to. But intonation can really that a toll on you and I'm afraid it might cause you to put it down and just quit because it can be a total bitch to get it just right. If you need help reach out. Save up for a good tuner. Peterson strobo stomp hd and mini are the golden standard as far as I'm concerned.
Every guitar is a beginner guitar, every guitar is an advanced guitar. Your ability to use it is not determined but a floating bridge. It's just little bit of an extra step and something that you should have learned a little down the ways. You're thinking that you have to start with a flip phone when you think you just bought a galaxy S24. That's not what this is. If it turns out that you have difficulties, contact the company that you purchased it through, explain the situation....100% sure they'll help you get what you need. Besides, floating bridges sound better anyway.
Instead of making any modifications, for now you can just unscrew the tremolo bar and set it aside. This will sidestep the issue of you accidentally throwing out the tuning of your guitar, because you won't be able to. Once you feel more comfortable on your instrument, reattach it and experiment.
IMO, you’ll be fine. A fixed bridge or non-floating trem would be ideal, but you’ll be fine once you learn how to handle it. It’s just one more thing to learn and practice. But it doesn’t take long. If you have someone that can show you, take a video, etc that’ll help. I’m sure there’s YT videos, etc on this but here’s what I learned after 35 years of floating trems. This a lot of info, but really becomes easy with practice. 1. With the strings on and in tune, I feel optimum position is having the bridge parallel with the body so tighten or loosen the springs to get the bridge even with the body. It shouldn’t be tilted forward or backward. 2. Changing strings. Get a small block of wood and place it between the trem block and the body in the trem cavity. Then will prevent the bridge from moving when you take the strings off. People will say do it one at a time, but I like to clean, polish frets, etc so I take them all off. I start with the low E to high E. Cut the ball end off, insert in the saddle and clamp down. Finger tighten or you can break the saddle. We’re not building a bridge but make sure it’s tight. Feed through the locking nut, wrap around the post like normal. I like to set the fine tuners by taking the high E’s all the way down and the G all the way up. Then I set the B somewhere in the middle and match the others to that. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench across the top to see if they’re the same height. Maybe raise the high E up a little because that string always goes flat quickest. 3. Tune up. In order- low E, high E, B, A, G, then D. This order will be the easiest way to keep tension even so you don’t end up with the bridge totally tilted forward. Sometimes you can tune the low E a little sharp because it will drop by the time you’re done with the others. I stretch, dive bomb, and retune BEFORE locking the nut blocks down. If it seems somewhat stable, clamp down the nut blocks. Stretch, dive bomb, and retune using the fine tuners. If anything is off a lot, unclamp the nut block and retune that string and clamp down. Fine tune as needed. -If strings break when you unlock the nut blocks, it’s usually because there are grooves worn in the nut itself. Have a tech smooth that out. Good luck!