In 1991, we started developing what eventually
evolved into SpeedLoader bridges and SpeedLoader
strings. His goal was to eliminate the need for
the use of Allen-wrenches and wire-cutters to
change strings on my Original and Pro Tremolo
bridges and design a fixed bridge with similar
advantages. The SpeedLoader bridges and strings
have accomplished this goal.
 The first thing we'd like to show you
are the SpeedLoader strings, because the magic
of this tuning system is in the strings.
SpeedLoader strings are made with one bullet applied
to each end. SpeedLoader strings are made to within
.002 of one inch in length, and every string has
its own precision length. This precision allows
you to change a string and return to perfect tune
in seconds.
Some of you might ask. "What about the
string stretching?" so we'd like to take a moment
and clear up some things about string stretching.
There are two reasons string stretching
is necessary on guitars. First, the strings must
be deformed or bent around the tuning key to follow
the curvature of the tuning key post. The second
reason for string stretching is to deform the
string to bend over the bridge and nut. The more
string you wind around the tuning key post the
more "stretching" the string requires to make
the string wrap tightly around its post. The amount
of deformation at the bridge depends on the type
of bridge you have on your guitar.
Guitars with SpeedLoader bridges don't
need tuning keys, so the aggressive pulling or
stretching is unnecessary. In fact, if you pull
too hard on the strings you may actually damage
them. We'll try to explain why.
A steel string has an elastic range like
a rubber band. This means that it can be stretched
like a rubber band, and, like a rubber band, it
becomes thinner as it is stretched. When released
the string, or rubber band, returns to its original
width, unless it has been stretched too far. If
a rubber band is stretched too far, it breaks.
However, if a steel string is over- stretched,
it becomes permanently thinner somewhere along
its length, and thus the string is a little bit
longer, and therefore lower in pitch, than it
was before it was over-stretched. Having thinner
places along the string length can cause the string
to vibrate erratically and sound out of tune.
The point we're trying to make is, when
you change strings, don't stretch them aggressively.
We recommend that you press down on the strings
just in front of the bridge saddles and just in
front of the nut. Then give each string one or
two medium hard pulls and just play the guitar
from there. That's all the seating the string
need. |
