Hey all -

I've never really used the tremolo on my 2008 MIM Strat until today (bought it new 6 months ago). When doing so, I noticed a fairly pronounced "ker-chunk" ... like it was catching on something. I checked the claw and springs and that wasn't it.

Because I was going to try my hand at a complete setup anyway today, I pulled the bridge -- the first thing I noticed is that all 6 of the mounting screws are bent! Because of the bent screws, the mounting holes are a bit elongated and the bridge installs off-axis (crooked) in relation to the body (screws push it to one side or the other).

This can't be normal, right? If not, what could have caused this?

Thanks!

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Then again, what do I know ... I've only been playin' for 6 months ... !

So anyway .... are bent bridge screws normal?

FWIW, after reinstalling the bridge with the original screws, the trem no longer makes noise during use, but I set it flush to the body by moving the trem springs parallel and tightening the claw - it's one way only. Every thing seems to be cool but I'm wondering if these bent screws could cause problems down the road ... like buggered holes in the body. Is this something to be concerned about? (if bent screws aren't normal, that is ...)

Thanks in advance for any info.

-phil

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Then again, what do I know ... I've only been playin' for 6 months ... !

Phil it sounds to me like your screw holes are elongated, rather than the screws bent. Reason being that there would have to be a lot of bend on the top of the screw for it to make much difference. Simply take the trem completely off. Bend the screws back straight, put em back in the screw holes. Check for gaps around the pickguard side of the holes, indicating egg shaped holes. I have noticed a few times on mexican guitars that the pickguard contacts the tremplate. Reason being the trem has been fitted slightly forwards of its designated spot. If thats the case, simply shave a fraction off the pickguard's trem cutout. I use a craft knife blade for that and just scrape it over the edge of the bit I'm trimming. I'm careful to never cut into the plastic. It leads to disaster, as does using sandpaper.

If that shows elongated holes or the trem incorrectly placed its a warranty job and your guitars are all new, so your in luck. Whatever you decide to do is your choice. Its more common on 2point trem equipped guitars. Its due to the body wood not being strong enough for the pressure put on it. I have the same occuring on my deluxe. Vintage style trems are normaly rock solid.

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No no and no

I don't believe I've ever seen that problem before but that means nothing. Good advice Nikininja!!

Hey, thanks for that nikininja!

I'll take a closer look at the holes at the next string change but what I remember is that they definitely weren't perfectly round - a bit egg-shaped as you say (and have a bit of chamfer at the opening). It makes sense because these screws are bent maybe a third of the way down near the end of the shank portion - it's not just at the head. When the screw threads into the wood, it has to make the hole bigger to accommodate the bend. (What doesn't make sense is how the screws became bent towards the middle like that in the first place.) Not sure what you mean by "gaps around the pickguard side of the holes".

Tremplate isn't touching the pickguard. I'll probably just try to locate some new screws rather than straightening them. I'm also going to bring it up with the dealer and see what he has to say.

(Good to see you back in action - you had some people a bit worried.)

-phil

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Then again, what do I know ... I've only been playin' for 6 months ... !