Metal Shop Music, Inc.
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build a guitar - Step 4
INSTALLING THE TREMOLO UNIT
1. Take the tremolo bridge and place it in the body as shown. Turn over the guitar while holding the bridge in place.
2. There are four springs provided. Most commonly three are used and attached to the three central positions on the spring claw. First hook the round end of a spring to the center position on the claw. Using pliers extend the spring so that the straight end hooks into the central small hole in the tremolo block. Using the same procedure for the other two springs from the positions either side of the claw center to the outer two small holes in the tremolo block. Once these springs are in position the bridge will not fall out when you move the guitar.
3. You now need to install the high and low E strings (1st & 6th). This will help you to properly align the neck and body.
4. With the strings in place you will find that the bridge will move slightly from side to side. Look at the two strings where they pass over the neck heel. Move the bridge so that the distance from each string to the outside edge of the fretboard is the same. Hold the bridge in that position and mark the screw hole positions.
5. Remove the strings and the bridge.
6. With a 1/8" drill bit drill the six holes for the bridge to depth of 1/2". The screws are 1" so do not over drill.
7. Reposition the bridge and insert five screws in the five oval holes. Screw the screws in to about 1/8" short of the bridge. They should not be fully tightened.
8. Reassemble the tremolo springs to the bridge and claw, refit the two E strings, and check the alignment again as per No. 2. If the alignment is correct screw the final bridge screw into the remaining round hole.
9. At this point you can check the spring tension to suit how the tremolo arm tension feels to you. It's a personal thing. If necessary you could add another spring or you could increase or decrease the tension by tightening or loosening the spring claw screws.
10. This is where you add your loaded and wired. With the pickguard held in place, thread one of the ground wires throught the hole from the front of the body into the rear cavity and solder it to the spring claw.
11. Line up the rear cavity cover and mark out the screw holes. Pre-drill the holes with a 1/16" drill bit and install the cover screws. (Same as pickguard screws)
