Angling the trem, bass side higher, causing problems?

DoctorCrunch · #1 01-19-2003, 01:53 PM

My Lo-Pro Edge will not return to neutral!! My 6th and 7th strings are going way out of tune!

I've read most of the posts that deal with trems not returning to neutral, but I'm curious if my setup preference is the cause in my case. I really like having the bass side a bit higher than the treble side. I measured, at the 12th fret, 0.09" under the 1st string, and 0.125" under the 7th string. I imagine this is a bit higher than some like

This guitar, an RG1077XL, is my first guitar equipped with a Floyd-type bridge. Is the angle of the bridge causing the knife edge to sit improperly against the posts? This is really bumming me out; I don't want to lower the bass side.

I know that StewMac USED to sell shims by themselves, but now they only have the ones that come with the Key intonator set. That's a lot of money for shims! I don't even know that the shims will give me enough clearance under all the lower strings. Is this the way to go? What are my options? Is this even the cause? Or am I going to need to file my posts and knife edges? Thanks, everyone!

yurich · #2 01-19-2003, 02:18 PM

I asked Rich the same question..it's nothing to worry about, esp. since most people have that setup. go through the tech section at Ibanez Rules and see what can be done.

(I'm pretty sure Rich can set you with some shims too)

Rich · #3 01-19-2003, 10:37 PM

The angle is normal. The only way to get rid of it is set the bridge flat, then reradius every saddle from A - high E to match the board. You'd need about 40-50 shims! Or shim one side of the neck so it's ****ed in the pocket, neither of which I would recomend.

DoctorCrunch · #4 01-20-2003, 01:21 AM

Thanks for the replies, fellas

. I went to your tech page, Rich, and I decided to look at the knife edge on the bridge. Sure enough, I had a fairly thick, squared knife edge. Not only that, but it had marked up the posts pretty good.

I rounded off the edge (I didn't worry about the thickness), and turned the posts just a hair, to move the burrs aside. This helped a bit. I can still notice a little pitch change when I return from pulling up, but I don't think I'll be able to hear it in a performance situation. It's a lot easier to be so critical when you're sitting in your living room

. I might work the thickness down a bit when I go back to replace the pickups (think I'm going for a Tone Zone 7 and Air Norton 7).

Your site is a great resource, Rich. Thanks!

Rich · #5 01-20-2003, 02:16 AM

If it's a 99'/00'/to mid year 02' your studs should be replaced too, that will help alot.

jemke · #6 01-21-2003, 01:00 PM

if the base side is higher than the treble side, the knives are not perpendicular to the studs. Can this cause the tuning stability

Rich · #7 01-21-2003, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich

The angle is normal. The only way to get rid of it is set the bridge flat, then reradius every saddle from A - high E to match the board. You'd need about 40-50 shims! Or shim one side of the neck so it's ****ed in the pocket, neither of which I would recomend.

IMO no, the if any instability is caused by the angle it's an inconsequential amount.