Too much play in the trem arm

[coldsummer]

Collected my AL 3MM90 from the tech today all nicely set up with a bit more relief in the neck so for the first time I can play it properly without notes choking all over the neck. I can't believe how nice this thing is, I really love the clarity and bite from the MM90's, with a great range of useable tones in all positions. I've been so used to HB's over the years but I'm loving the sound of this guitar. It has real attitude and feels like it could bite you back given half a chance!

The only fly in the ointment is now that I've had a chance to play it for a few hours I've noticed there is slight but noticeable play in the trem arm which spoils the overall experience. It's a brand new guitar so I'm surprised as my other EBMM guitars with the vintage style trem don't have any noticeable play.

Is there any adjustment I can make to take up the slack? I presume the grub screw which adjusts the 'swing' of the arm wouldn't make any difference. Oh and I have made sure the arm is fully located in the trem.

I would be grateful for any suggestions as I don't really want to ship it back to the supplying dealer unless absolutely necessary.

 

[Norrin Radd]

Great question. I have an older MM90 with some play in the arm. I'd love to know of a way to tighten that up!

 

[bbake1]

There are a few threads out there that should help. May not be for the AL, but the same trem block.

http://forums.ernieball.com/music-m...i-trem-mysterious-set-screw-2.html#post268724

http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-guitars/26339-trem-block-allen-bolt.html#post403163

 

[Spudmurphy]

I think Pete Dubaldo's comment in those threads cover it.
CORRECT. The original screw in question allows the user to adjust where the "final" position of the whammy bar rests in order to locate it in the ideal position for the bar spring ("C" in attached picture). If the screw is in too far, then the whammy bar won't snap in; if the screw is not in far enough, then the bar will be able to move in and out because the barspring is not aligned with the slot on the whammy bar.

... otherwise give the guys at Strings N Things in Shoreham on Sea a ring?

 

[coldsummer]

Thanks guys, sounds like it it can be rectified which is a relief. Can't stand even a tiny bit of sloppiness in the trem arm, it drives me mad.

 

[Spudmurphy]

A sloppy fit is not recommended!!

 

[Norrin Radd]

Just to follow up, I went to the second link bbake1 posted. Tightening "A" took care of the issue for me. Thanks all!