How many springs?

[JC225]

Hey everybody,

I recentIy switched string size and wanted to ask how many springs are you guys running on your tremolo? I originally had a set of 10's and only two springs but when I picked up my guitar from the shop they were replaced with 9's and a third spring was added. The strings feel great but that third spring on the the tremolo has made it quite a bit stiffer.

Can I drop back down to two springs without any major issues? Just wandered how many springs you guys are using especially with a set of 9's.

I appreciate the insight.

 

[Fro]

If you used two springs with 10s, you most certainly can use two springs with 9s.

 

[Fro]

I’m guessing that your trem is decked? If it was set floating the tension should decrease regardless of two or three springs if set up right.

 

[JC225]

Hey Catcher,

Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it. The tremolo does sit on the body and dives only. Does the angle of the springs make a difference? If I take it back down to the two springs and angle them wider at the bottom and bring them together on the claw does that change things at all?

Thanks

 

[beej]

With 9s, 2 springs is fine. Yes, angle them to get a bit more tension out of them, and adjust the claw as needed to get the level right.

 

[JC225]

Thanks beej,

I appreciate the information.

 

[beej]

For sure!

 

[Razzle]

I -ALWAYS- use 3 springs, for 9's or 10's.

Two is just too spongy.

 

[Daniel]

Hey everybody,

I recentIy switched string size and wanted to ask how many springs are you guys running on your tremolo? I originally had a set of 10's and only two springs but when I picked up my guitar from the shop they were replaced with 9's and a third spring was added. The strings feel great but that third spring on the the tremolo has made it quite a bit stiffer.

Can I drop back down to two springs without any major issues? Just wandered how many springs you guys are using especially with a set of 9's.

I appreciate the insight.

Ernie Ball Music Man guitars come with 3 springs if the guitar is using Regular 10-46 gauge strings, and 2 springs for a 9-42 gauge set. Our Cutlass RS uses a Hybrid set of 9-46 gauge and uses 3 springs. Depending on your guitar setup and how you like to utilize your tremolo you can use either 2 or 3 springs for your guitar setup, it's entirely up to you. I do recommend angling your springs towards the center of the trem claw if your going to run 2 springs and then adjust your trem claw to get the tension you need to keep the bridge from floating.

 

[JC225]

Hey Daniel,

Thank you very much for the information. I'll drop it back down to the two springs, install them angled as you instructed and adjust the claw from there. I just don't care for the amount of tension and feel of the three springs and really appreciate the insight.

 

[JC225]

Hey everybody,

After adjusting the claw screws to accommodate the two springs, how far should the claw be sitting away from the body? I don't think it would really matter even if the claw was right up against the body but I just wanted to be sure and see what you guys thought.

Thanks.

 

[Fro]

I tighten down the claw until the trem is just sitting on the body. Then another half turn or so on the screwdriver till the tension feels right.