Help! - My LO-TRS (yeah, yeah) is not doing too well

[sixstringphoenix]

First off my second axe is an RG-470. My parents got it for me for Christmas when I was younger so it has some sentimental value to it, in that I don't really want to part with it despite moderate playability and a TRS trem.

And the RG-470 is the only lefty RG model available in the states. (I'm still ogling that Japanese 680 w/LoPro - my parents are not going for it though; "can't try before you buy"... any suggestions?)

Anyway, I know a Lo-TRS II is a bad trem to begin with but ever since November of last year it's just gotten worse. I had it set up a couple times but according to my buddy Tom at a local Mom & Pop type music store (which closed a while back) it looked OK to him at the time. Here's the problem. Actually, there are a few.

a.) The bar is loose, squeaky, and refuses to tighten. I've read some of the tech section stuff and am probably going to try it but in addition to that the tremolo arm torque adjustment screw (or whatever is inside under the bar holder) is missing. I called Hoshino in February and after three weeks I got a torn envelope and a busted empty bag. I was too impatient to try again...

b.) When tightened to my liking, the bar is too low and hits the volume knob, creating numerous problems that make nudging the bar out of the way impossible. It's also not good for the tuning (as the trem also has a problem with raising pitch).

Any help is appreciated. I know it's a Lo-TRS trem but what is a lefty to do, ya know?

-Justin

[Project Guitar]

I know Jimm here suggested using teflon tape on trem arms awhile back.

Sounds like this could be an option that might work well for you as it is inexpensive and would allow you to still make adjustments.

Plus you should be able to get it in any hardware store in the plumbing section.

[Scott 74]

I'll see if the local shop I go to has a 680! They always have RG's in stock. I'll check it out and let you know.......

Scott...........

[vwall]

Just a thought, but with all the time and effort spent, try to find a beater at a pawn shop with an edge or floyd. You can sometimes find them for 50-100 Doolars, then you can always sell the neck, p/u etc or keep them for future projects. or post a WTB for an edge or try Evil bay



scott

[sixstringphoenix]

Becalvert, thanks for the suggestion. I may try that out.

Scott 74, good luck. I haven't found it on the American Ibanez site, only the Japanese. I don't really want the 680 anymore, actually. lol

Scott, thanks but I don't think pawn shops are likely to carry used lefty Ibanez's with Edge's or Lo-Pro's.

Oh well. Actually I'm starting to compile a spec sheet for a dream axe. Hopefully I can find someone to put this awesome monster together.

So far a lot of the measurements are similar to my EB/MM Axis which plays like a dream, although it will differ greatly in looks. Anyone know what the Y2K Satch CP body is made of? I know it's heavy, but I was thinking, if not a regular body, then that body with a blue tint. Also I'm planning *three humbuckers, bridge to neck: FRED, Evo (neck model), Air Norton. And a bunch of other wild crazy stuff too.

-Justin

[Scott 74]

Well I live in Japan so that will certainly give me an edge *LOL* Anyway the shops I've been to so far since I've been here always seem to have more RG's than any other Ibanez model in stock!

[sixstringphoenix]

Hey after all this, guess what...

A Hoshino USA rep (who shall remain anon.) read this thread and sent me an e-mail with all sorts of different information.

• Such as...
  
• The first version of the Lo-TRS is much better than the second; "People seem to interchange the LoTrs and Trs2 bridges when complaining about them, which is a mistake. The two bridges really are quite different."
• "The tuning stability on [the Lo-TRS] is far superior (it's no Edge, but hey...). I have worked with one of these bridges recently, and the tuning is very stable."
• The original TRS is making a comeback: "We have started to put the first version of the LoTRS on all versions of the RG470, including the lefty one." :biggrin:
• "The good news is that the first version of the Trs trem will fit into the same cavity with no modification." Awesome!
• Additional info: "The part number is 2LT1L35K, and the list price is $270."

I have read countless posts here about how Ibanez's customer support/web presence is lacking, so I thought after all that it would be refreshing to post a positive note. So just to let all other fellow Jemsiters know, they are watching, contrary to popular belief. And IMO they are aware of the problem and trying their best to combat it.

-Justin

[Scott 74]

Thats really cool they got in touch with you on this! Hopefully they'll see this post and help me find out if I can get a new neck replacement for my Jem777VBK! :biggrin: I've already tried a few times and no luck, but that was Ibanez of Japan and according to all the dealers here there starting summer vacation! Thanks for posting it's nice to see something positive considering all the negative posts you see here about customer service!

[Scott 74]

Hoshino USA contacted me!!!!!:biggrin:

[sixstringphoenix]

that's awesome, any luck with the neck?

[jemsite]

good news.

in regard to the bar hitting the volume knob, you can bend the bar in a vice to create more of an angle and clearance. Do it near the angle. It will also provide more 'down' movement of the trem. Not sure why these bars don't have this ergonomic fit from the factory. Same goes for the Edge/LoPro bar. good luck... glen

[sixstringphoenix]

Hey, thanks Glen.

Man, my RG is going to go through this huge metamorphasis... in the very near future, a sanded neck, a fixed bar, new trem. Hopefully it'll be an Edge/LP, TRSI is my Plan B, but if I do get a righty and tap it then I'll see if I can get the trem split - like this. (Do you know anything about that?)

And if I like the way it plays after that, I might go for a swirl paint job, monkey grip, lion's claw (does it help the trem go up further?), and maybe a replacement neck (I was told that the Prestige/Ultra necks are a lot beefier than the Wizards).

Whaddya think?

-Justin

[Scott 74]

They told me they a have some there but I would have to go through a dealer. List price is $540.00 if I remember right so don't know how much I'd actually pay! Can't do anything until I sell my JS100 and Wolfgang Special. Later...................