Members jbear555 Posted February 18, 2011 Members Share Posted February 18, 2011 I just picked up a custom built Beau Phillips Strat (second hand) and I am loving it, but the trem is extremely tight and unresponsive. You could snap the arm off if you push hard enough. I have three other Strats, and all of them are very responsive. I tried adjusting the claw with no real change in tension. Is this a spring issue? Do I need different springs (these are gold)? Do I need to take a spring off? All of my other Strats have three (like this one does). The bridge is a vintage, six screw and the block takes an Am Std arm. Don't know the brand, but it is high-quality w/ stamped steel saddles (they have no markings...could be Gotoh). Coincidentally all three of my others are out being worked on so I can't check them out. I can wait until I get it to my tech when I pick the others up, but if it is an easy fix...I'll take care of it. What do you think? Thanks all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kayd_mon Posted February 18, 2011 Members Share Posted February 18, 2011 I guess I'd try new springs and see what happens. My PRS SE Custom 24 has 5 springs, and it's perfectly smooth. All of my Strats have 5 springs, but all but one have the bridge bolted all the way down. The one that has an operable vibrato works pretty well. Could just be the springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Belva Posted February 18, 2011 Members Share Posted February 18, 2011 I'd pull the existing springs off and see if something's binding up first. Could be the pivot point? Hold the guitar up to the computer so I can see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cephus Posted February 18, 2011 Members Share Posted February 18, 2011 Yes. Springs do have different tension. 3 fender springs don't necessarily have the same tension as 3 gotoh springs. Also, old springs get broken in and aren't as stiff as new ones. I just replaced the trem in one of my beaters. I had an old 70s fender trem in with some springs from the junk drawer and it had really light resistance. I put a vintage style trem from guitar fetish on and the same number of springs was way too stiff and the bridge was against the top of the guitar. I had to loosen the claw alot. I have also found that 2 springs cranked way tight has a lighter action than 3 springs loosened up, even when the base plate is the same distance from the top of the guitar. Springs are funny that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.