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Will heavier gauge strings damage a floating trem?

I’ve been playing strats with vintage trems for years and, being of the persuasion of guitarists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, I use quite heavy strings, on the level of .13-.56 from high to low E. However, I’ve been looking to buy a guitar with a floyd rose licensed trem and wanted to make sure with another experienced guitarist whether or not such heavy strings will damage or hinder a floating bridge. I have heard both yes and no, so any help would be appreciated… What is the maximum string gauge that I can use on a tremolo bridge like this one?
For anyone who says “That kind of guitar isn’t for blues, rada rada” I play everything from Hendrix to Satriani, I just like heavier strings like SRV does. Thanks!

No the heavier gauge will not do anythin gto the trem system but it will pull it forward which means that it will lift off the body.

You will need to remove the backplate, and screw the 2 screws holding the springs one full turn each.
First, loosen the 3rd and 4th string, then tighten the back screws. Retune the 3rd & 4th. Keep doing this until the bridge is about 1/4″ from the body.

Now, by putting heavier gauge strings will also mean that a TRUSS rod adjustment WILL be necessary. Again, if you want to do it yourself, remove the top plate (depending on the model). Loosen the 3rd & 4th string, insert the allen key and turn 1/4 turn clockwise. Retune the guitar and look down the neck. Their should be a clearance of approx 1/16″ between string and fingerboard.

Hold teh first fret with one hand and the 15th fret with the other. Tht creates a straight line. Look at the 7th fret and see how much clearance you have. If theire is too much, turn the truss rod another 1/8th turn. Retune the string and verify.

As for the so-called experienced guitarist that say that it will damage the trem needs to change job. It WILL not damage but bear in mind that their is a limit that the floyd rose will accept. The reason is because if you choose a much heavier gauge, the 6ths string might not fit in the floyd rose.

Enjoy

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