TREMOLOS
ADJUSTMENTS ---
STRING HEIGHT AND INTONATION:
To make adjustments for string height and intonation, please refer to the sections in this booklet that deal with these problems. The same rules apply to tremolo systems as apply to fixed bridges. You will have to pay close attention to which adjusting screws do which job. Study your guitar to find which screws adjust up and down for string height, and which adjust front to back for intonation. (See Fig. #1 to see some examples of these.)
STRINGS VERSES SPRINGS:
With these bridges resting in their static position, two forces hold them in balance. These two forces are the strings pulling on the top and the springs holding with equal force on the underside. This equilibrium must be maintained at all times. Whenever you change one side of the equation, you must remember to compensate on the other to maintain the desired balance. For every action, there is a reaction. (See Fig. #2)
For example, if you tighten the tension on the springs, you will notice that the strings are no longer at standard pitch. Now when you lower the strings back down to standard pitch, you will notice that the tension on the springs is not quite as heavy as when you adjusted it the first time. Readjust the springs and then the strings and so on until you reach the feel on the bar you want.
With most fulcrum type bars, there are a couple of ways to adjust spring tension. One way is to add or take away springs. If you have a fulcrum tremolo, you will notice a plate (that covers the springs) on the back of the guitar. Remove this plate and you will expose the springs. A typical set up will have three springs, but yours may have more or less. If you wanted your bar to move more freely, you can take away a spring or you can add a spring for a stiffer feel. Remember to retune the guitar. Now check the feel.The other way to set the feel is by using the screws that hold the spring hook to the body. (See Fig. #3) By screwing these further in or backing them out of the body, you will pull the attached springs tighter or relax them respectively, thus giving the bar a different feel.
You may need to try a combination of both adding or subtracting springs in conjunction with turning the spring hook screws.
One thing you will notice whenever you adjust your springs is that the position of the bar in relation to the top of the guitar has changed. When you tighten the springs, you will make the bar sit higher off the guitar. Likewise, when you loosen the tension, your bar will sit closer to the surface. This may not be a problem as most units are set up to have the standard feel with the bar at a standard height. But if you like the feel but not the position of the bar, you must remove the bar and physically bend it slightly in the direction you want
A word of caution: Be very careful not to bend the bar so hard and far that you break it!! Most of these bars are made of materials that can stand some bending but be careful!! Avoid using pliers or vises with steel teeth that will mar the finish or damage the threads! You may want your local repairperson to do this for you.