Silo vintage trem - calling out to "techsperts"

[jbert]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for some tips on setting the proper bridge post height for my vintage trem. I am setting it up in the traditional way (i.e. not floating), and would like to know how best to adjust the posts to ensure bridge plate contact without going too far/low.

Any tips available?

Many thanks!

 

[jongitarz]

Take a piece of paper, like notebook paper, and raise the bridge until you can slip the paper under the bridge plate. Tighten the bridge bolts until you cant pull the paper out. Turn the bolts counter clockwise and at the same time pull on the paper. When you can pull out the paper with just a bit of drag on it, you are set. Do this to both sides of the bridge.

 

[Katana6506]

Jon, is there a similar technique for the Petrucci bridge?

 

[jongitarz]

Nope...Just set it so the bridge plate is about level with the body. It can go a bit above if need be, and make sure it is level from side to side as well.

 

[jbert]

Thanks so much for the quick reply Jon. This is such a great place --- you can get an answer to your question from the repairlord himself in less than 2 hours on a Saturday night!

EBMM and it's team are the best!

Jbert

 

[jongitarz]

Glad I can help. You are right, this place is like no other.

 

[GuitarHack]

Great question, I was wondering this myself.

Jon, does this method assume the spring tension is already within normal parameters? It would seem if the spring tension is too tight, you could raise the posts a good deal, and the springs could still crank the bridge plate down past the horizontal (lower at the bottom of the guitar), and pin that paper there?

 

[jongitarz]

On a trem where the bridge plate rests on the body, we set the tension so if you were to bend a note on the G string at the fifth fret up about a step and a half, the bridge will just slightly start to rise.

The springs pull the back side of the bridge. the paper method is on the front side of the bridge just behind the bolts.

 

[GuitarHack]

Thanks, Jon! That is very clear, I understand it better now. This forum is great.

Regards,
GH