I've never really got to grips with using the tremolo on my Strat Plus... it always seemed a little loose and it was a pain removing it each time to put the guitar away in its case.

But now, a revelation! I happened to browse the user manual online and found two things:
1) You do not have to remove the trem arm in the case! Now, this may seem obvious to others, but I bought my Strat used with the arm removed and assumed that it wouldn't fit in the case with arm fitted, so religiously removed it each time.
2) There is a little spring that fits in the trem arm mounting hole. I bought one of eBay and it makes a fantastic difference - firms up the arm and lets it stay where you put it... neither too floppy or too stiff.

It's only a little thing (literally!), but if you've got a missing trem arm spring I would recommend you get one - it makes a big difference.


(I don't think all strat trems use this spring - maybe others can advise?)

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That's why, when you go to the local guitar super-store and you see all those new strats on the wall, they have stickers over the hole where the trem arm would go. If you buy a Fender Strat new and there is not sticker on the bridge, the odds are someone has already had the trem arm in there and there most likely isn't a spring anymore. Be sure to ask for one... after all, you're paying for it.

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I would think that closing the lid to the skb case with the trem arm still on would push on the trem block...

maybe I'm worng... but this is my first trem equiped guitar...

any long term guys out there with the answer?

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This is my guitar, there are many like it but this one is mine.

I have always removed the trem arm when putting my Strats in a case.

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

I also always remove the trem arm when putting my strats in their case. In addition, I turn the guitar face down, let the spring fall into my hand, and put it back in the little plastic box of trem arm springs I got for a couple of bucks at my local Fender dealer, and keep the box in the case.

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