Unbalanced tremolo

[zEr0]

Ok, I know I've been posting a lot of this Tremolo questions lately but I would like to get mine setup right once and for all.

I've noticed that my tremolo is higher at the upper side (where the bass strings are attached) than at the lower side (where the trebles are). This has always been the case on my guitar and I thought it was a normal thing since you would expect the lower strings to apply more tension on the bridge. NOw I had also noticed (and also thought it was normal) that one of the tremolo springs was shorter and I guessed again it was to keep more conter-tension on the lower strings. However, yesterday I was reading the Ibanez Rules!! maintenaince guide and I found out that my springs should all be the same length and that I have one 47mm and two 52mm (the shorter one is more goldish as a matter of fact).

Ok, I don't know if the bridge should be at an even height or not but still the fact is that having those three springs with the shorter one at the top is not a very even setup... I'm not sure if I can find new Ibanez springs from my dealer so I was wondering what would be the best spring combination to use with my set of springs. I like to have a normal feeling on my tremolo (not too stiff, not too loose) so I was thinking about using the two 52's in arrow formation but I'm not an expert so I could use some advice on this one.

Thanks again!!

[nuno]

zErO,
scusa se mi infilo sempre, ma il ponte sta più in alto sui bassi perchè le corde basse hanno bisogno di più spazio (più distanti dalla tastiera) per vibrare senza friggere.

per le molle, io ti consiglio di usarne 3 in parallelo, perchè il tremolo è stato progettato per questo assetto.
la disposizione a 3 non cambia molto a livello di feeling, ma può essere noioso quando vai a settare il ponte.
se invece ne vuoi usare 2 a freccia, fallo solo se usi corde 9-42, perchè dalle 10-46 in sù tirano troppo, e 2 molle non reggono la tensione.

(trns)
zErO,
the bridge sits higher on the bass side cause the thicker the string, the bigger room it needs to vibrate with no buzzes.

springs-wise, i suggest you to use 3 springs in parallel setting, cause the tremolo has been designed specifically for that setting.
the arrow-setting doesnt add much to the overall feeling but it could be annoying when you're setting your trem.
if you want to use 2 springs in arrow mode, be aware to use not 10/46 gauge strings or higher, cause they tighten too much and those 2 springs can't match the tension.

[zEr0]

Ok but if I use a three spring combination where should I put the 47mm one? In the middle to keep the tension even or somewhere else? I'm asking this because I imagine that the shorter sping will prduce bigger tension, right???

[nuno]

i dont know, i never put 3 springs with different lenghts. i think you better get some good 52mm-lenght springs. this way, your trem should work more even and the setup should be easier.

ask your dealer, he should have some Schaller or Ibanez springs on sale. if it doesn't, ask me and i will send you some.

[Rich]

There's no reason you can't mix springs, i'd keep the short one in the center just for balance. You can use 2 of those short ones in arrow w/ 10's no problem though