It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 10:21 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: New MIM Stratocaster trem
Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 2:53 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:42 am
Posts: 19
So after getting a new mim Strat earlier this week I must say the guitar plays very well. I like the feel of the neck etc and the tone of the guitar is good. It needs a bit of set up work when I got it and now I have things close to Fender specs regarding trem height etc. However I want to use the trem slightly when playing this guitar and find the guitar does not go back to tune as well as I would like it too. I have watched several videos on setting up the vintage trem with these guitars but still needs some work. I will continue to try to work this out so my question is this common? Can these Vintage trems be set to use and the guitar still hold tune? If not what is the best vintage replacement trems I can look at? Thanks


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: New MIM Stratocaster trem
Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 8:14 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2007 1:57 pm
Posts: 1089
Location: Rossendale UK
vwelch01 wrote:
Can these Vintage trems be set to use and the guitar still hold tune?


They certainly can.
The nut probably needs fettling (the slots might be too tight and binding up) and lubricating, and any strings trees need to be smooth and lubricated too.
You could replace the nut - I have a Tusq XL nut on my Mexican Strat, and replace the string tree/trees for the ones currently fitted to the USA Standard.
The way you string the guitar can improve things - it's possible to wrap the strings so they lock onto the tuning post without having loads of excess string length.
And finally, there's a small chance that your tuners slip - personally I'd check out all the other stuff before considering changing the tuners.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: New MIM Stratocaster trem
Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 1:55 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
Posts: 4241
+1 to everything Stratmagler said, I'll just expand a little to the big principles:

The two key factors to get a trem working properly are IMHO:
1. Understanding the balance between string tension and trem springs. There is no one and only right solution; if you bend a lot you may need more springs than someone who doesn't, etc.
2. Getting the string movement as frictionless as possible - that is, checking and lubing every string/other contact point.

Add to these the general proper setup (including the adjustment of the six trem plate screws, proper support from the truss rod etc...), and you should be fine with a MIM trem.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: New MIM Stratocaster trem
Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 2:45 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:48 am
Posts: 26417
Location: Tombstone Territory
jmattis wrote:
+1 to everything Stratmagler said, I'll just expand a little to the big principles:

The two key factors to get a trem working properly are IMHO:
1. Understanding the balance between string tension and trem springs. There is no one and only right solution; if you bend a lot you may need more springs than someone who doesn't, etc.
2. Getting the string movement as frictionless as possible - that is, checking and lubing every string/other contact point.

Add to these the general proper setup (including the adjustment of the six trem plate screws, proper support from the truss rod etc...), and you should be fine with a MIM trem.


+1

I'd add only that it may be necessary to add a spring to provide additional trem stability, especially when using a heavier-than-recommended string set. Not to fear, springs are cheap enough and easily installed.

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: New MIM Stratocaster trem
Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 7:05 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sat Aug 23, 2008 2:01 pm
Posts: 1598
I also have to add a +1 to what's already been said...so much of how well a Strat stays in tune really just comes down to the setup.

The 2 biggest areas where I see mistakes is how the strings are wrapped on the tuners and the nut. When changing strings, MAKE SURE you pay attention to the number of winds on the post...to few and the strings will slip, too many and the strings will bind. As far as the nut goes, as others have already said, make sure it's filed correctly for the string gauge you are using! A lot of people may tell you it doesn't matter - IT DOES. Even if you just go from .009's to .010's, those larger strings can get pinched in the nut, particularly the low E and A, wreaking havoc with your tuning! I also use roller T's on all my MIM's...they don't cost that much and are a worthwhile upgrade.

Also, remember to stretch those strings whenever you do a string change! Whenever I do a string change, I'll push, pull and bend those strings in every which direction and I'll work the crap out of the trem bar for a few minutes to make sure everything is seated correctly! Afterwards, I'll usually let the guitar sit a day or two to allow for natural string stretch, then I'll repeat the process before putting the guitar thru some paces.

Hope this helps!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: New MIM Stratocaster trem
Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 5:00 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:42 am
Posts: 19
Well good news... I took some time filed, cleaned and lubed all friction points then set up the trem in the correct position and now this new guitar is holding tune! Im amazed! MIM 6 point them seem to work very well. This is my first 6 point trem system and I am very pleased now that I have it set up correctly. I am also really liking the tone and playability of this guitar! I think it is a keeper! Thank you to everyones helpful input.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: