Sterling Silo 3 guitar - tremelo arm stiff, and won't allow guitar case lid to close

[wilson mcphert]

I've got a new Sterling Silo 3 guitar and I have some issues with the tremelo arm.

Namely, it is very stiff and hard to 'jiggle', even for subtle tremelo work. I presume this has something to do with the springs, but I am surprised it would come set up like that. Is this usual for MM guitars? I intend to take it to a guitar tech, but I am surprised I should have to. If springs have to be adjusted or removed, I want to be sure that tuning stability is not compromised.

Secondly, the tremelo arm (which presumably would be similar to other MM guitars) sticks out and I can't close my guitar case without having to unscrew it. Surely there must be some way around this? Are there alternative replacement bars that don't stick out as much. It seems to be a design thing with this guitar as other guitars I have with tremelo arms don't have the same issue.

Don't get me wrong, I love this guitar and this is my only issue (see my video review on another thread).

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Fro]

If the trem lays flat against the body, you can loosen the spring claw in the back a bit. This should help and as long as its still laying flat it won't affect tuning. If its floating you might try a smaller gauge string set and loosen the claw as needed.
I've always removed the term bar when putting any guitar in the case.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Just fire a query off to Sterling Guitars re the trem arm- they should come back to you.

It's not a big adjustment after all (Either remove a spring or back out the trem claw) and one that all guitarists should get used to?

 

[wilson mcphert]

Thanks for the responses. I will try those ideas. Cheers.

 

[wilson mcphert]

Just a note to say that I emailed Sterling about this issue over two weeks ago and have heard nothing back. I just wished to get their advice before I had a guitar tech look at it.

Disappointing.

 

[RJKANEAO]

Just a note to say that I emailed Sterling about this issue over two weeks ago and have heard nothing back. I just wished to get their advice before I had a guitar tech look at it.

Disappointing.

I'll shoot them a message for you.. I will talk to Brian Martin.. What is your email? Send me a private message..

 

[wilson mcphert]

I'll shoot them a message for you.. I will talk to Brian Martin.. What is your email? Send me a private message..

I have sent a private message to you today. Hope it gets through. Let me know if it doesn't.

I followed up my original email of 22 Sept with a reminder, dated 9 Oct but have still heard nothing.

Regards

 

[wilson mcphert]

I'll shoot them a message for you.. I will talk to Brian Martin.. What is your email? Send me a private message..

I sent a couple of private messages to you but my account indicates that they were not sent. Not sure how to contact you if the private messages don't work? I really would like to get the response from Sterling, so I can address the whammy bar problem to a guitar tech. I should also say that the emails I sent to Sterling on 22 Sept and 9 October were under my real name, Michael Backhouse (and which I received an auto acknowledgment for). Any help you can provide would be appreciated.

 

[beej]

Have you tried calling them? Email isn't always the best way to make contact.

 

[wilson mcphert]

Have you tried calling them? Email isn't always the best way to make contact.

I'm in Australia and the cost of an overseas call would be prohibitive. Email is good if you can get a reply.

 

[RJKANEAO]

Got it..

 

[Rockman]

So what happened after this? Did you get a reply? I would love to hear if the tremolo arm is an issue with these guitars..

 

[rockontommy]

Hi,

Have just set up my tremolo as it was flat against the body as supplied from new. Made adjustments to set up floating but would not stay in tune, plus tremolo action not at all smooth.

I eventually found the cast metal block that the strings pass through was fouling the guitar body, had to shave off some wood. Now floats perfectly and after some other minor adjustments have a great guitar.

The extra output from the p/u 's is just what my Fender Blues Deluxe needed, now have to turn down the drive control!!!

Prefer it to my G&L Legacy.