After reading all the setup posts, I've decided to give it a shot - I figure if I'm careful and don't turn any screws too much, what can I break? Two questions, though -

1. Where can I buy more springs for the tremolo/bridge - I have three in the VG, and I want to set the bridge flush, but I can't seem to find anywhere to buy the springs

2. I got a set of feeler gauges, and they're coated in oil - if I wipe it off will they all stick? If I don't will it get all over the neck?

Thanks

stratstang,

Most guitar stores will have the springs. The Guitar Center in my part of town has them as does a small guitar store that I frequent. If you can't find them in any stores I'm sure you can order them online.

My feeler gauges were completely coated in oil as well. I think it is to prevent rusting or part of the manufacturing process. Anyway you probably should wipe most of it off so you don't end up getting it all over the place.

Russ

stratstang,
your feeler guages will work nicely for bridge and string set up. as stated just wipe them clean.

when you go to set up your pups i found a trick on this sight that works great. someone suggested a twist drill of the proper size insteasd of using feeler gauges. just let the mag of the pickup hold the drill and turn your p.u tension screw until the string comes in contact with the drill. the drill is a little easier than trying to keep a stack of feeler gauges together and adjust the screws at the same time. once you have your starting or stock positon adjust up or down as you please. if you find a spot you like - measure and record the settings. now tweek again - if you have the measurments of your good postions you can always return to them - remember a sharp pencil beats the best memory around.

dont forget to pick up a capo if you dont already have one.
minimum tools - maximum satisfaction when you set up your guit your way - good luck to you.

PS- when using you feelers take the screw which holds them all together out and use only the ones you need. they will stack easier without the whole stack separating the few you might need in the middle.

Hey, You dont really need to buy more springs to get your tremolo to sit flush. Just tighten your claw screws inside the spring cavity, which will increase the spring tension. Make your adjustments small (like 1/4 turn) and equal on both screws, retuning inbetween adjustments untill your trem rests flat on the body. If you want a firmer feel to your trem, you can add more springs. You can find them at guitar center or any store that sells elecric guitars. Dont forget that tuning stability is affected by friction anywhere the string makes contact, so lubricate your saddles, nut slots string trees ect. I hope this was helpful

strat,

ONE more thing on trem springs. i recently bought springs (for tension) and then realized after putting them in that they were shorter than the stock ones, thus making my trem pull on two rather than 5. bring one (spring) with you for measurements. hope this helps.

thanks for all the suggestions!

Amercan Musical Supply

1-800-458-4076



there much better than muscians friend or
guitar center.

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sombody get me a doctor!

in what way? i've never been to any of those places... but here, all my local guitar stores are pretty much the same. same prices, same know-it-all staff.... etc

i can understand that but i mean these two new black springs really tight and short... almost to a point where the three stock ones are doing nothing but almost falling out.

that was the issue i ran into...luckily i float my bridge with 5 springs so i was able to put the shorter 2 springs in the top (i set my claw up bent instead of straight). that way i got even tension across the strings and the springs didnt fall out every time i used the vibrato.

1. Any guitar store.

2. I'd buy a new set. But you can try to wipe it off really good, but if you have any doubt that there may be any residue, buy nre ones.

RK

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head