Sunday, February 18, 2018

Low Tension Tremolo Springs




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.


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.