Taking off all the strings on a floating trem...

[TheJazzTerminator]

Can someone recommend a good way to keep the trem from dropping if you want to clean your guitar neck with no strings on the guitar? I usually take three strings off at a time and clean just that side of the fingerboard, then put the strings on and repeat the same process on the other side. But, there HAS to be an easier way.

A while back, they used to make something called a "trem block" or something like that. Do they still make something like that? And, if not, how do YOU keep your trem from falling when you clean your fingerboard?

[bpd111]

http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/grunge/grunge_1.htm

[markg5150]

you could fold up a bit of corrugated cardboard to the right size and wedge it under to trem - just be careful to make sure you don't damage the finish

[TheJazzTerminator]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

[ardell henderson]

I use erasers; the rectangular shape is perfect & they are finish friendly too.

[Eggy]

Originally Posted by ardell henderson

I use erasers; the rectangular shape is perfect & they are finish friendly too.

Good tip I'm gonna give them a go !

Ben

[TheJazzTerminator]

Another question:

When you insert the object that you're going to use to keep the trem from falling, is the trem supposed to remain in the position that you would have it in when you are playing normally? Or, is it okay if the trem is angled forward (if the object makes it do that)? I hope that's not too confusing of a question...

I remember the 'trem block' thing they made a few years ago simply sat underneath the trem (perfect fit) and kept it like you'd have it while playing...

EDIT:

Oh, and in the pictures on Ibanez Rules that bdp linked to, the trem is angled forward a lot because of the objects underneath the trem. So, I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a better fit than that...

[rgr]

No, it doesn't matter if it's angled a little one way or the other, I sometimes just use a folded cloth, you are trying to protect the finish. When you start stringing it back up it will come back to it's neutral position as you tune it up. It will take longer to get it back to stable tuning if you have removed all the strings, but every once in a while you just got to do it.

[ibanez2005]

Stick a wedge, wood or something in the back by the springs, stick one either side of the trem and it wont move.

[lyconxero]

I generally just use cardboard since it's always laying around from something and it's easy to get in and out. If your guitar is going to be floating then there's no point in worrying about whether it's level or not with the temporary block. You just want to get the old strings off, get the new strings on, and then take out what's blocking the trem.

[JJEMMER777]

I just a teeshirt or a sock. Both work fine for me and are finish friendly.

Umm....better to use a "clean" sock

[King Nothing]

What's wrong with letting it drop? Easiest way to clean the fretboard would be to detune the strings till it's dropped all the way, flip it over, unscrew the 2 screws that hold the metal bar over the springs, pop out the springs, pull out the tremolo, and there you go. If your guitar doesn't have padding for the tremolo to land on, just shove some cotton or foam in there and then do the above.

[TheJazzTerminator]

Originally Posted by King Nothing

What's wrong with letting it drop? Easiest way to clean the fretboard would be to detune the strings till it's dropped all the way, flip it over, unscrew the 2 screws that hold the metal bar over the springs, pop out the springs, pull out the tremolo, and there you go. If your guitar doesn't have padding for the tremolo to land on, just shove some cotton or foam in there and then do the above.

Thanks for the suggestion, however, quite simply -- that's a TREMENDOUS pain in the ass.

Firstly, I get frustrated very easily when it comes to stuff like this. When it comes to music, the least amount of time fixing my guitar, the better. I want to be PLAYING it. And, secondly, I always wait until my current set of strings is absolutely unplayable before I clean the fretboard. So, I kill two birds with one stone: cleaning the fretboard and changing the strings. Your way is cool if you don't feel like changing the strings and just want to clean the fretboard...

Stick a wedge, wood or something in the back by the springs, stick one either side of the trem and it wont move.

That's a great idea. I'm gonna take my guitar to a local luthier tomorrow to have some work done so I'll ask him if he can make a piece of wood that I can stick in back of the springs for string changes.

Good idea.

[Lefty Robb]

Lock down your tremol-no!!

[Ant1981]

I pop a highlighter pen behind the trems tail to stop it coming all the way down. From what I gather though, blocking the trem whilst the strings are off only makes tuning up a bit easier if you can keep the float level the same, is this correct? Or is there another reason?