Trem setup questions

[Metalmike117]

I just picked up another Luke 3. It came with the bridge raised a bit and only 2 springs from the factory.

Is that recommended? Is that a lukather thing?

 

[mtrejo]

Yes, totally intentional. I believe it's supposed to raise the pitch 1 1/2 steps as per Steve's setup. If you don't already, you will learn to love it because using the trem is very easy this way. It's an awesome way to set up the vintage trem. If I had more vintage trems, I'd set them all up this way.

 

[billy carr]

How many steps can you go up with the factory setup?

 

[billy carr]

Aslo, wouldn't the action be quite high?

 

[Tollywood]

Hi Billy, the factory sets it up with 1 1/2 steps of back pull using two springs and 9's. You can get flutters very easily. The action isn't adversely affected by the tremolo being set up like this. My action is very low (1/4 turn above fret buzz).

I didn't know my Luke would arrive set up like this, but once I realized it and played it, I fell in love with that set up. Now my Albert is set up the very same way.

 

[AJS]

Yep, I really do think the trem on the Luke is the best feeling trem I've ever played, definitely stays in tune better than any I've had.

 

[uOpt]

"steps"?

 

[Tollywood]

"steps"?

Each half-step is one fret. So, 1 1/2 steps is three frets.

 

[Lou]

Mine was not set up correctly when I brought it home. I put a set of 10s on it and got the bridge set up for 1.5 step pull up but still did not like the feel. I wound up putting another spring in the middle and it's playing awesome now for me. It's really personal preference how you want to set it up.

 

[ErnieJohn]

"steps"?

1.5 "steps" = a minor third,