|
Setup for Great Action Step 1: Bridge Floating Tremolo Angle LoPro Edge  About NEUTRAL (courtesy of Ibanez booklet)
 Lo-Pro Edge Tremolo example
Edge  almost NEUTRAL (courtesy of Ibanez booklet)
 Reference Edge Tremolo Angle: Edge
 Red line is neutral - Knife edge shown in black
The starting point for setup is in the DEAD NEUTRAL position. In this position the tremolo knife edge / pivot point will be at a right angle to the tremolo post. For the beginner, you should find dead neutral and start there. Play the guitar for a while letting it sit and stabilize for a few days. Generally speaking, this will give the best overall "neutral" float, tremolo range and tuning stability. Slightly raised above neutral - I've noticed that as you keep the bridge floating just above neutral position, tremolo stiffness is slightly reduced. This increases the amount of pull-up a bit (at the expense of drop) but can cause string breakage upon severe/quick pullup due to the extra travel. Slightly sunk below neutral - this will stiffen the tremolo and also jeopardize tremolo stability or the ability for the trem to return to the "zero" resting point. If the bar bottoms out easily on pulling up, you probably have it set too far neutral (or the neck angle is setup improperly) so loosen the claw springs. If the rear of the tremolo sits way above the body with the fine tuners pointing up high, tighten the claw springs. | Step By Step: Bridge Floating Tremolo Angle | | Picture | | | Tools Needed | - Medium Phillips-head screwdriver - for tremolo cover screws
- Med/Large Phillips-head screwdriver - for tremolo claw springs
| | Procedure | - Remove the rear tremolo cover by unscrewing the six rear tremolo cover screws with a hex head screwdriver.
- Adjust Bridge Angle - when adjusting the tremolo claw springs, turn each screw the same amount. Make small adjustments (maximum one complete turn) and retune to pitch to check angle
- Too little rear clearance (tremolo too flat) - loosen the tremolo claw screws adjustments and retune to pitch.... maximum of one complete turn.
- Too much rear clearance (too much tremolo angle) - tighten the tremolo claw screws
- When finished screw the tremolo cover back on
| | Reference | | Summary - Step 1 Before going any further in regard to setting up a JEM/UV, ensure that the tremolo angle is near perfect. Only when the tremolo angle is approximately correct can we work on action. Remember as you change the tremolo angle, the guitar's action and intonation will change significantly. Do not continue until the tremolo angle is correct. That said, the tremolo angle might have to be tweaked again after Step-2 after the bridge height is adjusted. As with all setup, trail and error rules ;-)
|