help adjusting bridge

[bigred]

hi, for some reason my tremolo arm always hits the tip of the 5 way switch, this is an edge tremolo, i have it set up correctly (I think), when i lower the action is when the arm hits the tip of the switch on position 3 all the time and sometimes on the in between spots. I cant seem to fix this, my other guitars dont have this problem and with those i can go down super low. Give me some tips please.

[reguv760]

did ya check the bridge angle? that's usually the issue...

Reg

[bigred]

hey, well the angle of the bridge is just like the guide thats posted on this site, the marker on the side of the bridge is parallel to the body of the guitar, my other guitar is this way too but it doesnt have this problem, i bought this guitar second hand so im not sure if the studs are even correct ones. I think if i make it so that the tail sinks in more this will go away but that wont be the proper set up now. Is there anything else i should look for?

[reguv760]

hmmm... if its not that, maybe the switch tip / switch have been replaced?

Reg

[bigred]

thanks but its not the tip, i removed 2 others from my other rg's just to test them and they are all the same size.

[Dee]

I had the same problem on my RG 20th. I had to set the baseplate slightly more tilted back than usual, but actually it's fine, it doesn't look or feel weird, just needed to tilt back a mm or two. I also fitted a new switch tip that's a little less pointy than the Ibanez ones (they are very pointy!).

Had I used a neck shim and raised the bridge to compensate, that would have done the trick, but I hate using shims. I like 100% wood to wood contact in this area.

[bigred]

ok cool so i will tilt it back a bit and see what happens, by the way was that a switch tip from a stratocaster you used? I know mines has 1 shim installed, I wonder if this is common among rg 20th or vintage 5 series.

[Dee]

I had a spare switch tip in a box of parts and it fit perfectly. I'm not sure where it's originally from, but the top of it is quite rounded and the whole thing is shorter than the standard Ibanez ones.





As for shims, I've had several Ibanez with them and several without. I usually take them out anyway.

[jb4674]

Take a picture..............

Jimmy:smile

[bigred]

thanks for the help got it fixed, i poped the trem out and i started messing around with the sleeve( i think thats what its called) it was kinda loose i tightened it up a bit and dropped the arm back in, tuned up and now it doesnt hit the tip no matter what position. Im still gonna hunt down one of those lil ones. Thanks.