Problem of string tension on UV7BK'97 with 12-68 set and Tremolo-No

[nmanel]

Hi,

I am having problems trying to use a 12-68 set on my UV7BK'97. I have a Tremolo-No and 4 springs. I already screwed the block almost completely at the end of the cavity. Still, the string tension is too low and the overall string action is too high (I put some pictures below for you to look at). I have played with the truss rod and clearly the problem is not at the level of the neck, but at the level of the bridge. I have few possible ideas, but I am thinking that you guys have much more experience than me and hopefully you could direct me to the best solution. Anyway my thoughts:

- My springs are used up? (Are there heavier springs?)
- A 12-68 is just too big to use with only 4 springs and thus I need 5 springs and I need to give up on the Tremolo-No.

I'd appreciate any help on that, thanks a lot in advance!!!

[reguv760]

how old are the springs? Either replace 'em with brand new ones or get higher-tension (shorter) springs. Replace one at a time.

Reg

[brothersnowgone]

That bridge looks too far into the body, you might need a neck shim. Plus the string gauge your using isn't really tremelo friendly.

[nmanel]

Thanks for the replies. The springs are as old as the guitar ... 1997. I will thus get new ones. Do you know a place/a website to buy different sizes of springs????? I seem to find only the typical fender-size springs on on-line stores.

Yes the bridge is really deep in the body, but I put it this way trying to find a good set-up but obviously it's not working yet...

And for heavy gauge, I agree that it's not trem-friendly, but I don't want to play on lighter gauge and I don't want to permanently fix the trem. The Tremolo-No helps, as long as I fix its position at the "resting" state of the springs. But then the bridge is still too high.

Hopefully new springs will help!

Thanks

[brothersnowgone]

I just noticed that with a good neck angle and good action you at least start to see the where the knife edges insert into the side. On the bass side that is. So if you don't know if you have a neck shim you should check. Every guitar is different though.