EVH D-tuna and Hipshot Tremsetter

AKMG · #1 07-13-2006, 06:48 PM

So I'm wondering if the EVH D-tuna and the hipshot tremsetter is a sound investment to make to my guitar. I switch from drop D to standard tuning quite often, but the guys that make the D-tuna says that the Hipshot tremsetter is good for stablizing the trem and returning it to neutral settings. They also say it helps significantly with tuning as it's less of a headache. So just wondering if it's worth the ~$100.

john1880 · #2 07-13-2006, 07:44 PM

YES!!!!!!!!!!! I have 10 RGs with that set up.

THe WD TS-1 is easier to install and set up, but you pretty much lose the ability to pull up. but it feels better than a blocked tremolo. they are $25.

john

john1880 · #3 07-13-2006, 07:50 PM

FYI. you will need to drill a small hole in the trem cavity to install a tremsetter, and add 2 screws in the trem cavity too. just so you know that there will be modifications that have to be done. it's not major.
also, if your tremolo is very low, the D-tuna might hit the body if you pull up on the trem. i have modified D tunas so that doesnt really happen. you may need to shim the neck to get the tremolo a little higher. just a little helps a lot.
and of course a D-tune will not work on a low profile edge.
john

AKMG · #4 07-13-2006, 07:53 PM

SO WD TS-1 or Hipshot Tremsetter? Do both of them hinder your ability to pull up?

john1880 · #5 07-13-2006, 09:09 PM

the tremsetter still allows you to pull up. it does change the feel of the trem. you get used to it though.
the WD TS-1 is just easier to install with no holes to drill. you just put it inside one of the springs. but you can't really pull up anymore.
also the tremsetter keeps the rest of the strings from going flat when you bend, the WD does not.
i would go with the tremsetter obviously since i have them on all my guitars.
there's a guy on *bay that sells them for $30+$5 shipping. thats the best price you'll find. I have a D-Tuna for sale if you're interested. It's brand new in the box.
After 20+ years of playing I have finally settled on my setup. Ibanez RG550, earnie ball 9-46 hybrids, tremsetter, d-tuna, vox valvetronix 2X12 combo.
Im done. too old to go changing anymore gear. That works for me, Everytime I gig out there is usually a guy checking out how Im dropping D so quickly without having to tune or change guitars. It works great.

sniperfrommars1 · #6 07-14-2006, 12:41 AM

Tremsetter, although for maximum pullup range you would have to route alot of guitar types for room for the d-tuner, and it doesnt fit on all tremelo systems just fyi.

john1880 · #7 07-14-2006, 02:04 AM

he's right. you wont be doing any brad gillis pullups with a d-tuna installed. but if you raise the bridge a tad by shimming the neck and mod the d-tuna a little, it gives you more room to pull up. i dont suggest routing the body 'cause if you ever want to sell it...

rickcard71 · #8 07-14-2006, 02:09 AM

I always wondered about this. Did EVH actually design the D-Tuna?

sniperfrommars1 · #9 07-14-2006, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickcard71

I always wondered about this. Did EVH actually design the D-Tuna?

Yes. Originally he just wedged a bolt underneath, which is essentially what the design does. Hes pretty much the only floyd user who uses a nonfloating setup these days too.

john1880 · #10 07-15-2006, 01:55 PM

good ol' EVH. always thinkin'...except when he got gary cheron for a lead singer. great for Extreme, bad for VH. ;-)

john

rickcard71 · #11 07-15-2006, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sniperfrommars1

Yes. Originally he just wedged a bolt underneath, which is essentially what the design does. Hes pretty much the only floyd user who uses a nonfloating setup these days too.

That is awesome, great idea. I don't like the trem on the Wolfgangs, if it is not set up great, it will rest on the body. That's what I saw anyway.

john1880 · #12 07-15-2006, 02:45 PM

yeah, that makes sense since thats the way eddie likes it. No floating trems for him. i remember he used to put a quarter under the FR too in his original Charvel/frankenstein.
If I remember correctly, wasn't the Floyd Rose designed for Eddie? The original one without fine tuners and all that...The first one that was made was made for EVH I believe.

ScottB · #13 07-15-2006, 03:06 PM

The D-tuna requires the trem to be blocked for dive only unless you have a tremsetter installed and set very stiff. I'd rather just block the trem. I'm gonna install one on my #1 RG550 custom.

sniperfrommars1 · #14 07-15-2006, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john1880

yeah, that makes sense since thats the way eddie likes it. No floating trems for him. i remember he used to put a quarter under the FR too in his original Charvel/frankenstein.
If I remember correctly, wasn't the Floyd Rose designed for Eddie? The original one without fine tuners and all that...The first one that was made was made for EVH I believe.

The original non fine tuning floyd rose design Eddie had no input on. FLoyd/eddie got in contact with each other (floyd needed someone to push his design, eddie needed a better tremolo design). Eddie suggested the type of fine tuner to use and requested the high profile design to allow the top string to be dropped down to d, thats why you get the whale tail, essentially that high profile design has continued use to this day.

Eddie originally liked the rockinger trem (i think that was its name i cannot remember, anyways its the kramer designed locking tremolo). He went into a meeting with the engineers and some kramer suits and was going over some design changes they wanted and as the story goes eddie and the engineers got into it as they didnt want to make the design changes, after the meeting was over that tremolo was pretty much completely scrapped and they did the deal with floyd rose.

Racerx2k · #15 07-15-2006, 11:26 PM

Yes, Rockinger is correct. Ronnie LeTekro, from TNT, used them, too. They ultimately got crushed by Floyd, and I don't think they're made, anymore, even though Rockinger is still in business.