After buying a guitar
some guitarists will leave the tremolo arm in the box and never use
the tremolo system. But, when I bought my latest guitar I decided to
do the opposite. I decided to give my tremolo system a try. I also
decided that I would evaluate my tremolo system over time and decide
if it was worth using.
Currently, I am still
evaluating. But, there was something that I noticed when I begin this
process. I noticed that when I saw others use their tremolo systems
it always looked effortless. Like there was little to no resistance.
I saw this with Floyd Rose and vintage style tremolos. During that
time I wondered how this was being accomplished. I tried adjusting
the screws on the claw. But, I couldn't seem to get the effortless
movement that I saw others achieve. Plus I was limited by how far I
could loosen the screws on the claw. I didn't want to risk the screws
coming out when I used the tremolo.
So, I had the idea that
springs with lower tension might be available. When I begin my search
I found that there were generic, black, red, and noiseless tremolo
springs available. A few of them hinted at having lower tension in
their descriptions but there was no way to be sure. So, I continued
to research.
After some time I
discovered a set of springs that gave a stronger hint that they might
have less tension. I discovered Raw Vintage tremolo springs. After
this discovery and researching a little more I decided to take a
chance.
My Experience With Raw
Vintage Tremolo Springs
Within minutes of getting
the springs, I begin the process of installing them. So, I got my
screwdriver, opened the back panel, and removed the old springs with
my pliers. Then I opened the package containing the new springs.
Once the springs were out
of the package I begin installing them. When I begin to install the
first spring I noticed something. I notice that I was able to install
the spring without my pliers. So, I finished installing the rest in
the same way. I decided to install all five springs. I wanted to try
five first to see how my tremolo would perform and then I would
remove one or two if needed.
After all five springs
were installed I got a second indicator that these springs had lower
tension. With all springs installed I found that my bridge was
raised. Not slightly but enough to where I had to tighten the screws
on the claw. I only had three springs installed before these and my
bridge rested on the body of the guitar with no gap.
With all the new springs
in place and the screws on the claw tightened I begin to test out my
tremolo. After pushing down on the tremolo arm I noticed a difference
right away. But, I felt that I had to adjust the screws on the claw
again. So, I loosened them a little. After making the adjustment I
felt satisfied. My tremolo arm was even easier to push down and it
felt more responsive and flexible. I also found that I was able to
get the sounds that I wanted with a smaller range of motion. With the
old springs, I had to push down further to get the same effect.
I wasn't able to quite
get the effortless movement that saw others achieve. But, this was by
choice. To achieve and even lighter feel I have found that I would
have had to do more than just remove a spring. I would have also had to adjust the screws on the claw until my bridge was lifted off the body so that it was in what some call the floating
position. Doing these things would have required me to adjust my action.
Originally, before I knew my action would be effected I was willing
to make any adjustments necessary. But, I felt that my action was just
right and I didn't want to adjust it again. But, I am still
satisfied. My tremolo arm is much easier to push down and it's more
responsive.
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| New Raw Vintage Springs |
Is There And Improvement
In Sound Too?
Some have said that these
springs improved certain elements of their sound but I haven't
noticed a change in my guitar. My Jackson JS22 sounds just as good as
it did when I had my original springs installed. It hasn't decreased
or increased the quality of sound.
Overall
If you are looking for
low tension tremolo springs Raw Vintage springs would be a good
choice. They were never advertised as having lower tension but it's
noticeable almost right away. I have no regrets and I am glad I
bought them.
