string tension and spring tension

[choubix]

hello,

just a quick question: shouldnt the string tension be similar on 2 guitars fitted with a FR?

I have one with and Edge and another one with a Lo-Pro.
3 springs at the back.

I believe the gauge is the same but the tension seems stronger on the one fitted with the lo-pro.

is that normal?

[madpickin03]

both the springs could've been of different lengths

[EL-CeeDee]

Also, check for trem angle, has influence on perceived tension as well.

[choubix]

the 2 trems are different: one is Edge the other other one Lo Pro.
they both seem to have been set up the same way.

I think the springs are of different quality (one trem is older than the other)

may the string gauge change the tension?? if I go for a lighter gauge I mean.

(I will have to do a whole setup again...)

[Gusfmm]

Absolutely. String tension is a function of... well... the strings you have on the guitar. Then you counterbalance that tension with the springs on the back. The tremolo model should have nothing to do with this. At least very little, as the blade sharpness and post design may affect this a bit.

I tried a few brands of strings some time ago in trying to find the better one for my like. I remember I had to spend quite some time after replacing each new set adjusting the springs on the back, to compensate for the differences in material and manufacture.

There are some variables related to the strings that will affect the equation: Type of metal being the main one, then gauge as an obvious important one as well, and to a much lesser extent, manufacture process (plain wound, roller-wound, flat-wound, #wounds and dimensions per unit of lenght, and other factors like these).

If what you are trying to say is that when you do a bend you feel the string resistance to the bend feels different, then that should be directly associated to the spring quality. You're acting on the strings and the springs are opposing to that reaction. Action - Reaction. If the springs on each trem are of different gauge/age/lenght, then your "perceived" (but real) tension, the force you have to apply against the strings to do the bend, must vary. In this case, the factor in discussion is the springs, not the strings.

Hope this helps.

GUs.