Re: Damage to guitar from position of trem springs?

Paddy

Good day all.

In my quest to have a super versatile Strat I have hit a bit of a snag.

So, I want to put a Fender S-1 Switching system into my Partsocaster with Fender Hot Nosieless Pickups, normally that wouldnâ€™t be a problem right, but I have a EMG Afterburner unit in the guitar and that unit takes up the bridge tone pot position and then there is the 9v battery needed to run that unit. I also have a Fender TBX in the Neck tone pot position.

So I was thinking I could try and put the 9v battery in the Trem cavity, but the only way it fits is if I take the three springs already in there, and put them next to each other all on the one side and the 9v taking up the space where the last two spring would be. There is no space to leave the 9v in the routed area on top with the TBX, the Afterburner, the Mega 5 way switch and the S-1 volume pot. I know routing the cavity might be an option but I would prefer not too if at all possible.

Currently the trem is flush with the body and is not being used, however I wouldnâ€™t mind being able to use it again, just for down bends. But now Iâ€™m worried that with all the springs being on one side that Iâ€™ll have an uneven tension on the Trem Claw and the bridge itself.

Can this create any damage, long term or short term?

Gearhead

I wouldn't risk it, there's a lot of tension on those springs. Also depends on whether you have a modern 2 stud trem pivot or old fashioned six screws. In any case, why not just block the trem with the good ol' piece of wood?

Chocklit_Thunda

You could put the springs on either side and the battery in the middle.
your trem will be softer and you'd have to set up your guitar again but this seems a bit more logical. it would be even better if you can fid higher tension replacement springs so that they compensate for having the one spring out

Reinhard

Maybe try this, and put the 2 springs on the low E side

If you have to route a nice tidy route would work well

Or you could only use 2 strings (one left and one right) and block the trem.

Paddy

I have the two pivot bridge system.

If I follow the blocking route. Do I still leave some spring connected or is the not necessary. And what would is preferable? It's a swamp ash body, do I need to use the same wood type?

And if I take the routing option. Where would be the best place to route the wood? And wouldn't that negative effect the sound of the guitar by removing mass?

In the mean time i will see what happens if I do the spring on either side option.

Thanks guys

Reinhard

Paddy wrote: I have the two pivot bridge system.

If I follow the blocking route. Do I still leave some spring connected or is the not necessary. And what would is preferable? It's a swamp ash body, do I need to use the same wood type?

And if I take the routing option. Where would be the best place to route the wood? And wouldn't that negative effect the sound of the guitar by removing mass?

In the mean time i will see what happens if I do the spring on either side option.

Thanks guys

I am sure you can use any kind of wood to block it. The best routing spot would probably be on either side of the tremolo route like in the picture.
I can't think that removing that much wood would have any impact on tone. I would leave the springs in if you block it, at least you will know where they are ?

AlanRatcliffe

After years of messing around with different methods, I finally caved and routed my one-piece lightweight swamp ash body for a battery compartment and have been happy as a clam since. Battery changes only take a few seconds and nothing is compromised.

I usually use the Gotoh compartments:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Battery_clips_and_holders/Battery_Box.html

Paddy

I'm going to try get away with two springs for now and just not use the trem, and then I'll source a battery compartment along the line somewhere and after I've installed it I will set up the trem to be used. Haven't been using it till now, so waiting a little longer wont matter much.

I think it's the best option

Thanks for the help.