Got My New Silhouette Special...one problem

[E-Baller]

OK, so I ordered this awesome Silhouette Special, vintage sunburst, maple, matching headstock, HSS, Piezo, Standard.

It comes in today, and it looks gorgeous, feels awesome. Wow!

Then, after being awestruck for a couple hours, I finally notice that it has a tremelo...it's not standard! D'oh...yeah, I can't believe that I was that dumbstruck that I didn't notice sooner. I already have JP 6, so I wanted a more versatile guitar, and one without tremelo, so I don't have to retune near as much.

So, I'm asking ya'll who have an SS w/ Trem...is it that big a problem for you to keep in tune? I know I tune quite a lot with the JP.

Should I return it? Technically, it isn't what I wanted, but I'm leaving for music school in March, and I don't know if I can get it in time. I know I could play the JP, but the SS would be suited better for the variety of what I'll be learning.

Anyhow, any suggestions? Thanks.

Peace...

 

[Jimi D]

Woah! Getting a trem when you order a stop tail? I think I'd be having a discussion with the store I ordered from if that happened to me - sounds like they messed up your order...

I don't see the point of having a trem if you don't use it, and if you do use it, you can run into some minor tuning issues... I have EBMM "vintage" type trems on a number of my Axes and an AL, and maybe half of them will pull one string or another slightly out of tune when used (usually the G or B string, by about 5 cents or less) - a quick bend after using the trem and everything falls back into "close enough for rock'n'roll" to get me to the end of the song, but it's a real issue... Making sure the nut is cut correctly and properly lubed is very important with this type of trem, as is stretching the strings well when stringing up the instrument; still, I'm pretty good at setting up my own guitars, and I've been fighting with tuning issues on "non-locking" trems for years, but I'm at a loss as to how to get the trems on these two to return to pitch consistently. They're just finicky

That being said, if you like an instrument, are willing to work (or pay for) a good setup (especially a properly cut nut for your string guage), and don't mind the fact that there's a hole in the back of the guitar body where wood would otherwise be, a trem does add some versatility to your instrument. Ultimately, it's a very personal call - whatever you choose, I hope you're happy with the guitar...

 

[beej]

If you don't use it much, another option is to block the trem. I haven't done this yet on a MM vintage trem, but I do it on all of my floyds. I tape a shim (usually a piece of wood or plastic) on the inside of the trem block (between the trem block and the trem cavity) so that the trem looks like it's parallel to the body, but it's actually resting on the shim inside the cavity. Then I tighten up the springs inside the cavity.

This way the trem sits right, but I lose the ability to pull up on it (which I don't use much). Prevents strings from detuning when you bend the other strings (or break a string), however you can still dive on the bar. (Also allows me to add a D-tuna on my floyds.)

Anyhow, would give you the tuning stability of a fixed bridge and the versatility of a trem. And, it's easily reversible - just take out the shim and you're back to normal. Note: I haven't seen the inside of a MM vintage trem w/ piezo, so I'm not sure if there would be a problem doing this.

 

[E-Baller]

Thanks beej and Jimi D for the input. I called the shop and they are going to block it for free. I don't mind the tremelo arm being there, just want it blocked, so it's all good. Thanks again.

Peace...

 

[beej]

Nice- that's a good fix.

Another option ... the "Tremel-No". A neat gadget that sits in your trem cavity and allows you to lock/unlock the trem.
http://www.tremolno.com/

Hadn't seen changes to this site in a long time, but looks like the guy is going to be at NAMM so should be out real soon. (Also I think I recall OC from this board mentioning that he knew the fella and that it would indeed be out this year.)

Have to root for the guy! Simple idea that's really great.

 

[OrangeChannel]

Beej you're stealing my Tremol-No Thunder here.....posting aout that is MY job!

Seriously tho....I have a 24 fret Silo w/ the vintage bridge and have zero issues with tuning when i don't use the bar since it rests on the body (sorta like fixed eh?) so you shouldn't need it to be blocked....

 

[kbaim]

I have a Luke vintage trem blocked. Much better tuning stability than not having it blocked.

I don't have an arm for it as it would just be in the way.

Congrats on the guitar, sounds about as good as they come!

