The fourth spring

[patricks]

Hi all,

So, we know that when you get a new G&L they come with a bag containing a spring and some allen keys - Is the fourth spring in there as a spare part, or can I add it to my tremolo to increase the spring tension on the tremolo unit and give it a "beefier" feel? If I can, would it be better on the bass or treble side?

I have a feeling I can't, for reasons of balance (i.e. if adding more springs, I'd need to add two so that the tension was even across the tremolo block) and string tension, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

Thanks!
Pat

[Marcus T]

I believe you you could double up the middle spring , shifting the existing one over and installing the new one to keep the balance.

[Miles Smiles]

If the current claws do have more then 3 hooks, it's no problem. As the tremolo block doesn't bend, it's completely regardless, where you put the additional spring.

You will have to adjust the tension by releasing the screws at the claw anyway.

[patricks]

Great, thanks very much guys!
Miles, that's a good point about adjusting the claw screws. I don't have much experience setting guitars up so probably best to leave that to a pro to make sure it's done right. I'm getting the plastic nut changed for a bone nut soon (I'm having issues with tuning stability), so I'll ask them to set it up at the same time.
Thanks again!

[louis cyfer]

Great, thanks very much guys!
Miles, that's a good point about adjusting the claw screws. I don't have much experience setting guitars up so probably best to leave that to a pro to make sure it's done right. I'm getting the plastic nut changed for a bone nut soon (I'm having issues with tuning stability), so I'll ask them to set it up at the same time.
Thanks again!

the bone nut won't help as much as say delron 500cl for the nut, that will help with tuning issues a lot more.

[patricks]

Cool, thanks

[suave eddie]

I'm getting the plastic nut changed for a bone nut soon

If your guitar is new, the bone nut is standard already. Bone nuts became standard in September 2009.

[patricks]

If your guitar is new, the bone nut is standard already. Bone nuts became standard in September 2009.

Even for Tribute models?

[suave eddie]

I thought it was a U.S. model.........................never mind.

[Miles Smiles]

I'll keep assuming, it's an US model if it's just said to be a G&L.

[MJ Slaughter]

Great, thanks very much guys!
Miles, that's a good point about adjusting the claw screws. I don't have much experience setting guitars up so probably best to leave that to a pro to make sure it's done right. I'm getting the plastic nut changed for a bone nut soon (I'm having issues with tuning stability), so I'll ask them to set it up at the same time.
Thanks again!

IMO a bone nut is nice if you hit a lot in open notes with your playing to take advantage of the bone tone but that is only going to make a difference with open strings. As for tuning stability my experience has been that it doesn't help as much as a good lube or the Graph Tech nuts I use. My American Strat Deluxe had tuning issues when using the vibrato (tremolo) so my tech cut a bone nut for it. Open strings sounded nice but did nothing for turning stability. I took it back to him to fine tune the slots. Didn't work so took it to another guy. His efforts didn't work. About to sell the guitar I ordered a precut Graph Tech nut and installed it myself. Since then I've had the most stable tuning, even using the vibrato , that I've ever had with that guitar. Ive kept the guitar and use it almost every weekend.

[patricks]

I thought it was a U.S. model.........................never mind.

Sorry, my bad, I should have specified it was a Tribute

MJ, that's good to know , thanks - especially good that you didn't have to rehome your strat!