Help! Axis changing strings the Floyd trem pops out? What?

[tildeslash]

Got an Axis a few months ago.
Was setup great so left the original strings on.
Last night I tried to change strings, so I removed them all.

Big mistake as the trem just popped of the trem post and one spring on the back came off as well.
Now everytime I put on the springs on the back and slowly turn the body around to install strings - the trem just pops out. I even inserted a trem stop behind the trem to give tension on the spring but nope.

Does this mean I have to change strings one string at a time from now on?
That sucks because I like to polish and clean the fretboard sometimes.

So now how do I keep the trem in place while changing all strings.

 

[DrKev]

This guy uses chopsticks, personally, I prefer a stack of post-its/playing cards/paper. Also, a strip of masking tape or painters tape across the top of the saddles will prevent the inserts falling out if you move the guitar around or turn it over. (Stick the tape to your pant leg first to un-sticky it a bit).

 

[Tollywood]

You can take off three strings, clean half the board, and put on three new ones. Then, remove the older three and clean that half of the fretboard and put on new ones.

 

[tildeslash]

I am using something call Tremolok by Gripmaster like this.
Yeah same concept as chopstick.

See pictures below.
This is the problem.


This is the Tremolok.


This is how you use it but it still pops out as show in the 1st picture.

 

[CHill]

I take a strip of cereal box, fold it a few times then place under the term just like the pics above. Zero cost. Zero scratches.

 

[tildeslash]

I take a strip of cereal box, fold it a few times then place under the term just like the pics above. Zero cost. Zero scratches.

Well I already have the tremolok which does the same thing you are recommending and it's not helping.

 

[Stratty316]

18 years ago and after doing exactly what you did I decided to change the strings on my Axis one at a time. You get used to it and you figure out ways to polish between the pickups. Depressing the trem in the same way you would to adjust the trusrod allows you to get a cloth between the pickups really easy. It's totally worth it to me with the Axis though I have swore off Floyd's on any other brand or boxing match for that matter.

 

[Bob123]

Sounds like you have way too much tension on the springs

 

[CHill]

Without strings, center 1 spring, put the D and G strings on to hold it in place (see one spring = less tension), check that the trem edge is on the posts correctly, flip the guitar over, properly set spring 2, properly set spring 1, continue stringing. Millions of guitars have Floyds and floating trems put on for the first time, so you will have to balance the trem tension and figure it out. Stratty316 has a great suggestion for the next string change. Cheers.

 

[Firesource]

I always remove all the strings on mine without any problems. As Bob123 says it sounds like the springs are pulling way too hard. Also, the tremolo should rest on the body at all times (except when divebombing of course), meaning that it shouldn't fall any further back when you remove the strings.

 

[tildeslash]

Ok I followed the suggestions above and it worked.