Questions for the 540 Radius experts

[plantboy]

I recently purchased a 1987 540R in Bright Blue Burst, and since I don't know much about pre-1990 Ibanezes, I have some questions for anybody who can answer them:

What is the deal with the trem backstop? Is it just there to prevent pulling up? I had to take that thing out and add a fourth spring just to keep the trem floating at a reasonable angle (i'm only using .010s). If I put it back in, what's the best way to adjust it? there are four adjustable wheels and I don't really know what does what.

I notice that the serial number begins with A. Does that indicate anything particular?

What exactly does the duo switch on the tone knob do? I can't tell any difference, but the pickups have been switched out (Tone Zone by the sounds of it and two Lace Sensors) so maybe this functionality has been disconnected.

Thanks for your help!

[scottop1972]

sounds like the coil tap has been disabled.... (duo switch).... mine splits the coils and sounds strat like when i do... complete with the hum.

backstop i thought was to keep you in tune when you broke a string. someone help me out here cuz i never had one.

there should be a link to some catalog page about the back stop on ibanezrules.com check it out.

ashbass is around and knows alot more about the radius series than i do...

[danix]

Originally Posted by plantboy

What is the deal with the trem backstop? Is it just there to prevent pulling up? I had to take that thing out and add a fourth spring just to keep the trem floating at a reasonable angle (i'm only using .010s). If I put it back in, what's the best way to adjust it? there are four adjustable wheels and I don't really know what does what.

Lots of goodies here http://www.ibanezrules.com/catalogs/index.htm

I notice that the serial number begins with A. Does that indicate anything particular?

Made in January -87, just before the serialnumber scheme changed, from monthcode-year, to Factorycode+year

What exactly does the duo switch on the tone knob do? I can't tell any difference, but the pickups have been switched out (Tone Zone by the sounds of it and two Lace Sensors) so maybe this functionality has been disconnected.

Just a coil split.

[ashbass]

These are great guitars with great necks. I have left to me a 90 HH 540R with an '87 neck on it. Those necks rule. As stated the Duo thing is a coil tap for the bridge. Yours must not be hooked up. The BackStop unit is supposed to help if you break a string and with returning to pitch after a pull-up on the whammy bar.

Here is some 540r eyecandy: http://ashbass.com/Ibanez/Guitars/

Here is the pamphlet that describes the BackStop and explains how to adjust it.
http://ashbass.com/****/library/backstop-1.jpg
http://ashbass.com/****/library/backstop2.jpg

{you're going to have to copy the above URLs into your browser and replace the **** with the name of that online auction place, sorry. Capital E, lower case bay}

Congrats on the score. We need pictures don't you know.

A year ago those backstop units were selling for $200 on the bay. Now not so much. economy I suppose.

[nuno]

the Backstop helps the trem keep in tune perfect after arm abuses. it also keeps the trem in tune in case of string break and during double-bendings. it was installed on all the Bensalem models (Japan parts assembled in USA), 540S, 540R, 540P, MAXXAS etc, but they halted the production after 1 year or so, because the most people preferred the feel of the free swinging arm, as the Backstop tends to stiffen it up a bit.
Ibanez got back to it with the ZPS, installed along with the ZR and EdgeZero trems. it's easier to setup and works equally well. here's the Backstop instructions manual:

[Homebake]

does using a backstop kill flutter ability like it does on an edge zero?

[nuno]

Originally Posted by Homebake

does using a backstop kill flutter ability like it does on an edge zero?

IMHO yes. some say it doesn't, but they never demonstrate it. they say that Vai gets fluttering with the Backstop on, but i'm pretty sure his one is not setup when playing live. i think he uses it sometimes in studio recordings, to avoid accidents (string break detuning, double bending detuning etc).
i own some Backstop-equipped guitars, and have setup some customers, but no matter how i set it up, it dampens the fluttering quite a bit, not completely, though.

[brianxtr]

i dont like it at all.it dont add something special or is better for the sound...just a toy...nothing for me..maybe for you?

[nuno]

Originally Posted by brianxtr

it dont add something special or is better for the sound...

it's not supposed to.

[forest4]

Hey, It's a pleasant surprise to see ashbass replying on this topic. I would bow to his advice on this subject, he is an authority on these. I purchased a candy red body from him once, and modified it to The post '89 specs buy routing out the trem cavity to fit a Lo-pro trem. That is the Trem I prefer and I think works and holds tune best. The one you have is shallower and you can't pull up much unless you set the trem high in the back. Also, All my trems have four springs, I think they hold tune better and it makes them stiffer, therefore you can be more articulate with your expression in my opinion.