Different tensions of MM Trems (Best Trem system out there)

[Roubster]

First off, this is not a complaint or a problem or an issue.

I set up my 20th Silo and Silhouette Special pretty much the same exact way with the bridge floating like on the LUKE models. I have 3 springs in both guitars with 10s on both guitars. I noticed that the Silo Special trem seems to be a bit stiffer even when its set up to float. The Silo Special does have a piezo system, but I dont think that has anything to do with that.

Was wondering if anyone noticed any subtle tension differences on their Balls? I should have my LUKE soon and will compare that one with my other two. Of course there are many factors that can make this occur such as the actual spring tension, dry pivot points maybe?

Anyway, just wanted to discuss this and also the fact that I absolutely LOVE the Music Man Vintage Trem system. I honstely could not live/play without it. I test drove a Blackstar in a store with a blahblahblah guitar with one of those Edge Pro systems...I couldnt deal with that bulky pointless thing.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I was under the impression that only the JP and the Luke were designed to float.

 

[rdacey72]

I was under the impression that only the JP and the Luke were designed to float.

Well, technically, you can set almost any vintage style trem to float. I do it on both of my ALs and they work perfectly.

In fact, I believe Albert Lee himself sets his up to float too.

Roubster, if you're experiencing differences in tension, you may wanna experiment with some different springs or add/remove a spring to get to the desired action

Hope that helps.

-RD

 

[Roubster]

Its perfectly fine and it works for what I need...just interesting that it feels smoother on my 20th Silo though. And YES, Albert Lee actually has it floating as well according to the latest interview I read. The LUKE trem is the same exact as on the ASS, Silo, Silo Special and AL guitars so they can all be set up to float to an extent.

 

[shredhed]

Yeah, spring tension does vary. I have a whole box of them and they are all different to some degree.

 

[walleye]

Yeah, spring tension does vary. I have a whole box of them and they are all different to some degree.

sadly tremolo springs arent up to the engineering standard of nasa

 

[denny99]

I set up my 20th Silo and Silhouette Special pretty much the same exact way with the bridge floating like on the LUKE models. I have 3 springs in both guitars with 10s on both guitars. I noticed that the Silo Special trem seems to be a bit stiffer even when its set up to float.

I used to have floating bridge on my Luke for a long time. Now it is set for dive only, which comes handy when quickly switch from standard to drop-D tuning.

BTW, I use only 2 springs set at an angle. I tried 3 springs float trem and it was stiff and unconfortable (to me, at least). Two angled springs is perfect IMHO both for dive-only and float setup.

Give it a try!

 

[fbecir]

Two angled springs is perfect IMHO both for dive-only and float setup.

Denny, are you using 9-42 or 10-46 strings ??? With my SUB and 10-46 strings, the 3 springs are compulsory if I want to have a dive-only setup. But of course, it depends on the springs but also the distance between the tremolo block and the attachement of the springs.

 

[Lance Romance]

Kind of off-topic, but I've got the Raw Vintage springs in my Albert Lee. They're lighter tension so you need to use one or two more springs, but the feel is really smooth and sensitive, particularily if you have it setup to float. The crowning touch for a great vibrato system!-Eric

 

[threeminutesboy]

difference between your 2 guitars is the size of the neck (22 against 24) so your trem may setting though identical may feel different because of that

 

[Roubster]

Yea, I dont think 2 springs would work that great with 10-46 strings...would have to tighten the trem claw all the way to the base I guess. Either way, the trem works flawlessly, so its not a complaint. If its tuned properly I can do some insane dive bombs and it will return to pitch on all the strings. Some people have issues with the G string going out of tune, but thats because it is related to the B and High E strings and the way they are tuned together. Thats at least what I found out...not sure if that makes sense but it works hehe.

Might be right about the 24 vs. 22 frets...but I dont see that being the case really, since both are 25.5 scale necks?

 

[Heeboja]

There's always subtle differences in the tensions. And since they are from a different year they shoud be from different patches of springs. Afterall this isn't NASA we're talking about.

Two springs work with 9-46 (Elixir, a bit stiffer than your "normal" strings) in floating mode. At least that's how I have my OLP Pet set up. But nowadays the trem is blocked.

 

[Roubster]

I'm not going to compare my guitars to an OLP with Elixirs my friend...no offense. EB titanium coated on mine or pure nickel .

 

[Heeboja]

I'm not saying that you should, just brought out what I am using as an example for your spring theory. 9-46 works with 2 springs. Elixirs are a bit stiffer than EB titanium coated. ( I like those as well.) So I'd imagine it would work with 10-46 as well. As you said (read between the lines) the quality of the springs isn't the same on the OLP and EBMM (no **** sherlock ) I'd imagine that would lead to stiffer springs on the EBMM ones. And therefore the 10-46 should work with 2 springs on your well crafted and quality instrument that is Ernie Ball Music Man (Might sound sarcastic, but not meaning it in that way).

 

[azazael]

I'm not going to compare my guitars to an OLP with Elixirs my friend...no offense. EB titanium coated on mine or pure nickel .

Nothing wrong with Elixirs mate.

 

[denny99]

Denny, are you using 9-42 or 10-46 strings ??? With my SUB and 10-46 strings, the 3 springs are compulsory if I want to have a dive-only setup. But of course, it depends on the springs but also the distance between the tremolo block and the attachement of the springs.

Sorry, I forgot to mention I use 9/42. Yep with 10s, 2 springs would require to screw the claw all the way into the body...