The Essentials of Setup
I consistently maintain the tremolo system suspended about an eighth of an inch from the guitar body. This setup not only enhances the tonal spectrum but also introduces a distinctive attack characteristic, complemented by a touch of resonance. When a Fender Stratocaster's tremolo is set to float, you can distinctly perceive the resonating springs when playing a B note anywhere on the fretboard.
Proper adjustment of the pickup height is paramount for Stratocasters. When the pickups are positioned too closely to the strings, especially on the lower strings (E, A, and D), the magnets exert a pull on the strings, leading to intonation issues that worsen as you ascend the frets. Customization is key here, as different pickups come with varying magnet strengths.
Step 1: Initiate by lowering all three pickups, then elevate the bridge pickup to approximately 2mm from the underside of the Low E string.