I finally decided to really dig into my new Custom Shop Strat Relic and get it setup perfectly. The main problem with it was tremolo stability when using the bar aggressively. A common problem with Strat tremolos unless they are setup properly.
The first thing I did was remove the strings, springs and bridge from the guitar. Then I polished each of the six pivot screws by wrapping the smooth shank part of the screws with a small piece of 1500 grit sandpaper and spinning them with an electric screw driver. This is a quick and easy way to polish and de-burr tremolo screws. After that, I put a small swipe of synthetic lithium-polymer grease on the pivot of the bridge plate before re-installing the unit. I also put a small amount of the same lube around the top of the newly polished screws for added lubrication during tremolo use (very important step!).
I then re-installed the springs, put some new strings on it and setup it up to float (about 1 full step of pull-up on the G string at the 12th fret). Once I got all this adjusted I reset the height of the outer two trem screws so they are nearly exactly flush to the face of the trem plate with the unit pulled all the way up. I raise the inner four screws higher so as to reduce friction. This allows the trem to pivot on the two outer screws like a modern, two-point tremolo... but the inner four are still there for support and tone transfer.
Once all the setup was complete and everything "settled" back in I was very pleased with my work. The guitar stays in tune much better now (even with heavy trem use). I also opted to switch from D'Addario 10s to D'Addario 9.5s. 10s were feeling a bit stiff to me, but plain 9s were "slippery" on the round fretboard and thin fretwire. The 9.5s are a perfect middle ground. Not as stiff as 10s, but you can still grip them when bending and the tone is bit thicker than plain 9s, as you might expect.
I decided to put some posters on the wall and clean up the room a bit. Without the drums in there the space feels huge! :) I have debated on whether or not to paint the walls a different color and put up some of the sound tuning foam squares. Still thinking about it.
In the meantime, my collection is growing nicely. Still many pieces I'd like to have (that never ends), but I am very happy with the line-up at the moment. They are all good guitars and serve their purpose well. ;)
Jonathan came over today to pick up his drums. Unfortunately, we were unable to really jam on a regular basis due to our conflicting schedules, so he decided to come and get them so he could actually practice for a change. ;) Totally understandable, but I regret that our free time wasn't reconcilable. I really had a lot of fun playing with a real drummer for a change instead of a computer-based one.
Now I have tons of space in my room again. It's amazing how much space even a small kit takes up, and you don't realize just how much space they eat until they're gone. I added some posters to the wall and a new 7 slot guitar rack to help accommodate my guitar addiction, which I may need to seek professional help for soon ;).
I also have a new desk on order that has rack space built in and more top surface area. This desk should help tremendously since the tiny one I have now is super overcrowded with speakers, monitors and music devices. I have the desk on order, so it should be here soon... but I don't look forward to putting it together. :( Put-together-furniture is a major pain in the ass. But it will be worth it once I get everything done and integrated.
The first thing I did was remove the strings, springs and bridge from the guitar. Then I polished each of the six pivot screws by wrapping the smooth shank part of the screws with a small piece of 1500 grit sandpaper and spinning them with an electric screw driver. This is a quick and easy way to polish and de-burr tremolo screws. After that, I put a small swipe of synthetic lithium-polymer grease on the pivot of the bridge plate before re-installing the unit. I also put a small amount of the same lube around the top of the newly polished screws for added lubrication during tremolo use (very important step!).
I then re-installed the springs, put some new strings on it and setup it up to float (about 1 full step of pull-up on the G string at the 12th fret). Once I got all this adjusted I reset the height of the outer two trem screws so they are nearly exactly flush to the face of the trem plate with the unit pulled all the way up. I raise the inner four screws higher so as to reduce friction. This allows the trem to pivot on the two outer screws like a modern, two-point tremolo... but the inner four are still there for support and tone transfer.
