How to Take Out Springs on a Stratocaster Tremolo Bridge

Part of owning a guitar is learning to make your own adjustments.

Fender has been producing guitars since 1954. The Fender Stratocaster comes in many versions, some good, some bad depending on the era the guitar was produced. The tremolo bridge is adjusted using the tremolo arm to change the tone produced by the strings. Loosening, tightening or removing some of the springs in the bridge block changes the tension in the arm and bridge, further affecting the tone. Too much tightening of the springs can make the arm tension too high.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Remove the tremolo cover on the back of the guitar. Unscrew the screws holding the cover to remove them and lift the cover off. This will expose the bridge and springs.

2. Grasp the end of the spring you wish to remove using needle-nose pliers. Lift the bent end of the spring out of the hole at the end of the block. Repeat on the other end of the spring and set the spring aside.

3. Repeat Step 2 for each spring you wish to remove. Once you are done removing springs, replace the tremolo back cover.

References

• Fender: Stratocaster Setup Guide
• Penmachine.com: How to Unblock a Stratocaster Tremolo
• Flickr: Unblocking the Strat -- 06 -- Removing Springs

Resources

• Strat Connection: Homepage