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Post subject: Tremolo bar modification.
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2019 8:34 pm
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I have an idea on how to improve the tremolo arm action and eliminate the slop in the bar. Run a 10-32 die up the threaded part of the arm about 3/8 of an inch further up. You can then screw a 10-32 "nylock" nut onto the arm and run it all the way up onto the newly cut threads. Install the lock nut with the nylon sleeve toward the bend of the trem arm. The nut can then be adjusted so that you can quickly swing the arm into position, and it will tighten down snugly to the correct operating position into the block and eliminate the sloppiness of the loose thread. It can also be swung quickly counter clockwise away from the operating position out of the way as usual. A 10-32 die can be purchased for about $5 dollars and a stainless or brass 10-32 nylock nut is about 25 cents.


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Post subject: Re: Tremolo bar modification.
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 5:18 am
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Sounds like a pretty good idea, if that's what you're after. Most people I know that use a Tremolo on a regular basis actually prefer it to swing---they hold onto it as they are picking, strumming, and bending the bridge plate up and down...then when they're done they simply drop it and it swings out of the way.
Admittedly, I am not very good at all with a Tremolo, but I DO have one guitar set to float, and I like the trem arm loose.

Also, a good note to others; not all Trem blocks & arms are 10/32nds. so if you're wanting to do this procedure make sure you measure before you buy your tools and hardware.


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Post subject: Re: Tremolo bar modification.
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 5:29 am
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On modern production bridge blocks, that's what the spring and ball in the bottom of the hole accomplish.
Other models have a setscrew on the block to snug the arm.

Personally, I don't care for the arm to be "floppy", I like it to be just firm enough so it stays where I put it at any position.

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Post subject: Re: Tremolo bar modification.
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 7:45 am
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Aside the spring in the bottom of the hole that no-one knows is there and then looses ... I wondered what that spring was for that I found on the floor... you could alternatively wrap the thread with PTFE tape.

It is years since I waggled a whammy bar but I also seem to recall the thread is tapered towards the end so will become stiffer of its own accord the more you screw it in....but I may be mistaken.

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Post subject: Re: Tremolo bar modification.
Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2019 5:01 am
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John Sims wrote:
It is years since I waggled a whammy bar but I also seem to recall the thread is tapered towards the end so will become stiffer of its own accord the more you screw it in....but I may be mistaken.
No, not mistaken; you are correct---atleast when it comes to my MIM Standards, that IS how it works.


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Post subject: Re: Tremolo bar modification.
Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2019 8:34 am
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White Dog wrote:
John Sims wrote:
It is years since I waggled a whammy bar but I also seem to recall the thread is tapered towards the end so will become stiffer of its own accord the more you screw it in....but I may be mistaken.
No, not mistaken; you are correct---atleast when it comes to my MIM Standards, that IS how it works.


True dat!

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