Tremolo flutter / bounciness?

JiMoSiTY · #1 02-10-2005, 10:54 AM

I'm sure it has something to do with the springs and setup, but every once in a while I set up an Edge that gets the perfect flutter.
Are the blades and posts part of why some trems flutter better than others?
I like the springy bounciness when the trem is slapped, but how can I ensure that I can do this on all my edges?

john1880 · #2 02-10-2005, 03:47 PM

It's a number of factors. It's the knife edges, the posts, the levelness of the trem. the springs probably contribute. I think it's mostly in that critical point where the knife edges touch the posts. I have tremsetters on my edges now, but i miss that brad gillis bounce.

giannifive · #3 02-10-2005, 04:27 PM

I just realized that "flutter" actually has two definitions. One is the warbliness and loss of sustain you get due to the nature of a floating tremolo, and the other is the technique where you smack the whammy bar and it vibratos the note.

Anyway, I understand you guys are talking about the second one

My guess is that it has the most to do with the angle of the tremolo. If it's in perfect balance it seems like it would oscillate better about neutral. This is assuming, of course, you don't have 13's on there and 5 springs

horstausmforst · #4 02-11-2005, 09:05 AM

I found edges to be more "fluttery" than Lo Pros.. almost to an annoying extent (simply strumming hard causes the edge on one of my axes to flutter quite a bit)

Additionally, a tight bar, worn in springs and a light string gauge (009-042) is a must for heavy flutter (in my experience anyway).

CrossingStar · #5 02-13-2005, 09:45 PM

I'll second that about the Edge and OFR having better flutter than Low Profile versions. AND a tight bar. I discovered if the bar wobbles in the socket after you hit it, it kills flutter badly.

Ferrous Lepidoptera · #6 02-13-2005, 10:30 PM

I would say, in my limited experience, that a tight fit of the bar is the number one factor influencing flutter. And I imagine if you clamped a weight onto the end of the bar, you could probably set the frequency of flutter that way. A loose bar pretty much guarantees no flutter. I'm pretty annoyed with how easily the bar becomes loose. I'm forever trying to tighten up the arm holder with my guitar pick (don't have a screwdriver that wide) but a guitar pick is too wide and rams up against the the string saddles.

john1880 · #7 02-13-2005, 10:36 PM

Ferrous,
I changed out all my Edge push-in bars with floyd rose finger-tightening bars. It's awesome! You can adjust the tension to your liking. Nothing ever wears out either. Nothing ever comes loose too.
You should try it out. The angle of the bar will be a little different, but it's better IMO. It's a little closer to the body.

Ferrous Lepidoptera · #8 02-13-2005, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john1880

Ferrous,
I changed out all my Edge push-in bars with floyd rose finger-tightening bars. It's awesome! You can adjust the tension to your liking. Nothing ever wears out either. Nothing ever comes loose too.
You should try it out. The angle of the bar will be a little different, but it's better IMO. It's a little closer to the body.

I'll have to look into that.

Given the subject of the thread, it's probably well known that a loose bar kills flutter, so what might be more intersting, if a loose bar is the number one factor affecting flutter, what's the number two factor?