AL tremolo blocker?

[menvafaan]

Is there a way to block the EBMM vintage trem? I have an AL that I like a lot, but it feels like the trem kind of ruins it for me. The tuning stability isn't near that of my hardtail ASS, and I think I would enjoy the tone and the feel more if the AL was hardtail.

So, is there a way to block the trem? In that case, how much does it differ from a "real" hardtail bridge?

Or maybe it's even possible to install a real hardtail bridge on a trem guitar?

 

[Spudmurphy]

Hi Menvafaan.

I have one trem on my AL set up floating and the other trem set up standard and have no tuning issues - it's rock solid. If you are having a problem may I suggest the following.
If you don't want to use the trem then install all the springs and screw the trem claw right in - you could then insert a wood shim wrap a bit of gaffa tape around it and it will help to wedge it in between the trem block and the body.

 

[jamminjim]

Sir Spud - what is "gaffa" tape? I have an idea but better to ask..

 

[Spudmurphy]

Lost in translation huh?

Gaffer Tape - Powered by WebTail®

I guess you guys call it Duct Tape - but it's not for use on Ducting?
I think you guys also call it "Duck tape"
Duck Tape 50mm x 5M: Marinestore Chandlers

Hope this helps

 

[jamminjim]

OK - that's what I thought it was. It's my understanding that "duct" tape was initially designed for use on duct work. But we all use it for scads of things. Your brand is Gaffer and we have one here that is Duck, hence the Ducktape term. They've got lots better stuff for duct work now. Metallic tape with that gooey sealer stuff lining it.

menva - On a lesser guitar I might consider retrofitting a hardtail bridge, but on an Al!! Not many here would have the internal fortitude to butcher an Al like that. Another idea would be to sell your trem model and purchase a hardtail Al. I can't comment on the stability of the trem model, although both of my other EBMM trem models have rock solid tuning stability. Spuds advice is spot on. Make sure you have enough spring tension on the trem, and to block it here is a link with info...

Tech Tips: Blocking a Tremolo | Sweetwater.com

 

[candid_x]

Jim,

I'm a hardtail guy usually too, but I've found that I like the sound of the Silo Special with trem block et al. I just load up the claw with all 5 springs (as Spud suggested), had no need to screw the claw tighter. What's cool too is that I can still lift the bridge by the lip with my fingers, if I want to dip the pitch here or there, but it doesn't go out of tune with double stops and such. Very stable tuning.

 

[Spudmurphy]

They've got lots better stuff for duct work now. Metallic tape with that gooey sealer stuff lining it.

I know it's OT but I love the TV prog we get on cable "Holmes on Homes".
He is usually ripping out all kinds of Duct work - which is something you see little of in UK homes as we use a circulatory hot water/radiator system over here.

On a prog last week - he was saying that Duct tape wasn't very good for the job and used a foil type metallic tape like you quote.

So to get away with this OT retort ha! -The reason I mentioned wrapping the wood in G tape was, so that the Trem block/side of the trem cavity would grip the wood better - so ya wouldn't have to glue it in.
(phew got out of that one !! )

 

[beej]

you could then insert a wood shim wrap a bit of gaffa tape around it and it will help to wedge it in between the trem block and the body.

That's what I've done in the past. Make a block out of wood and use 2-sided tape to hold it in place. Something like duct tap to get it exactly the right thickness if the block isn't right.

Hey, it's not elegant but it's quick, it works and it's fully reversible.

 

[candid_x]

I did it too, on a floating G&L trem, but no tape. Picked up a triangular piece scrap pine, loosened the strings, moved the block until the trem/bridge lay flat on the body, wedged the wood inside. The cover held it in place perfectly. Never touched it again until I sold it for a silo, a couple years later.

But on nonfloating bridges, what's the advantage of using a wedge over using 5 springs?

 

[jamminjim]

candid - on my Sub 1 with trem I really dig being able to get the tremolo sounds with just the palm of my hand on the bridge - it's way cool..

Spud, I used that aluminum tape with the sticky grey stuff on it to seal the flashing of a skylight I put in my storage building. Worked very nicely.
Guess we're all engineers in one way or another....