Shorter springs? RG1527 Trem

[thedonal]

When I upped my string guage (years ago) on my 1527, I had to add a fourth spring to get the tension right.

The only problem is that to do this, I can't use the locking plate that screws in over the spring ends on the trem block.

So when I remove the strings for replacement/neck cleaning and oiling, the bridge sproings off the posts (and has chipped the paint!!) and it's a pain when restringing again.

Are there shorter/stiffer springs I can get in the UK to get back down to 3 springs so I can fit the plate, or will having 2 of the 3 springs at an angle do the trick?

Just a little something to make life a bit easier....

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Various vendors market "heavy duty" springs. They're not really shorter, but are less elastic.

The easiest to get would probably be the Floyd Rose branded ones.

 

[devastone]

Have you bottomed out the claw with 3 springs?

Floyd Rose and FU-Tone both sell heavier springs, which means they have a higher spring rate, which translates into a much stiffer feel. Not sure if 3 HD springs will feel better than 4 standard springs though. I was using the HD springs in my 7620 but didn't like the feel, I ended up going back to 3 standard springs and tightening the claw more.

 

[thedonal]

Yeah- it woudn't go further and a screw head started rounding!!

Cool- cheers both. I'll look it up.

Feel wise- if they're similar tension to cope it'll be fine. Hopefully there won't be much flutter when I pick harder, but it's mainly so I can fit the locking plate back on to keep the trem in place...

 

[Noisy Humbucker]

The “heavy duty” red ones from Floyd are actually a bit shorter, I use them on my Charvel. If you go that route, make sure you scrape off a bit if the coating on the tips to maintain continuity for your ground (assuming you’ve got it soldered to the claw).

I normally do 3 springs in the “/|\” configuration, but with these suckers I had the claw backed out uncomfortably far (fear of the screws getting yanked from the body), so I put them in straight (|||).

 

[thedonal]

Cheers. Yeah- good shout on the grounding.

I was considering putting 3 of the standard springs on in the /|\ config, still don't think that'll be enough. And I don't want to be pulling them off (lol) and putting them on again over and over...

 

[aesthyrian]

I've used those red coated springs that are way too stiff, not my thing. I think the springs that come stock with the Gotoh 1996t are the best that I've used for my taste. They feel a bit stiffer than stock springs, but still have enough play for flutters and such. https://www.philadelphialuthiertool...parts/gotoh-psp-power-guitar-tremolo-springs/

 

[thedonal]

Well. Whaddaya know? I was playing with the spring setup on my 1527. Moved it to 3 in the slanted setup. It wasn't enough.

So I though- I bought springs years ago with this in mind. What did I find in the tool box? A set of 3 unused high tension springs. No red paint.

In they went. Llots of fun with the strings all at tuned tension- thank the Gods of engineering for spring pullers!!

A bit of setting up and they're all good. And no flutter when I pick hard. Perfecto! With no extra money spent.

Now for chucking new strings on (and oiling the fretboard!) - that low B always suffers most when the strings age..