How do I tighten my trem arm? LO-TRS TREM

RexGtr · #1 07-08-2004, 06:55 PM

I just bought my first Ibanez, a RG 7 string.

I have this LO-TRS TREM and the trem arm just pops in (no threading)
I can't figure out how to tighten the arm so it doesn't become loose from usage. (The flutter becomes non existant the looser it becomes)

Help?

kennydoe · #2 07-08-2004, 06:59 PM

i thought the lo-trs was a screw in...

if it's the lo-PRO, which has a pop-in bar, first, you'll need to make sure the socket is tight underneath. After that, it's all up to the two litte white bushings on the short part of the bar. Once those have some wear, the bar will swing around in the guitar, but that shouldn't affect the flutter at all. You can replace the bushings, but they're a little hard to come by and they usually wear out in 2-4 weeks, depending on usage.

~K

RexGtr · #3 07-08-2004, 09:04 PM

Thanks Kenny,

It is a screw in! I just tried one of my old threaded bars and it's better.

This guitar was used and didn't come with a bar so I went to buy one and they sold me a pop in one.
Still the nut seems stripped because when I try to tighten it it only gets so tight then it goes back to being loose as I continue to turn the top mounted socket.

Quote:

you'll need to make sure the socket is tight underneath

Do I have to remove the strings and disassemble the trem (spring block) to tighten a socket underneath?
What is the flat head set screw for on the spring block? (setting the bar height?)

Rich · #4 07-08-2004, 10:59 PM

Screw in? Isn't the Lo TRS have the FR type bar with the screw on collar??

RexGtr · #5 07-08-2004, 11:23 PM

I know the type of FR bar you mean that has a quick release dial that you can adjust with your fingers. this appears to be like the older FR screw in bar.
I got it tight but the bar I'm using doesn't clear the volume knob (smacks into it)
It appears that flat head screw on the block sets where the bar gets tight.

I just need to find a tremolo bar that is threaded and higher now.

marianozz · #6 07-08-2004, 11:39 PM

weird, didnt know there was a 7 string TRS....

RexGtr · #7 07-09-2004, 01:11 AM

Is it good or bad?

Two hands31 · #8 07-09-2004, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marianozz

weird, didnt know there was a 7 string TRS....

RG-7420
S-7420

kennydoe · #9 07-09-2004, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RexGtr

I know the type of FR bar you mean that has a quick release dial that you can adjust with your fingers. this appears to be like the older FR screw in bar.
I got it tight but the bar I'm using doesn't clear the volume knob (smacks into it)
It appears that flat head screw on the block sets where the bar gets tight.

I just need to find a tremolo bar that is threaded and higher now.

Make sure the bridge is set right - if it's lurching forward, the bar is most scertainly going to hit the knob. You can also bend the Trem arm slightly (out of the guitar, of course). It's not easy, but it's doable. You get better dives out of it once you bend it anyway

You don't need to take the strings off - all you need is a needle-nose pliers, although it's easier if you pop the bridge off by removing the springs.

~K

lewis_ho · #10 07-09-2004, 06:43 AM

An OFR replacement arm + arm holder would be great.

Petie · #11 07-09-2004, 07:12 AM

Just to clarify, the 7 string LO TRS doesn't have the same bar insert - or bar - as a 6-string LO TRS. It uses the regular Ibanez Edge bar but it's a poor fit. All you can really do is apply some thin tape or something to the area where the bushings go, before putting the bushings on. Also it sits up far too high, about a centimetre higher than it would in an Edge trem. It's a very crappy design and I will replace mine with a floyd equivalent at my earliest convenience. I find the tuning stability is fine but I can't deal with the height of the bar from the body, or the way it tends to come out of the body during use!

Petie · #12 07-09-2004, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RexGtr

What is the flat head set screw for on the spring block? (setting the bar height?)

I haven't been able to find any use whatsoever for that. It seems to just be there as a visual thing, to plug the portion of the hole that's too deep for the bar to reach.

AndersPGM · #13 07-09-2004, 07:34 AM

I put a piece of "shrinking rubber" (a tube made out of rubber that shrinks when heated ; comes in a variety of sizes) at the end of the arm and heated it with a blow dryer.
it works stupendous.

but I have a LO-TRS II.

maybe it´ll work on your arm as well I don´t know.

RexGtr · #14 07-09-2004, 02:40 PM

Good idea with the heat shrink tubing!
I'll take the tremolo off the guitar and have a closer look.
(just can't stop playing my first 7 string)

Right now I'm wondering what angle the tremolo should be set to get the most extreme fluttering warble? I have it floating straight with the strings but maybe it should lean forward or back?

Petie · #15 07-10-2004, 06:34 AM

The angle of the bridge itself doesn't really affect flutter/warble as much as the angle and tightness of the bar. It flutters best when it's pointing towards the rear strap pin and tight.