Block Your Floyd Rose: A Step-by-Step Guide

Floyd Rose tremolos, known for their exceptional tuning stability and expressive capabilities, are a favorite among guitarists who crave dive bombs and soaring vibrato. However, the very feature that makes them so desirable—their floating design—can also be a source of frustration. If you've ever broken a string mid-song and watched your entire guitar go out of tune, or struggled with the complexities of setting up and maintaining a floating tremolo, you might have considered blocking your Floyd Rose. Blocking a Floyd Rose tremolo essentially transforms it into a fixed bridge, offering increased stability, easier tuning, and simplified string changes. Guys, this article will guide you through the reasons for blocking a Floyd Rose, the different methods available, and a step-by-step guide to get the job done.

Why Block a Floyd Rose?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's explore the reasons why you might want to block your Floyd Rose tremolo. Understanding these benefits will help you decide if this modification is right for you. Blocking a Floyd Rose can offer a number of advantages, particularly for guitarists who prioritize stability and simplicity. For many guitarists, especially those who don't frequently utilize the tremolo's full range of motion, the benefits of blocking can outweigh the drawbacks. The most compelling reason for blocking a Floyd Rose is to enhance tuning stability. With a floating tremolo, any change in string tension—such as a broken string or even a slight bend—affects the tuning of all the other strings. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially during live performances or recording sessions. By blocking the tremolo, you essentially create a fixed bridge, eliminating this issue and ensuring that your guitar stays in tune even if a string breaks. Blocking provides this stability because it prevents the bridge from moving freely in response to changes in string tension. The tension is stabilized, and any change to one string doesn't drastically affect the others. This is crucial for live performances, where mid-song tuning issues can be a nightmare. Moreover, if you prefer alternate tunings, a blocked tremolo makes switching between them much easier. With a floating tremolo, changing tunings requires adjusting the spring tension in the back of the guitar, a process that can be time-consuming and fiddly. Blocking the tremolo eliminates this need, allowing you to quickly and easily switch between tunings without worrying about upsetting the balance of the system.

Another significant advantage of blocking a Floyd Rose is the ease of string changes. Changing strings on a floating tremolo can be a tedious and time-consuming process, often requiring special tools and techniques. The process of changing strings on a floating tremolo is inherently more complicated because you have to manage the tension of the springs in the back cavity while simultaneously dealing with the string tension. You have to stretch your new strings to ensure stability, and this can take some time. A blocked tremolo simplifies this process considerably. With the bridge fixed in place, changing strings becomes as straightforward as on a hardtail guitar. This means you can spend less time wrestling with your guitar and more time playing. It’s also useful for players who like to experiment with different string gauges, as blocking the tremolo makes adjustments for different string tensions far easier. Furthermore, blocking your Floyd Rose can improve the overall sustain and tone of your guitar. When the tremolo is floating, some of the string's energy is dissipated into the springs, which can reduce sustain. Blocking the tremolo transfers more of the string's energy directly into the body of the guitar, resulting in a fuller, more resonant tone and increased sustain. For many players, the tonal benefits alone are enough reason to consider blocking their tremolo. The solid connection between the bridge and the body allows for a more direct transfer of vibrations, which can result in a noticeable improvement in the guitar's sound. Finally, a blocked tremolo can provide a more stable platform for palm muting, a technique commonly used in rock and metal music. The fixed bridge allows for more consistent and controlled muting, which can improve your playing and create a tighter, more focused sound. Players who frequently use palm muting techniques find that a blocked tremolo allows for more precise control over their sound.

Methods for Blocking a Floyd Rose

There are several methods you can use to block a Floyd Rose tremolo, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best method for you will depend on your budget, your DIY skills, and your desired level of permanence. Choosing the right method depends on factors like your budget, how confident you are in your ability to do the work yourself, and whether you want the modification to be easily reversible. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to start with a less permanent method or consult a professional. The simplest and most affordable method is to use a stack of coins or wood blocks. This involves wedging a stack of coins or a small block of wood between the tremolo block and the body of the guitar. This method is easily reversible and requires no special tools or skills. However, it may not be the most stable solution, and the coins or wood can sometimes shift or fall out. It's a great option if you want to try blocking your tremolo without making any permanent changes. You can experiment with different materials and thicknesses to find the right fit for your guitar. A slightly more robust method involves using a dedicated tremolo block. These blocks are typically made of wood or metal and are designed to fit snugly into the tremolo cavity, providing a more stable block than coins or wood shims. Tremolo blocks are readily available online and in music stores, and they come in various sizes to fit different guitars. They provide a more secure block than makeshift solutions and are still relatively easy to install and remove. They offer a good balance between stability and reversibility, making them a popular choice for many guitarists.

