What NOT to do with a Floyd Rose tremolo system?

Answer 1

The Floyd Rose and even some of the licensed knock-offs are a good tremolo system that can take quite a pounding and keep your strings well in tune, but it is not always a good thing when a string breaks. Often, in certain floating models, all strings are lined up and tuned to stay in line with the tremolo springs. Once one string breaks (especially the upper or lower E), the tremolo tends to tilt very slightly as the remaining strings pull on the springs in the opposite direction. So, a quick answer is don't break any strings and don't over-tighten any of the locking systems.

Another thing not to do (generally before replacing strings) is to over or under-turn the fine tuning screws. Have them screw to the near middle depth of the screw so that you have room to go either way. Don't use the fine tuning screws for tuning. Unlock the nut and use the machine heads, just remember to give new strings a good stretch away from the neck before locking anything, then use the fine tuners when you are close to the correct pitch.

Very important... DON'T OIL OR LUBRICATE ANYTHING! This can make some of the locking systems not function properly. Light chapstick application on the saddles may be alright, but that's all.

Last one, don't use more than 3 springs in the back. Placing more just makes the tremolo more rigid and harder to use (it also won't "flutter" if you use this technique). On the same token, don't use less or the tremolo will be very loose, heavy pitching will make it dive slightly and it won't flutter correctly.