Claw Adjust - HELP!!

ardell henderson · #1 07-21-2001, 02:33 PM

OK - I am tryin' to figure out how to setup my 1st Jem & I think I'm blowin' it badly.

Went to the tech set up section & followed my interpretation of instructs for leveling the trem angle - when I bought mine it was tuned down a 1/2 step.

In order to get the trem angle correct (both sides of fret board) the claw ended up being loosened up lots on one side *- so it's now at a slant instead of being fairly perpendicular to the edge; so I figured no problem - the angle's right, I checked the bridge height & started wailin'.

It doesn't stay in tune now so my 1st thought is the slanted claw could be the problem. If I correct this, then I'm back to the trem angle varying from end to end.

Any helpful advise would be greatly appreciated.

- - 7VWH san jose

RG Guy · #2 07-22-2001, 02:23 AM

That most likely is the problem. The tension needs to be equal on the trem or else it will pull to one side even if it is level with the body (that is probably the thing that is knowcking you out of tune). You should loosen *one while tightening the other until the claw is even and the trem is level. It can get really tricky but you'll get the hang of it. If you need more help please post the string guage you are using and how many springs are on it.

ardell henderson · #3 07-23-2001, 06:42 PM

thx for the reply; after not seeing any immediate response & having slept on it I decided to even out the claw, as you had advised it turns out; *it's still not zeroing out for me.

I probably should back up a bit on this. 1st, I bought it used & it was tuned down a 1/2 step, so I tuned it up & realized the bridge was pulling up way too much to an uplayable position.

I then took all the strings off at once (figured now was the time to clean up the fretboard).

Once that was done I put on new strings (09's) & tuned back to 440 hz. I was surprised that it tuned to 440 with the trem relatively in good shape. I was expecting the springs to be in worse shape after letting them relax for that 30-40 minutes period while I was cleaning up the neck. I let it set overnight & the next morning it was still in fair shape - or so it seemed.

I was trying to get better action also; had noticed the low E was riding a tad bit high for my tastes too - I had looked over the tech setup spec sheet on string/trem height setting.

I think I did a decent job of stretching the strings, but I'm going to stretch them some more this evening.

I have acquired new springs in case I need to replace the old ones. *Have also read some stuff on importance of tuning from Lo to Hi.

Additionally, I had lowered bridge height a 1/3 turn - Lo E side, but brought it back up; then I read that this might dull the post knife edge, which in turn screws up the trem's ability to return to perfect pitch. I'm hoping the little I did hasn't done any damage to it.

I'm going to have to be patient & work on it a bit, but it really sucks for now - like having a vette with engine troubles.

Rich · #4 07-23-2001, 06:49 PM

I'm having trouble grasping what the problem is if the 'trem is in relatively good shape' now.

**jemsite** · #5 07-23-2001, 06:50 PM

I think there are there TWO similar topics on this same problem?

tighten *both claw springs until tuned to std pitch and the trem is at the proper angle.

If you run out of room to adjust/tighten the claw,
try replacing one spring, like the middle one. it's possible they are stretched and one new one could work wonders to fix the problem and give you more adjustability.

When you think you have it, let it sit overnight... glen

ardell henderson · #6 07-23-2001, 07:03 PM

OK - relatively good shape as far as leveling the trem to the best floating position - but after all I've done now it's not snapping back to perfect pitch; and the variance can be sharp or flat depending on If I last lowered pitch with the wammy or raised pitch w/wammy bar.

I will definitely re-stretch strings b-4 I proceed; if it's still not zeroing out from wammy madnees, then I'll try the middle spring replacement per Jemsite recomm. & put it through some paces.

- - "My kingdom for the perfect pitch" * * I appreciate the input...

Rich · #7 07-23-2001, 07:09 PM

Are the set screws locked down? Is the nut tight (screws in back)? Search for any possible interfearence, pickguard, ground wire, etc. If all that checks out pull the trem and check the knife edges and posts for damage/sharpness (butter knife sharp on the knives)

Rich · #8 07-23-2001, 07:11 PM

Also check to make sure there's no movement in the post anchors (the part actually in the wood) from the previous owner not locking the set screws.

ardell henderson · #9 07-23-2001, 10:33 PM

Forgot to post springs, so:

strings: *09's
springs: *3 *- they're lined up parallel to each other - one in middle & the other two springs on each far end;
- like *this: * *&#0124; *&#0124; *&#0124;

Nut is definitely tight.

Neck does have slight bow to it - looks to be in the ballpark.

And the set screws were in fact not locked down - but now they are - I didn't know the post anchors could be moving around!!! HOLY TREMORING TREM POST, BAT DUDE!!

I guess I'll have to ruffle her feathers now & see if she's receptive to my North American Three-Legged Wood Wooing mating dance ritual...

Rich · #10 07-23-2001, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Quote: from ardell henderson on 9:33 pm on July 23, 2001
my North American Three-Legged Wood Wooing mating dance ritual...

Whoooaaa there Tonto, don't forget the foreplay!!

Not having the set screws locked causes the anchor itself to ever so slightly 'rock' in the wood, over time it will wear the holes into ovals causing tons of problems.

ardell henderson · #11 07-23-2001, 11:07 PM

Best as I can recall - it seemed to snap back to good pitch when I brought it back home & 1st plugged it in - played it for about 1 minute b-4 I set it down & took 1st steps @ cleaning neck up, new strings & 440 tuning.

Man, if it doesn't put out, it's just another pretty piece of wood.

Knock on wood...

ardell henderson · #12 07-23-2001, 11:51 PM

Yepper! *Lockin' down the set screws did the trick!

Very nice indeed; now if I can get the action down close to like either of my wolfgangs I'll be set!!

Thanks for all the help - without feedback it's like walkin' blind wonderin' what you're gonna bump into next. *I just might start practicing setups on my old RG's.

- - rock on & again, thx a bunch...

Rich · #13 07-23-2001, 11:58 PM

Just unlock the set screws and screw down the trem posts to lower the action. No worries about doing this with everything at full tension, an over-protective mother wrote that warning.

Make sure you have enough neck bow and get the trem angle right and you're good to go. Follow the order

Neck bow
Trem angle
Action height

(then don't forget to lock your set screws

)