Floyd Rose String Lock Inserts

[mikebu]

How fragile are these Floyd Rose String Lock Inserts, the black rectangular thing that clamps the string to the saddle? I ask because on my new Axis changing the strings the first time it appears the low E string lock insert was broken right from the factory. I lossened the bolt but the string remained clamped and wouldn't come out. After pulling on the string it finally came out but it wasn't able to clamp the new string. After removing the saddle I discovered that the string lock insert was broken in two. Once they break they are difficult to remove.

Yes I did call support and they are sending out a new insert.

Do these things break frequently and do I need to keep some spare ones around?

 

[bbake1]

I've had a few stick in as you described, but none broken in two. Just a little mechanical persuasion with a very small flat blade screw driver has done the trick for me to get them out. I haven't replaced one yet in 30 years of FR playing. A 1981 Kramer Pacer Imperial was my first with a locking trem.

 

[beej]

I've only ever had one break on me, and I used to tighten the **** out of them.

 

[fsmith]

This place sells them in titanium, see if you can break one of those... When I had an Axis I swapped out most of it for the titanium and stainless upgrades they sell. Not cheap, but if you want to do it right...

Titanium String Lock Blocks [TSLB0001] - $39.95 : FloydUpgrades.com!, Floyd Rose Tremolo Upgrades

 

[Fred?]

You're never the only one!

Same EXACT thing has befallen my Axis, seems it came that way from the factory, because the guitar is so new I've yet to change strings, or need to do any other adjustments. I just noted the block (low E) seemed to be shifting in the lock box. After looking closer, I could tell that it was cracked and, in fact broken in two. I've sent an email to Music Man since I assume is covered. The downside is the string seems to be jammed up pretty well with the remainder of the block, I can tune up and play and everything, although, I am not going to do so - kind of paranoid about screwing with the complicated bridge system. In any case, I also ordered the titanium upgrades noted by fsmith above, I just hope they're the right ones! I'll check in with an update when they arrive and I've installed them.