How long can a Floyd Rose be missing a string?

[garrettendi]

So I have a Floyd Rose guitar... No string breakage yet and I'm getting it setup in a week and a half. How long can it last if I break a string? I have no skills with altering the springs or anything, and it'd take a day or two for Amazon to send me some strings.

It currently uses 9 gauge, but I don't know which brand!

[zenguitar]

Missing a string from a trem of any sort will do no harm. But it will be out of tune until the string is replaced.

When you get the guitar set-up make a point of keeping the packet for the strings. It will remind you exactly what strings are fitted so you can ensure replacements are the same.

Remember, although sets might appear to have the same gauges from different makers, differences in material, type of core and ratio between core and winding means that they might require slightly different set-ups.

Andy

[garrettendi]

Missing a string from a trem of any sort will do no harm. But it will be out of tune until the string is replaced.

When you get the guitar set-up make a point of keeping the packet for the strings. It will remind you exactly what strings are fitted so you can ensure replacements are the same.

Remember, although sets might appear to have the same gauges from different makers, differences in material, type of core and ratio between core and winding means that they might require slightly different set-ups.

Andy

Thanks, that's exactly what I had in mind. I'm getting it set up for Ernie Ball Paradigm in 9 gauge and will be sticking with that. If the worst should happen and I get a string break in the next couple of weeks, I'll just go with a set of Ernie Ball Super Slinkies to tide me over until the setup. Will take two days for those strings to reach my hand should the need arise, and there's no point in "playing it safe" when I'm due a freebie guitar service from the shop.

[Kwackman]

If the worst should happen and I get a string break in the next couple of weeks.

I honestly can't remember the last time I broke a string while playing a guitar.
Unless you're really rough on the guitar, I think you're over thinking this.
Just enjoy playing your new toy!

(If you do manage to break a string, I'll claim my SOS account was hacked and I didn't write this.....)

[Martin Walker]

Just enjoy playing your new toy!

Whatever it is (official reveal at the next SOS Virtual Meet )

[Kwackman]

Just enjoy playing your new toy!

Whatever it is (official reveal at the next SOS Virtual Meet )

You'll be providing the drum roll I hope....

[Exalted Wombat]

You don’t have to wait until a string breaks to order some spares!

[Wonks]

And you need to know how to change one. So best get some cheap ones and start learning. There really is no excuse these days for not knowing how to set up your own guitar. It's not rocket science. Even Zen can do it!

[garrettendi]

You don’t have to wait until a string breaks to order some spares!

It's getting set up literally next week! Spare strings would be a waste of money unless needed!

[garrettendi]

And you need to know how to change one. So best get some cheap ones and start learning. There really is no excuse these days for not knowing how to set up your own guitar. It's not rocket science. Even Zen can do it!

I can't even drill a hole into the wall without cocking up! I do not trust my DIY skills on my guitars!

[garrettendi]

Just to clarify I fully intend to learn to change strings! It's just the shop I bought from has a free setup, and I want to change the brand of strings!

[blinddrew]

the shop I bought from has a free setup,

Worth taking advantage of.