Trem system question

[teleowner0196]

I just bought a guitar and it has a Strat style vintage sync trem or whatever. Dont really like it that much. I am wondering if there is something that would fit in the place of it that can do back bends, withoug getting any routing done.

Thanks,

[Icepick]

Don't know if any other trem system would fit without some modifications, but you can set it up as a floating trem which will allow you to do back bends.
This basically consists of loosening the springs then tilting the bridge plate so it's about "3/32 above the body, using a wooden wedge between the trem block and guitar body to maintain the position. Tune to pitch, then tighten the springs until the wedge falls out.

[teleowner0196]

Will this work with a 6 screw 3 spring system

[Icepick]

Yes it'll work. Some people, like SRV remove the four center screws because it can be easier to get everything working smoothly when the bridge is only pivoting on two points rather than six. Though it can still be setup well with all six screws in place.
You'll likely need to readjust the action and intonation when you do this.Only tools you'll need are a screwdriver and Allen wrench to adjust the saddle screws and a tapered wooden shim to place temporarily in the trem cavity between the trem block and cavity wall of the body.

[Valvey]

The higher you set the bridge plate to do back bends the better the nut has to be to stay in tune, at least that's the case on my strat.

[teleowner0196]

Yeah I have a graphtek (I'm sure spelling is off) nut on it right now those have been good on previous guitars.. I wanted it like the jeff beck thing, half step on high E, etc

[Icepick]

If you want to bend that far you'll probably have to raise the bridge plate "1/8 or more. Might have to experiment a bit with different heights till you get it playing the way you want.

[mabley123]

check out mannmade usa tremolos.

he is the original supplier to PRS and his non locking tremols are second to none.

he makes 1 that is vintage spec. 1 that is 2 point and has the original tremolo unit he designed for PRS guitars starting in the mid 90's.

[WickedGTR]

Originally Posted by teleowner0196

Will this work with a 6 screw 3 spring system

Actually, it was designed to work that way. So yes, it works.

[teleowner0196]

Thanks everyone, the information has been very helpful.