For a more permanent solution, you can install a tremolo stopper. This is a device that attaches to the tremolo block and the body of the guitar, physically preventing the tremolo from moving. Tremolo stoppers provide the most stable block but require some drilling and modification to your guitar. While this method offers the highest level of stability, it is also the most invasive and should only be attempted if you're comfortable with modifying your instrument. It’s the best option for players who are sure they want a fixed bridge and are willing to commit to the modification. Another option is to use a tremolo stabilizer system. These systems, such as the Floyd Rose Tremolo Stopper or the ESP Arming Adjuster, are designed to stabilize the tremolo without completely blocking it. They allow you to set the tremolo to either float or act as a fixed bridge, offering the best of both worlds. These systems are more complex to install than simple blocks, but they offer a high degree of flexibility and control. They're ideal for players who want the option of using the tremolo occasionally but prefer the stability of a fixed bridge most of the time. They can also improve tuning stability and sustain while still allowing for some tremolo use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking Your Floyd Rose with a Wood Block

For this step-by-step guide, we'll focus on using a wood block, as it's a versatile and relatively easy method for blocking a Floyd Rose tremolo. This method strikes a good balance between stability and ease of reversibility, making it a great option for most guitarists. Before you begin, gather your materials. You'll need a piece of wood that's slightly larger than the gap between the tremolo block and the body of the guitar. You can use a hardwood like maple or oak for the best results, but even a softer wood like pine will work in a pinch. You'll also need a ruler or calipers, a saw or wood carving knife, sandpaper, and a screwdriver. Having these materials on hand will ensure a smooth and efficient process. The first step is to measure the gap between the tremolo block and the body of your guitar. This measurement will determine the size of the wood block you need to create. Use a ruler or calipers to get an accurate measurement, as the block needs to fit snugly to effectively block the tremolo. It’s better to err on the side of making the block slightly too large, as you can always sand it down to the perfect size. Next, cut the wood block to the measured size. Use a saw or wood carving knife to carefully cut the wood. If you’re using a saw, make sure to use a fine-toothed blade to prevent splintering. If you’re using a wood carving knife, take your time and make small, controlled cuts. Once you have a rough block, use sandpaper to smooth the edges and refine the size. Sanding is a crucial step in making sure the block fits properly and doesn't damage your guitar.

Now, shape the block to fit the contours of the tremolo cavity. The tremolo cavity is the space in the back of your guitar where the tremolo springs are located. The shape of this cavity can vary depending on the guitar model, so you may need to do some custom shaping to make the block fit perfectly. Use sandpaper or a wood carving knife to gradually shape the block, checking the fit frequently. The goal is to create a block that fits snugly against both the tremolo block and the body of the guitar. It should be snug enough to prevent movement, but not so tight that it puts excessive pressure on the tremolo system. Once the block is shaped, loosen the strings on your guitar. This will relieve tension on the tremolo system and make it easier to insert the block. You don't need to completely remove the strings, just loosen them enough so that they're slack. This will also protect the strings and bridge from unnecessary stress during the blocking process. With the strings loosened, remove the tremolo cover on the back of your guitar. This is the plastic plate that covers the tremolo cavity. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the screws holding the cover in place, and set the cover and screws aside. Now you can access the tremolo springs and the tremolo block. Carefully insert the wood block into the gap between the tremolo block and the body of the guitar. You may need to wiggle it slightly to get it into the correct position. The block should fit snugly and prevent the tremolo from moving forward or backward. Make sure the block is fully seated and making good contact with both the tremolo block and the guitar body. After inserting the block, tune your guitar. As you tighten the strings, the tremolo will be pulled against the block, further securing it in place. You may need to make some minor adjustments to the block’s position to achieve the desired tuning and string height.

Finally, check the action and intonation of your guitar. Blocking the tremolo can affect the action (the height of the strings above the fretboard) and the intonation (the accuracy of the notes played up the neck). If necessary, adjust the bridge height and intonation screws to ensure your guitar plays comfortably and in tune. Refer to your guitar's manual or online resources for guidance on adjusting these settings. Once you’re satisfied with the setup, you can reinstall the tremolo cover. By following these steps, you can effectively block your Floyd Rose tremolo using a wood block. This method offers a balance between stability and ease of reversibility, making it a great option for most guitarists looking to simplify their tremolo system. If you ever decide you want to revert to a floating tremolo, you can simply remove the block.

Conclusion

Blocking a Floyd Rose tremolo can be a game-changer for guitarists seeking improved tuning stability, easier string changes, and a more focused tone. Whether you opt for a simple wood block or a more sophisticated tremolo stopper, the benefits of a blocked tremolo are undeniable. By understanding the reasons for blocking a Floyd Rose and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can transform your guitar and unlock a new level of playing enjoyment. So, guys, if you're tired of the hassles of a floating tremolo, consider blocking it and experience the difference for yourself. Remember to always take your time, be careful, and if you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional guitar technician. Happy playing!