Whammy bar mod

[HSH]

Has anyone changed the angle, either at the bend near the body or at the bend in the middle, of their trem arm? I'm thinking of bending it a bit closer to the body, will still have room to go completely slack, but playing with the bar in my right hand is difficult because it's so high. The guitar is a 1987 RG560. Trem angle is correct, with the line parallel to the body (thanks for the tech info, Rich! Great site.) Is heat required? Just a vise? Did any of the black chip off? I don't like to start something without checking it out first, and this is the best place to do that. Some advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

[HSH]

OK, I'm slowly learning! Forums are new to me. Searched and found some info in another thread, and I think I'll pad my vise and be very gentle in bending. BUT, I would like to know where the better place to bend the bar is, if anyone has any experience. Thanks.

[ryanb]

I'd guess the bend in the middle, though it won't matter very much. You could probably just as well bend it anywhere along the length you want.

[HSH]

Thanks. Yeah, I think I'm going to have to visualize it. If I bend it near the middle, which I'm leaning towards, then the bar will be (the part I'm holding) more parallel to the body. Thanks again.

[JTM45]

I would think that the plating would come off at the point where you make the new bend.
You could always have it powder-coated black once you were finished re-shaping it.

On a semi-related topic does anyone know if you can order a
replacement 'palm-bar' (the one that comes with the K7) from Ibanez?

The only problem is that i think i'd have to drill an extra hole in the other side of the trem unit to take the other end of the palm-bar and it's a Double-Edge Pro.
I've been trying to think of a way that you could make my own version of the palm-bar with a different method of keeping the top end of the bar in place that didn't involve drilling my trem. Any ideas/suggestions would be much appreciated.

[JTM45]

I would think that the plating would come off at the point where you make the new bend.
You could always have it powder-coated black once you were finished re-shaping it.

On a semi-related topic does anyone know if you can order a
replacement 'palm-bar' (the one that comes with the K7) from Ibanez?

The only problem is that i think i'd have to drill an extra hole in the other side of the trem unit to take the other end of the palm-bar and it's a Double-Edge Pro.
I've been trying to think of a way that you could make my own version of the palm-bar with a different method of keeping the top end of the bar in place that didn't involve drilling my trem. Any ideas/suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Bezial]

i bend all my bars up a little as i find them to low. i use mole grips to grab them just above the teflon washers and then i use my strenth to bend the bar where i like it , you will not damage the bar and if you are worried about the coating grab it with a cloth(this makes it a little slippy though)

all mine are ok and you cant see any damage (even if there is some) as most is in the trem socket anyway, hey why you would want it closr i dont know but each to there own also be carfull going closer as i would think it may hit the body and also the control knobs , this is why i rebent my first bar as it was hitting the volume control and i have now got used to the angle and have after trying the stock angle re bent all my arms. good luck

[Rich]

JS has all his bars bent closer and also straighter. That 3/8" of travel you take out in a dive can only be heard on the high E anyway and the bar rides in your hand while playing easier.

[HSH]

Thanks, Great One! If I don't win this Jem, you'll eventually here from me! I'm going to shallow out the angle mid-way up the bar.