 

[Lew]

A guitar sound's different with a trem for sure.With Strats I would buy a trem model and disable it by attatching all the springs,and adding padding to taste.
I didn't have any issues with my sil returning to pitch.You should not have to compromise on tuning at all.Make sure it's set up well and the strings are stretched in well.
All IMO.
My axis ss has 4 springs pulling the trem down flat against the body.

 

[beej]

> Beej you're stealing my Tremol-No Thunder here.....posting aout that is MY job!

Hah! Sorry dude! I'm pretty excited about that product. Looks really cool, and how often do you see one guy come up with a great marketable guitar idea! I'm rooting for him.

 

[E-Baller]

The Tremel-No...I remember seeing that once. I was curious if it was actually available. I'll check out the website.

Peace...

 

[lock-ny]

I have a silo special with a bucker and a trem like the one you just ordered and the trem sits right on the body, I go from standard to drop d tuning on stage and there are no problems, its like having a hardtail if you dont touch the trem at all, no worries, keep the guitar, its is more versatile in the long run as well -

 

[OrangeChannel]

The Tremel-No...I remember seeing that once. I was curious if it was actually available. I'll check out the website.

Peace...

Not till Namm....

 

[E-Baller]

Hey beej or Orange Channel...in regards to the tremolno...if I could hold out until those become available would you...

a) Go ahead and block the trem in the meantime, then get the tremelno later on
b) Don't block it...and just wait for the tremelno...
c) or...some other option I'm not thinking about right now?

lock-ny...thanks for your reply too...I think I'll keep her...

 

[jongitarz]

Keep it as it is. Our trems are the shiznit, and they DO stay in tune.

 

[John C]

Unless you've set the trem up to float, I don't know that there is any reason to block an MM vintage trem. The trem on my SS (also vintage burst, but with s/s/s, shell pickguard, and I wanted the trem ) doesn't float and it doesn't move when I rest my hand on it - it only moves when I hit the bar.

I haven't had any tuning issues, but I use the trem like a vintage Strat - only slight movement, no dive bombs. I'm not a big trem guy since I learned on a hardtail string-through guitar, but I do believe the trem cavity, springs, etc. are keys to that "stratty" tone.

John C.

 

[E-Baller]

jongitarz...I'm feeling some confidence in that statement...Haha! Maybe the intimidating dog picture adds to that feeling! Maybe I'll try it out for a while "as is", especially if the trem is the shiznit.

 

[Raz]

Now I don't mean to hi-jack here, but what about a Tremsetter? Isn't that the prescribed solution for an ailment such as floating trems with tuning issues

 

[beej]

Yeah, that sounds like a good plan- try it out first. You'll probably love it as-is.

Trems are an acquired taste, especially floating ones. They're great, but as you bend strings you'll find other ones detuning. When you hammer those hard notes, you'll hear some flutter from the strings. And if you break strings, the other ones go out of tune. With non-floating trems this isn't much of an issue.

*If* this bothers you, and *if* the trem is set up to float, then I would say the easiest route it to block it down the road (or keep it flush to the body). Dead simple to do, and costs you a few cents in raw materials (strip of wood, piece of plastic ruler, bit of tape, etc.). If this suits your needs then you're not out much time or money, and you can always pick up a Tremol-no when they become available.

 

[beej]

> but what about a Tremsetter?

There are a few products in this vein. Personally, I'm not crazy about them. They stiffen up your trem and encourage it to sit tight at the zero point. To make them work, though, you have to crank up the tension so the bar becomes heavy to use. They also don't competely stop flutter or detuning.

 

[Raz]

> but what about a Tremsetter?

There are a few products in this vein. Personally, I'm not crazy about them. They stiffen up your trem and encourage it to sit tight at the zero point. To make them work, though, you have to crank up the tension so the bar becomes heavy to use. They also don't competely stop flutter or detuning.

Hmmm, the reason why I ask is cause I just got a Washburn 7 and its my first full floating trem...balancing that sucker, via tuning and levelling the trem is a bit of work man...anyway its too early to tell what my feelings are on a full floater..

back to EBMM's though, I have all my trems's, floyds, wilks and EBMM vintage ones, resting on the body, but according to Mr. Erlewine, there should be a small gap, thus allowing you some increase in pitch...I did not know that