Axis setup experience

[mikeller]

So, I had my newest Axis (floyd model) set up by a very reputable shop this week.

In an effort to satisfy my hopes that the bridge doesn't thump on the guitar front, the tech installed (glued) a thin piece of wood inside the trem cavity, so that when in resting position, the trem block is resting on that wood instead of the front of the guitar. Essentially, looking at the bridge it looks like it is floating, but it isn't.

I am not sure if that is a conventional approach or not, but, I am not liking it at the moment. When resting, the bridge is resonating on that piece of wood and has a much different tone than when the trem is depressed - almost louder and amplified. Plus, if I choke strings, the bridge now thumps against that wood instead of the guitar front. And within 15 minutes of getting the guitar home, that thin piece of wood has come unglued.

Any comments would be appreciated - not sure what to do at this stage. I love the guitar alot and really want it to work right.

 

[tommyindelaware]

i'd call customer service if i were u . was this out of the warranty period ?

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Some of the older EB tremolos came with a thin strip of velvet along the back edge where it contacts the body. I haven't looked at any lately to see if they still come that way. Maybe that is an option?

EB Customer Service 1-866-823-2255

 

[TonyEVH5150]

The Axis was designed to have the Floyd resting on the top/body of the guitar. It's part of the stability of the trem system. Adding the piece of wood into the trem cavity probably sets up a situation where the trem is actually floating (to a small degree), and it's possible that the wood block is actually transmitting vibrations from the trem block (which could explain the louder/amplified sound).

It's normal for the trem to "thump" against the body, especially if the trem is depressed and quickly released.

That's my 2 cents. I'd give Customer Service a call.

 

[Jason2112]

Go to your local craft store and look for some thin (1/32" - 1/16") silicone/rubber material. I've seen it sold in strips and it has adhesive on one side. Just stick it to the underside of the trem where it meets the body. It's the same concept that's used with the vintage trems in the ASS, Silo, etc.

Ultimately you will have to adjust your playing technique to release the trem bar without allowing the trem to "thump" the body.

 

[TNT]

Mike,

If you didn't want the trem plate coming to rest on the top of the guitar, than that is definetly a "normal" modification (still needs to be done correctly thoug).

My question is though, why don't you want it coming to rest on the guitar body?? If it's just a "cosmetic' thing, like you don't want it to nick or indent the top of the guitar there, than that is a good choice.

However, several methods can be incorporated to accomplish this (I've done them all). Most involve stopping the "trem block" in some manner, just like that.

Remember, EVH used a quarter for the trem plate to come to rest on (of course he drilled it in the top of the guitar, lol,lol,lol).

 

[mikeller]

TNT - yes, it was basically a cosmetic thing, I was concerned with possible cracking or chipping at the finish.

I talked with the shop I used and will be returning it today. I don't mind it resting on the guitar face if that is how the trem works best. I also don't mind the wood block in so long as it doesn't alter the tone in any way.

I will keep everyone posted on the outcome.

Thanks for all the replies!!!

I should have added its my newest Axis, but I purchased it used.

Mike

 

[TNT]

Mike,

Just so you know, I've never had a chip or dent happen on my Axis from the trem plate resting on the guitar top!!

The only way this could possibly happen is if the trem plate was so out of wack, (at a sharp angle) that it comes down to rest way to one side of the plate.

It's supossed to rest on the top of the guitar - don't worry about it!!!

 

[GHWelles]

Some of the older EB tremolos came with a thin strip of velvet along the back edge where it contacts the body. I haven't looked at any lately to see if they still come that way. Maybe that is an option?

EB Customer Service 1-866-823-2255

Mine have it. It works

 

[mikeller]

Thanks -

Its back at the shop and will hopefully be back tomorrow. I will let everyone know how it all works out.

 

[mikeller]

Got it back today - its all good now!!!!