Couple of easy setup question for you guys

[Tsef]

Going to setup my JP6 for the first time and I got a few:

1) The neck needs a good cleaning so I have to take all the strings off. What's the best way to block the trem and keep it steady and in the right position while the strings are off?

2) The volume knob is kind of loose and I'd like to tighten it, I saw a post explaining how to remove the knob but how do I tighten it?

3) I'd also like to tighten the machine heads so that they'll give me a little bit more resistance while tuning, how do I tighten those?

Thanks

 

[DrKev]

1) The neck needs a good cleaning so I have to take all the strings off. What's the best way to block the trem and keep it steady and in the right position while the strings are off?

I like to use a stack playing cards or post-it notes, or thick papery goodness of some description. Shove 'em in under the back of the bridge and the guitar top, half-in/half-out kinda thing. If you want to be a bit more technique'd about it try this...

Starting with the guitar tuned to pitch, adjust the thickness of the stack of cards so that the pitch of the low E-string drops just a little (e.g. perhaps a half-step low, E to Eb, but doesn't matter how much as long as you take note of what it is). The back pressure from the trem springs will keep the card/post-its in place. Then you can detune and remove the strings, clean the neck, and all that fun stuff.

Leave the cards in place when putting the new strings go back on, and tune up to that 1/2 step (or whatever it was that you noted before hand). Then remove the cards, and you'll be almost in tune! If you used the same brand and gauge of strings you won't need to make any other adjustments, just finish stretching the strings and tuning up.

2) The volume knob is kind of loose and I'd like to tighten it, I saw a post explaining how to remove the knob but how do I tighten it?

Tighten the little allen screw in the side of the knob under the rubber skirt.

3) I'd also like to tighten the machine heads so that they'll give me a little bit more resistance while tuning, how do I tighten those?

Tighten the slot-head screw in the top of the tuning knob. Don't over do it - just as much as you need. You'll probably have to hold the knob with one hand and tighten the screw with the other. You may already be close to the end of travel of the screw and only a small fraction of a rotation may be required, so don't try to crank it. And don't drop the screw driver on your headstock!

 

[Tsef]

Thanks a million DrKev. The playing cards trick is awesome - adjustable & cheap!
Cheers

 

[DrKev]

For a vintage tone, shuffle the cards well. For a more modern tone, make sure they are in order.

 

[seagate]

For a vintage tone, shuffle the cards well. For a more modern tone, make sure they are in order.

Great tip!

 

[Lou]

I use a folded up paper towel roll

 

[Bob123]

Works well....

 

[faris]

I used polish cloth all rolled up until the bridge is levelled. I was desperate and extremely lazy but it turned out great.