Bending a string on a FR equipped guitar, is this correct?

[Megadebt]

Is it true that it is easier to physically bend a string on a Floyd Rose Guitar due to the flex or “give” the FR has. Yet at the same time you have to bend the string further to reach the same pitch.

 

[darrenw5094]

Floyd that float means easier bending alright. You don't need to bend higher though. But while you bend a string, the other 5 strings will be flat out of tune slightly

 

[secondwindow]

Is it true that it is easier to physically bend a string on a Floyd Rose Guitar due to the flex or “give” the FR has. Yet at the same time you have to bend the string further to reach the same pitch.

I've found that to me true, at least for me, on guitars with a floating bridge. The string doesn't seem to have to be pushed too much further, but it's noticeable. It depends on how stiff the bridge is, too - changes the feel and affects how easily the strings bend and how far you have to bend to hit the pitch.

 

[rushfan]

I use these on my down-only FR Trems on my 2 Wolfgangs. Helps with the double-stop bends to keep them in tune.

https://super-vee.com/products/essentials/mag-lok-anti-deflection-device

 

[GlennO]

Is it true that it is easier to physically bend a string on a Floyd Rose Guitar due to the flex or “give” the FR has. Yet at the same time you have to bend the string further to reach the same pitch.

Yes, that’s correct. You can minimize the amount of deflection required by using stronger springs.

 

[Bakerman]

It will take slightly more force* (and distance) to bend by a certain interval when the bridge is floating. You can use more springs or stiffer springs to get closer to a fixed-bridge response. A mag-lok device like the one linked above would give an identical feel to having the bridge fixed in place, up to the point where it breaks loose (if possible with LH bending alone).

*This only refers to the force parallel to the fret, like you'd get from tying a weighted string just behind some fret with the guitar in normal playing position. If you do that then fret and check the note, a given weight will result in a higher pitch if the bridge doesn't move.

If the action increases when you dive the bar or bend a string (Floyds, Strats, etc.) it might be easier to prevent the string from slipping out from under your fingertip. This could mean "easier bending" depending on the player, neck and action. The increased force mentioned above might not matter quite as much.

 

[skunc]

Floating Floyd-yes.
Top flush mount Floyd (down only) depends if the tension of the springs is enough to offset the string/strings you're are bending. I believe you would need to move the string slightly further while bending due to the bridge saddles moving slightly closer to the nut as the saddles are tilted in that direction during the bending process.

 

[Greg Ferguson]

Think of it this way… When the strings are tuned to pitch, they're balancing the pull of the tremolo springs, so everything is at equilibrium.

If you bend a string, which increases its tension, it is going to pull harder on the bridge and transfer that tension to the other strings so they're going to go out of pitch an equivalent amount lower. The higher strings are under more tension, so they'll go out of pitch further than the lower strings, but all the other strings have to change pitch because of the tension change, it's just physics because of that "for every action there's an opposite but equal reaction." thing. And, as you push the string you're bending and the others are reacting, it's going to take more pressure from your fingers to move the string farther to balance the springs and other strings.

You can easily prove this to yourself by bending one string and watching the bridge, then bending two as you watch it. Bend the B string without playing it while holding the E and then play the E and you'll hear it be flat. Then compare the same things to a guitar with a fixed tailpiece. A fixed tailpiece doesn't transfer the tension to the other strings, so bending doesn't affect other strings and the bend is always the same distance for that particular string.

 

[Tahoebrian5]

It definitely feels a bit different. Over the years Iv learned a bit of a hack for doing bent double stops. Without any intervention they will sound flat because the unbent string will be subject to the trem having rotated. The trick.. you can use the side of your right hand (the muting portion of your hand) to push on the trem and with some practice you can keep it closer to in tune or add some vibrato which is easier and sounds better than just flat.

 

[Andy Eagle]

Is it true that it is easier to physically bend a string on a Floyd Rose Guitar due to the flex or “give” the FR has. Yet at the same time you have to bend the string further to reach the same pitch.

This is completely correct.