It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 8:15 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Replacing E series trem
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 8:26 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:42 am
Posts: 19
SO I am thinking about replacing an e series trem on a MIJ 85 strat. I would like a two bolt floating trem. Just looking for something very solid. Any suggestions please? Thank you.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Replacing E series trem
Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 1:08 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
Posts: 4240
There are several types of tremolos on 1985 MIJ Strats, from "Systems" to traditionals. But, from your post on the setting up topic, I guess you have a six screw, vintage type trem.

A real upgrade (IMHO) would mean going for the floydrosean level; and none of that type would fit without routing etc.
Just replacing it with a two post trem is a major operation - and honestly, the difference (six screws to two posts, and IMHO) isn't so major.
And (IMveryhumbleO, plus no offence intended), one should have that kind of modding done by a good pro, if one needs to ask for advice on a forum.

But I'd suggest a cheaper way: have the guitar set up by a good pro - I find that even the cheapest Squier trems do their job when the guitar is properly set up, so I'd be surprized if a MIJ from the golden MIJ eighties wouldn't.
And you should remember that the six screws trem isn't designed for dive bombs (etc.) although Jimi, Eddie, Steve and many others have done amazing things with it.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Replacing E series trem
Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:00 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:42 am
Posts: 19
Thanks for the response. This MIJ Strat has an E series trem which is a 2 bolt trem. One of the post holding the trem and the tremolo itself appears to be slightly bent. Because of this I do not believe the trem will ever hold tune correctly. I also had a pro look at the guitar who agreed. So that has me wondering what is a good 2 bolt trem I might consider swapping with.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Replacing E series trem
Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:10 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:42 am
Posts: 19


Attached is a video showing the model of strat this is.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Replacing E series trem
Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 12:36 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
Posts: 4240
Aha, it's that one... :wink:

My first option would be to restore the old trem if possible. The post probably isn't bent, only moved in its hole. On the "bent trem plate", consult another pro - it's possible, but very rare on this type trems.

On replacing it with a new trem, about the same as I wrote above. You won't find a "drop in" replacement, so this one would be a biggie.

And as a general notice; SysOne parts are quite rare=expensive,
which would work against you on restoring but for you on replacing the old trem.

(Again, all of the above IMHO and AFAIK)


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Replacing E series trem
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 3:29 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:42 am
Posts: 19
jmattis wrote:
Aha, it's that one... :wink:

My first option would be to restore the old trem if possible. The post probably isn't bent, only moved in its hole. On the "bent trem plate", consult another pro - it's possible, but very rare on this type trems.

On replacing it with a new trem, about the same as I wrote above. You won't find a "drop in" replacement, so this one would be a biggie.

And as a general notice; SysOne parts are quite rare=expensive,
which would work against you on restoring but for you on replacing the old trem.

(Again, all of the above IMHO and AFAIK)

I think I would almost prefer the post be bend. If the post has moved in its hole then dealing with the an enlarged hole I think would be worst than simply replacing a post. AT this point I simply do not know for sure until I get in there and find out. Why would I not find a "drop in trem" replacement? If I can match the post lengths it appears a should be able to be used? Thanks


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Replacing E series trem
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 2:52 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
Posts: 4240
A worn post hole can be cured; the process (very, very simplified) is disassembling, drilling an oversized hole, plugging it with the same wood as the body, drilling a new hole, refinishing, reassembling. (Sometimes you get lucky and an easy case can be fixed with just adding layer by layer of glue to the sides of the hole, making it gradually fit.)
A bent post should AFAIK need to be replaced with a similar one, and System trem (compliant) parts are (to say the least) somewhat hard to find.
(One hint: if the trem height adjustment works OK, the post is probably straight... )

As for finding a "drop-in" replacement trem: The post distance must match. The string spacement must match. All screw hole positions must match. The trem must fit in the existing routings. The trem must be the correct height. Plus, the zero adjustment point of the saddles must match - or be at least close enough to the nominal scale that you can intonate the guitar. Etc.
Your starting point is the System One, which is a rare model. I'm not aware of any trem that is advertized as a drop in substitute, but it's of course possible some other forum member has more info.
And generally: I'll just say that it's quite common that a drop-in replacement part just doesn't drop in...

My advice still is, take the guitar to a good pro. First for evaluating the situation, then to do what it needs.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Replacing E series trem
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 7:30 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:42 am
Posts: 19
jmattis wrote:
A worn post hole can be cured; the process (very, very simplified) is disassembling, drilling an oversized hole, plugging it with the same wood as the body, drilling a new hole, refinishing, reassembling. (Sometimes you get lucky and an easy case can be fixed with just adding layer by layer of glue to the sides of the hole, making it gradually fit.)
A bent post should AFAIK need to be replaced with a similar one, and System trem (compliant) parts are (to say the least) somewhat hard to find.
(One hint: if the trem height adjustment works OK, the post is probably straight... )

As for finding a "drop-in" replacement trem: The post distance must match. The string spacement must match. All screw hole positions must match. The trem must fit in the existing routings. The trem must be the correct height. Plus, the zero adjustment point of the saddles must match - or be at least close enough to the nominal scale that you can intonate the guitar. Etc.
Your starting point is the System One, which is a rare model. I'm not aware of any trem that is advertized as a drop in substitute, but it's of course possible some other forum member has more info.
And generally: I'll just say that it's quite common that a drop-in replacement part just doesn't drop in...

My advice still is, take the guitar to a good pro. First for evaluating the situation, then to do what it needs.

Thank you very much! Good Info


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Replacing E series trem
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 7:24 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:50 pm
Posts: 7998
Location: ʎɹʇunoɔ ǝsoɹ pןıʍ
After you do your post hole fill and re-drill operation you're going to want to re-visit your intonation. It's doubtful your drilled hole will be as accurately positioned as the original CNC machining and it won't matter if you do it or a tech does it. It will very likely be not exactly in the original position. It's not a terribly big concern but a concern nonetheless. As long as it's pretty close you should be OK. Intonation adjustments can cover that sin. By "pretty close", I mean less than 1/16" out. Preferably much less. The width (side to side spacing) will be equally important for the proper functioning of the pivot points as the fore and aft.

_________________
Image
Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: