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previous: Andrew Curtis That dang loose arm! (long-ish) -- 8/12/1998 12:46 AM

Re: That dang loose arm! (long-ish X2)

8/13/1998 1:26 PM
GVB	Re: That dang loose arm! (long-ish X2) Ah yes, that problem sounds/looks familiar! I've had the same problems with many "Licensed under Floyd Rose Tremolo's". The problem is that Floyd Rose holds several patents on the design of his tremolo system, but not all companies incorporate all the features of a "real" Floyd into their trem designs. If I'm not mistaken, Floyd holds the patent for the "dual fulcrum" which is the two pivots that the bridge floats on. Most manufactures design a bridge around this, pay royalties, and slap on a "Licensed under Floyd Rose" on the bridge. This does not mean it is identical to an original Floyd Rose Tremolo. The issue is rather fuzzy but Floyd Rose has contracted out the production of "Real" Floyd Rose tremolos to other companies. At one point it was Schaller, but I'm not sure who builds the "Real McCoy" at this point. I have had several tremolos like the one you describe, and all have worn down to nothing in about a year. On some, the "nut" you describe allows the threaded shaft to be removed and a new one installed. As someone else suggested, Stew-Mac carries replacements, and they may fit your guitar. I would suggest putting a Schaller Floyd Rose on your guitar, as they kick butt compared to the cheap copies. You'll know what I mean when you hold the two in your hand. The real thing usually weighs twice that of the "imitation". This translates directly to sustain. One word of caution. I have yet to see a conversion that fits without modification. On every unit I've done, the location of the pivot posts was wrong, requiring the bushings to be pulled, the holes filled with hardwood dowel, and the holes re-drilled. At that point, the tremolo is in the right spot, but will not travel freely and hits the guitar body in various places when the arm is moved. So out comes the router and templates to get the cavities right. This usually leaves some bare wood exposed, and some spot painting will ge needed, which requires a bit of skill to be done correctly. It is a big job, requires some expensive tools, but if you have the time/resources can be fun. Stew-Mac carries, tools, books, video's etc and how to do this yourself. It is usually worth paying a professional to do the job though if you will only be doing this once. I would also check with a Yamaha dealer, he may carry replacements for the arm and threaded shaft. Hope this helps. GVB

8/13/1998 1:26 PM

GVB

Re: That dang loose arm! (long-ish X2)

Ah yes, that problem sounds/looks familiar! I've had the same problems with many "Licensed under Floyd Rose Tremolo's". The problem is that Floyd Rose holds several patents on the design of his tremolo system, but not all companies incorporate all the features of a "real" Floyd into their trem designs. If I'm not mistaken, Floyd holds the patent for the "dual fulcrum" which is the two pivots that the bridge floats on. Most manufactures design a bridge around this, pay royalties, and slap on a "Licensed under Floyd Rose" on the bridge. This does not mean it is identical to an original Floyd Rose Tremolo. The issue is rather fuzzy but Floyd Rose has contracted out the production of "Real" Floyd Rose tremolos to other companies. At one point it was Schaller, but I'm not sure who builds the "Real McCoy" at this point.

I have had several tremolos like the one you describe, and all have worn down to nothing in about a year. On some, the "nut" you describe allows the threaded shaft to be removed and a new one installed. As someone else suggested, Stew-Mac carries replacements, and they may fit your guitar. I would suggest putting a Schaller Floyd Rose on your guitar, as they kick butt compared to the cheap copies. You'll know what I mean when you hold the two in your hand. The real thing usually weighs twice that of the "imitation". This translates directly to sustain. One word of caution. I have yet to see a conversion that fits without modification. On every unit I've done, the location of the pivot posts was wrong, requiring the bushings to be pulled, the holes filled with hardwood dowel, and the holes re-drilled. At that point, the tremolo is in the right spot, but will not travel freely and hits the guitar body in various places when the arm is moved. So out comes the router and templates to get the cavities right. This usually leaves some bare wood exposed, and some spot painting will ge needed, which requires a bit of skill to be done correctly. It is a big job, requires some expensive tools, but if you have the time/resources can be fun. Stew-Mac carries, tools, books, video's etc and how to do this yourself. It is usually worth paying a professional to do the job though if you will only be doing this once.

I would also check with a Yamaha dealer, he may carry replacements for the arm and threaded shaft.

Hope this helps.
GVB

Replies:

Andrew Curtis Re: That dang loose arm! (long-ish X3) -- 8/14/1998 12:41 AM