Hi, thanks for help in advance!

I recently acquired a Squier for free, but the previous owner never really maintained it. I'm using it to sort of learn more about modding and repair, and the sound is actually decent.

Here's what I want to know though; why would anyone fully tighten claw screws in the tremolo cavity so that the claw is almost directly up against the wall? Other than someone just not knowing what they're doing, would that stabilize the tremolo system (instead of putting a wooden block there, for example)? The bridge plate screws are anchored down pretty well too.

Thanks!

I wouldn't tighten the trem claw to the body. I put 5 springs in the back which pulls the bridge to the body and gives you the desired effect.

The guitar is set up now with the plate up against the wall. I'm really not sure if I should loosen it up and get a block of wood to put in there, or just keep it the way it is.

The wood block will essentially give you a hardtail, so if you want zero trem movement then there ya go. Backing the claw out a bit and adding springs will still allow you to dive even if you really have to give it some muscle.

You might also check out the Squier forum here. I just picked up my first squier last Sunday.

Ah, righto. Thanks.

I'm retarded...

I'd be carefull on this one. The screws on the trems faceplate shouldnt be tight. It sounds to me like the previous owner may have tightend the faceplate screws too much and tried to combat it by tightening the tremclaw up too much.
I'd ease those faceplate screws off a turn or two.

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No no and no