Yes, more OLP questions...

[cooper72]

I've browsed this forum enough already to suss out the fact that some EB/MM fans are okay with the now retired OLP line, and others hated them.

I, for one, love cheap guitars that are ripe for fixing up, don't have the highest expectations for "pawnshop prizes," and am just looking for some advice...

Recently found two OLPs- and MM1 and an MM4. Fret work is ok, both need major setup work, blah blah blah. Haven't bought them yet, because-

My main concern is replacing the standard, vintage style 6 screw tremolo on both. I've looked at the Wilkinson "5+1" vintage style with the elongated, oval shaped holes, the two-point options and such. I'm just wondering if anyone on here has found a good vintage styled trem that will just drop in on an OLP's screw spacing. I really have no problem with 6 screw trems; if set up right, I think they work wonderfully. My strat would agree. But obviously the stock OLP version is lame-o. And having mounted 2 post trems in softer woods (like basswood,) I've almost always experienced that over time the post on the bass side starts leaning toward the neck from prolonged string tension. Thus, intonation and tuning stability is compromised... you get the picture.

So, there you go- is there a quality (I do prefer Wilkinson in general) vintage style tremolo out there that WILL retrofit OLPs? Any input is appreciated.

 

[cooper72]

awww, c'mon guys...

surely somebody has done this kind of mod before. input? please?

 

[beej]

I haven't read about many guys swapping the bridges out in those guitars. Given what the resale is, it's not usually worth it to dump too much money on upgrades ... by the time you do that you could be into used MM territory.

 

[cooper72]

these guitars are at a local pawnshop. "cheap" is an understatement, in this case. whether i keep both or sell one (or both, eventually) remains to be seen. but i'm a relentless tinkerer. even after finding 2 good aftermarket trems on ebay (the ones i'm thinking about are going for around $60-ish for both) i'd still have less than $300 in both guitars, including replacement trems. it's more a project than an investment. so... ideas, anyone?

 

[makama]

Well, I don't have any ideas for you - sorry. I'm not very knowledgeable on the OLP's. I am guessing these are Japanese or Korean models of the USA built guitars? Wish I could help lol as I would love to be more active around here. Take care

 

[cooper72]

oh well...

found some older OLP threads on here, but nobody seems to have addressed the tremolo replacement issue.

As far as I've seen, they were all made in China... which used to make me a little queasy, but I've since played a few guitars of that origin that didn't completely suck.

I have to admit being pretty impressed with these two OLPs, though. The MM1's neck feels good, the body style is comfortable... so is the MM4. I'm just curious to see how they would feel and sound with a proper setup and some nicer hardware.

If anybody runs into this thread and has some advice, I would be grateful. I'm not expecting US of A quality and tone out of these things, but I think they have potential.

 

[Sticky1973]

Welcome brother.

Not too sure myself of the specific OLP models, but I do love a well thought out mod.

There has been a few chaps on here who got their OLPs sorted out, and do rate them.

Be keen to see where you head with the tweaks.

 

[cooper72]

thanks, sticky. the MM1 is the axis knockoff, the MM4 being the silo version. i'll post some pics should i decide to go forward with this little undertaking. i do a fair amount of trem bar work, so that's why i'm so focused on finding a replacement system with minimal hassle. avoiding the "fill the holes, redrill some holes and hope for the best" scenario is what i'm trying to avoid- hence the search for a reasonable drop in replacement trem. blah and/or blah.

 

[TNT]

I love OLP's!! Just something about them.

A modifier's delight!

 

[DrGonzo5150]

Welcome

I'm no help with this topic either though - Sorry
Love to see some pics if you do go ahead with it all!

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I tied down the trem on my OLP with 5 springs. I tend to always do this with cheap guitars that insist on a trem. That'll save you the money. Then put up one of those guitars on Craigslist for $150 and end up selling it for $100. That's all they are worth. Most that I've played have horrible frets but can be fixed with some patience with a hammer.