NickJP150
Member
Is there an aftermarket direct replacement tremolo that will fit a Sterling JP150? I've tried every trick in the book and my Sterling JP 150 will not stay in tune whatsoever. So disheartening!
- Thread starter NickJP150
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xjbebop
Well-known member
My experience with SBMM instruments (I've owned close to a dozen over the years...), is that the higher end, say around $600 and up, are usually decent quality. But most of the entry level guitars are disappointing... again, that's been my experience.
But their bass line is a different story.... I've had a couple of Ray 4's were were surprisingly good....
But their bass line is a different story.... I've had a couple of Ray 4's were were surprisingly good....
NickJP150
Member
The JP150 costs over $1000 USD. I'm just disappointed that it behaves like an entry level guitar. And replacing the poor quality hardware seems to be my only option. I purchased the guitar 2nd hand and my expectations were too high.
DrKev
Moderator
OK, stop. To suggest a 2nd hand guitar not behaving as expected is representative of the output of all the *brand new* guitars just ain't right. Yes, brand new ones go for over well over $1000, that's true, but we have no idea the price you paid, or how old it is, how the seller described it, or how it was used or abused by previous owners. I get that you are disappointed, and I would be too, but you're not being fair.
Tuning issues that you describe are not normal. Your best course of action here is to go back to who you bought it from and either return it or ask for a partial refund to cover the cost of replacement.
If you are looking for replacement, I would shoot Sterling by Music Man an email. Ask 1) if they can sell you a replacement unit, and if not 2) what the specifications are, e.g. mounting post spacing, size/thread, string spacing, etc.
Let us know how it works out. Good luck!
NickJP150
Member
I'm not being bitter by any means.i'm also not bashing the brand. I purchased the guitar from a fellow musician I've known for years. He rarely played it and stated he had tuning issues. Upon a deep dive into all possible culprits, I discovered it must be the tremolo. So.. I did some research. Turns out it's a common issue with the lower end Sterling guitars. So I was simply looking for suggestions for a replacement. I like the guitar very much and think it's worth an upgrade
MarkF786
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2011
- Messages
- 33
Is the problem that it won't stay in tune after using the tremolo and/or bending strings? Or does it never stay in tune? That would help to diagnose the issue. In my experience, unless a guitar has a locking tremolo and nut, most guitars have issues after using the tremolo - though it varies how much. The most common culprit is the nut, though other components can contribute (bridge, saddles, etc).
If this weren't a common problem with tremolos, the locking tremolo & nut wouldn't have been invented - and they're not perfect either!
If this weren't a common problem with tremolos, the locking tremolo & nut wouldn't have been invented - and they're not perfect either!
NickJP150
Member
Thanks for the reply. The problem is the tremolo and posts
The trem won't return to "zero" after being used. I've tried several different remedies and still have the same issue.
The trem won't return to "zero" after being used. I've tried several different remedies and still have the same issue.
DrKev
Moderator
Nick, what gauge strings are you using? If they larger than 10-46, have you appropriately widened the nut slots? You are lubricating the nut slots?
Do you have any dampening or padding for the springs in the trem cavity?
Have you taken off the bridge and looked at the knife edges on the bridge plate, the part that contacts the mounting posts? Some chipping of the finish may be apparent but that itself is not a problem. If there is any denting or deformity in the knife edges they can smoothed from the underside with a small fine round needle file.
Do you have any dampening or padding for the springs in the trem cavity?
Have you taken off the bridge and looked at the knife edges on the bridge plate, the part that contacts the mounting posts? Some chipping of the finish may be apparent but that itself is not a problem. If there is any denting or deformity in the knife edges they can smoothed from the underside with a small fine round needle file.
NickJP150
Member
I'm using .009-.042. I set it up properly. I'm not a luthier, but I definitely know how to maintain and make repairs when needed. I checked all the usual suspects (including the nut slot sizes and lubrication ) and ultimately found that there is a flat spot on the "knife edge" of the tremolo. If it was the post, a quick turn would solve it temporarily. But not the case. I need to replace the tremolo, but just wondered if anybody has done so and what they have used.
