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Setting up Steve Morse Tunomatic bridge

S

SPI

Well-known member
Joined
May 16, 2008
Messages
52
Location
Russia, Cherepovets
Hello. I'm owner of Steve Morse PDN 2012 guitar. I've googled all of internets, and didn't find out, how to set up bridge on that guitar.
First, it has thumbwheel, which is actually laying on body of guitar (as i seen on photos, it's not only mine guitar setup that way), and i don't understand, how should use it. To correct height of bridge, i've used screwdriver :eek:. Don't think, that is pretty correct. Which way is right?
Second, i've heard that my bridge is Tonepros (locking). Is that true or not?

yes, it TonePros :D i've tighten two screw, it definately changes sound
 
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If I were you, I'd take it to a local guitar tech or luthier. They shouldn't charge too much for a basic setup of a ToM.
 
Samoht said:
If I were you, I'd take it to a local guitar tech or luthier. They shouldn't charge too much for a basic setup of a ToM.
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in my town, they are drinking vodka with bears on the street and playing balalaikas)))
MM support helped me pretty quick - yes, i may use screwdriver to adjust bridge height, just loose tonepros screws
too bad, than that guide isn't available in FAQ or elsewhere in internets
 
SPI said:
in my town, they are drinking vodka with bears on the street and playing balalaikas)))
MM support helped me pretty quick - yes, i may use screwdriver to adjust bridge height, just loose tonepros screws
too bad, than that guide isn't available in FAQ or elsewhere in internets
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Can you get to YouTube? If so, there are more videos than you could watch in a lifetime on this subject.
 
SPI said:
on that PARTICULAR subject (model of guitar, bridge, etc) - video isn't available.
Les Pauls bridge setup is little different
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Well, not so different really. Two adjustments: height on each side and forward/back adjustment on each saddle. Set your height to the action you like and then watch a few videos on setting intonation to adjust saddles. If some or none of that makes sense, I'd take my chances with your local vodka swilling guitar techs. You don't have to be sober to do a good guitar setup.
 
I also can't see much difference between a Morse and a Gibson TOM. Anyway, since you say there's no YouTube material on the subject, please record some as you figure it out.
 
Setting up the Morse/Y2D is similar to other MMs. And yeah, the TOM adjustments are just like any other, with a more modern TOM bridge.

First- if your guitar was correctly set up before and you haven't changed string gauge, etc., then you really just need to adjust the truss rod, to make up for the effect of humidity on your neck. Once you have the right amount of relief dialed in, it'll play just like it did before.

Adjusting the bridge height is a little bit different. On the old TOMs, you need a bridge jack or other tool to raise the bridge slightly (to take the string tension off when you adjust) and turn the wheels. On the newer ones (like yours) you can use a slotted screwdriver to raise or lower each side. Unscrew the allen screws on the back of the bridge first (if you have them), so it's not locked in place. Once you get the height where you want it, tighten the allen screws again.

Adjusting the saddles is straight-forward. Use a screwdriver and turn to adjust them forward or backward as needed.
 
Glad to hear it. How about a pic of your Morse for good measure? We love pictures!
 
Samoht said:
Glad to hear it. How about a pic of your Morse for good measure? We love pictures!
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20150904132402.jpg

two morses and vodka :D

mors - traditional non-carbonated Russian fruit drink)))
 
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Dude, that ToM should be a piece of cake compared to the Floyd Rose! Nice guitars!
 
The TOM has a recessed cavity that it fits into, thumbwheels and all. The correct way to adjust it is with a nice beefy flathead screwdriver.
 
I've been playing and setting up my own guitars for along time (40+yrs). I own a Steve Sig. guitar with the TOM. I have come across the same or similar problem. The TOM is buried in the pickguard to the point where it can not be adjusted. Now the pictures on the new ones are higher and adjustable for good string height (posts above the pickguard). My action is acceptable at this time but the only way that I can see to adjust it seems to be to take off the pickguard. I don't know when the change came in the design to raise the TOM, but this will be a problem as to set intonation and string height.
 
Mark P said:
I've been playing and setting up my own guitars for along time (40+yrs). I own a Steve Sig. guitar with the TOM. I have come across the same or similar problem. The TOM is buried in the pickguard to the point where it can not be adjusted. Now the pictures on the new ones are higher and adjustable for good string height (posts above the pickguard). My action is acceptable at this time but the only way that I can see to adjust it seems to be to take off the pickguard. I don't know when the change came in the design to raise the TOM, but this will be a problem as to set intonation and string height.
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Hi Mark,
welcome.
seems like you have an older Morse model. Don´t know when they changed the TOM to a more mordern. On my 2005 Morse I have the old one. Like beej said: you have to take off the string tension with a tool or (like I do) by loosening the strings (need this operation nearly never). then you can stick in something like a mini screwdriver or even a toothpick between the TOM wheel and the pickguard to turn the wheel. When there is no string tension the wheel can be turned very easily. After that apply the string tension again which will hold the bridge in place
 
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