Hey all,

I'm new to the Fender arena. Saying that just got my first highway one strat. I decided to put the tremolo arm in and give it a shot, but after getting it started and a couple turns it started to get really tight.. Is that normal? I really don't want to strip this thing, seeing as I just got it 2 days ago, any input is appreciated.

Thanks.

Perhaps you should take it to the store where you bought it and ask them to take a look? That might be the safest option. I got a H1 strat just over a week ago, and it took several turns to get the trem bar firmly placed. More than just two turns, anyway.

If I were in any doubt about something like this, I'd take it to the store and ask them about it. Hope that helps. You don't want the arm breaking in the tremolo.

my am standard had a dirty hole, - i suspect from the original threading of the trem block. dont force the arm into the threads.it will gaul. take it back to the store if you dont have the ability to run a tap into the block yourself. also dont let some tech force it into the threads either. if they start that take it to a private luthier and explain what needs to be done.

there is the possibility however that you are feeling the resistance of the trem arm spring that comes shipped in that hole. i would pop the spring out and try threading it again. it should spin freely into the hole several complete turns with no real resistance to speak of

good luck.

Maybe a combo. Smear some Vaseline on the threads, thread it in a couple turns carefully, back it out, clean the lube off, put fresh on, do it again, go a half turn further. And so on. A dirty hole is a distict possibility.
'Had it happen, here.