Tremolo

Technical Talk and Tips
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astutzmann
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Tremolo

Post by astutzmann »

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, Craig.

On my LE-2, which has the DFS tremolo, I use strings that are slightly heavier on the lower end, .01-.48 ( and sometimes to .50).

For my guitar to stay in tune, the tremolo is not level with the body, it rises up and is higher in the back. I would like it to get more parallel as this would give me better and proper performance and lower the action on the high notes.

Do you think the solution would be to add more springs on the tremolo? I've also seen pictures of a special spring that some people use in the middle position? What's that and what does it do?

Image


Thx,

Alf
Alf Stutzmann
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SouthpawGuy
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Re: Tremolo

Post by SouthpawGuy »

Hi Alf,

You need to tighten the woodscrews on the trem "claw", they are on the left in this photo

Image

Tightening them will bring the bridge parallel, loosening will increase the angle
Image
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astutzmann
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Re: Tremolo

Post by astutzmann »

thanks.....do you suggest I do this while the guitar is strung at tension? Perhaps loosen the strings (detune), a bit.
Alf Stutzmann
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SouthpawGuy
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Re: Tremolo

Post by SouthpawGuy »

I always do it at full tension. The trem claw is used for minor adjustments, adding another spring will have a more dramatic effect, for that I would detune.
Image
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astutzmann
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Re: Tremolo

Post by astutzmann »

thx again, Paul!!
Alf Stutzmann
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SouthpawGuy
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Re: Tremolo

Post by SouthpawGuy »

No problem Alf.

Lefties do it Right :alright:
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Fumble fingers
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Re: Tremolo

Post by Fumble fingers »

yep , been using 10-52's and it does the same thing , keep adjusting the claw while re-tuning until it's level is how I do it too , once level and in tune I will put the cover back on
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astutzmann
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Re: Tremolo

Post by astutzmann »

No room for extra springs anyway

Image

I like this much better, about 3 twists on each screw.

Image
Alf Stutzmann
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Elwood
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Re: Tremolo

Post by Elwood »

Well done !

(Hey Southpawguy ,what ax is in the pic? I see the '91 date sticker...I didn't know they still used
them in '91. )
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SouthpawGuy
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Re: Tremolo

Post by SouthpawGuy »

Elwood wrote:Well done !

(Hey Southpawguy ,what ax is in the pic? I see the '91 date sticker...I didn't know they still used
them in '91. )
No idea, I did a google search for G&L trem cavity and used that photo. It is on the forum though.
Image
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SouthpawGuy
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Re: Tremolo

Post by SouthpawGuy »

Image
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Elwood
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Re: Tremolo

Post by Elwood »

gotcha....thanks.
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Craig
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Re: Tremolo

Post by Craig »

astutzmann wrote: I've also seen pictures of a special spring that some people use in the middle position? What's that and what does it do?


Thx,

Alf
See this post in the G&L Knowledgebase: What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo spring?.

:ugeek:
--Craig [co-webmaster of guitarsbyleo.com, since Oct. 16, 2000]
Welcome! Read This First
Got a G&L question? Check out the: G&L Knowledgebase
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darwinohm
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Re: Tremolo

Post by darwinohm »

Alf may also be referring to a "tremsetter" that some people use to stabilize a trem. They came standard in my Strat Plus. -- Darwin
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yowhatsshakin
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Re: Tremolo

Post by yowhatsshakin »

Good job Alf. Looks great!

As an alternative of adding springs, one could mount either or both outer springs diagonally, thereby stretching them a bit more. personally I like the straight mount better, but I've seen cavities with diagonal springs.

- Jos