Blocking Mustang Trem

Chicago Mike · Post by **Chicago Mike** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:52 pm

Anyone have a good way of blocking a Mustang bridge?

I want to strap some 11's on my Mustang and block the trem...in hopes of keeping it relative tune.

Ideas?

MaMo · Post by **MaMo** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:13 pm

Chicago Mike wrote:Anyone have a good way of blocking a Mustang bridge?

I want to strap some 11's on my Mustang and block the trem...in hopes of keeping it relative tune.

Ideas?

I use insulation tape and have never had a tuning problem since.

Chicago Mike · Post by **Chicago Mike** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:21 pm

On the posts of the bridge?

MaMo · Post by **MaMo** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:16 pm

yup. Just enough to keep it from rocking back and forth.

Pens · Post by **Pens** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:20 pm

I used electrical tape on the posts of my Jag, same bridge and all. Motherfucker hasn't moved since.

Also, it's been a while since I did it to my ex's Stang but I think you can take the tailpiece off and tighten the posts on that so it doesn't move either.

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:25 pm

Are you looking to block the bridge or the trem?

Chicago Mike · Post by **Chicago Mike** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:29 pm

I'm guessing I'm looking to block both....

I never use the trem arm so I figured it'd be good to block it. The bridge moves around back and forth too.

Do you typically raise the bridge when putting thicker strings on?

Pens · Post by **Pens** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:31 pm

You raise the bridge to set the action so that it doesn't buzz with whatever strings you're using.

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:33 pm

The reason I'm asking is because it's fairly common to block the bridge with tape, but still use the trem.

I'm not sure how you'd block the trem, or if you can. I'd imagine setting the springs as tight as it'll go is as close as you'll get. I suppose you could put a wooden insert into the cavity under the trem plate that'd stop the posts moving.

I'm probably not being very useful here, I'm more thinking out loud, or in type or whatever.

stewart · Post by **stewart** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:36 pm

don't bother 'blocking' the trem, just tighten the posts up as far as you can and it should be solid enough that it won't move under normal hand pressure. don't flip the bar round or anything like that.

a few turns of tape on the bridge posts is enough to tighten it up.

Chicago Mike · Post by **Chicago Mike** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:56 am

Awesome, very helpful. Thanks for the input guys....I always try and block the trem's on guitars.

I think I've broken a string or two at shows (w/o backup) and had a fucking time trying to keep it in tune....thus my never ending quest to block everything.

I appreciate it.

TheAttackman · Post by **TheAttackman** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:12 am

can i get a pic of this... im confused.. and i need to do this wit my strat

^ probably only for me but... i thought it was cool

Ty · Post by Ty » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:18 am

TheAttackman wrote: can i get a pic of this... im confused.. and i need to do this wit my strat

^ probably only for me but... i thought it was cool

The mustang and strat trem are completely different, and since I have no strat experience I'm just gonna speak from opinion and say I don't think you can block a strat trem.

Chicago Mike · Post by **Chicago Mike** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:23 am

Can't you block a strat trem w/ a block of wood inbetween the metal and wood at the back of the trem?

Or just throw some really super heavy springs on the trem?

Ty · Post by Ty » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:25 am

Or just not put the trem arm on.

TheAttackman · Post by **TheAttackman** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:43 am

so its the trem arm that does it... cause whenever i change strings its gets REALLY messed up...

Ty · Post by Ty » Mon Jan 12, 2009 5:05 am

TheAttackman wrote:so its the trem arm that does it... cause whenever i change strings its gets REALLY messed up...

Wait what are you talking about?
If you want to use the trem you put the trem arm on and move it up and down thats how you use the trem, but if you are talking about the bridge when you put strings in you might be moving the bridge saddles, or something.

This is a strat trem

And this is the back of a strat trem.
What is the problem you have.

This is a mustang trem.

TheAttackman · Post by **TheAttackman** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:33 am

silly_rabbit_band wrote:
TheAttackman wrote:so its the trem arm that does it... cause whenever i change strings its gets REALLY messed up...
Wait what are you talking about?
If you want to use the trem you put the trem arm on and move it up and down thats how you use the trem, but if you are talking about the bridge when you put strings in you might be moving the bridge saddles, or something.

This is a strat trem

And this is the back of a strat trem.
What is the problem you have.

This is a mustang trem.

i think im just crazy...

rodvonbon · Post by **rodvonbon** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 1:12 am

Mike, I've locked the trems on a few of my guitars, but not always. I never use the trem at all and find that some of the older guitars trems are floppier and don't return to being in tune if you even bump them.
What I did is bought a cheap strat trem arm and cut it into about 3/4" pieces that can be inserted where the arm goes on the Mustang. I then take a screwdriver and pry up the tail piece and tighten the grub screw. This seems to hold the whole thing from moving at all.
I leave the bridge as is and when I set up the guitars I pitch it towards the tail piece so that the angle stops the strings from rubbing on the intonation screws.
It's not always the same for every guitar. Some of them hold just fine.

Will · Post by **Will** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 2:33 am

Blocking Mustang Trem

Blocking Mustang Trem

Re: Blocking Mustang Trem