ShortScale.org

Today I wanted to try my hand at using the Mustang tremolo on my Mullet-stang and 69' Comp-Stang RI. I ran into some weird issues. I got an allen head wrench and adjusted the screw so the trem arms did flop around.

On the Mullestang, when I use the tremolo the low E string go completely flat. It drops down a quarter to half a step down. The other strings pretty much stay in tune. I am using .11s gauge strings on this guitar and it is properly intonated. The bridge is almost flat against the tremolo plate.

On my 69' RI, when I let off the trem arm it acts like it is still flat, I end up having to lift the arm slightly to get it back into the proper position. Its almost like the springs aren't pulling it 100% back into tune. I am using .12 gauge strings on this guitar and it is properly intonated as well.

Thoughts or advice? I am not a huge tremolo user, but I would like them to work properly. Thanks.

P.S. The trem arm on the 69' RI(white) is slightly longer than the one that came with the Mullet-stang's trem (black)

Seems like it would be the stopbar isn't getting enough pull from the vibratos springs. Try taking the springs and moving them down a notch on the stopbars posts. The springs should not be able to move once the bridge is assembled (unless the vibrato is being used, of course). If you've heard a clicking noise when using your vibrato, it would be a good indicator the the springs are just set too loose.

what he said, move em springs down the post

Three things to consider that people haven't mentioned:

Is the whammy bar too far in? That can keep the whammy from returning to zero.

Is the tailpiece too far out? Sometimes this results in the tailpiece wobbling instead of spinning back and forth.

Is the saddle worn? This can cause binding. Try adding some lubrication if you got any.

But what would cause just the low E to go flat while the other 5 strings stay in tune on the Mullet-stang? Would the bridge height have anything to do with it? Can I make any adjustments without taking the plate off?

taylornutt wrote:But what would cause just the low E to go flat while the other 5 strings stay in tune on the Mullet-stang? Would the bridge height have anything to do with it? Can I make any adjustments without taking the plate off?

For the low E, try checking the nut and saddle before taking the strings off. I don't think bridge height would be an issue if the guitar is properly inotonated, but the saddle is an excellent suggestion. Also, a couple questions: How is the movement when using the vibrato? Would you say it's smooth and fluid, or kinda clunky and rigid?

yep, from my experience if the strings do not return to pitch you need to increase spring tension. if there's only one string acting strange check the nut, if it sticks there. Unless you have one faulty saddle which seems unlikely.

I might have found the problem on the Mullet-stang. I noticed the low E string is sandwiched between the tube and the plate as it heads towards the bridge. That means the low E String is in a bind while the other strings move freely. I am going to remove the tremolo plate and raise the height of the tube. I will also lightly sand the nut while i have it out.

Good problem solving!

I should have thought of that! On my '69, the previous owner had screwed the end in so far in that I couldn't even get the bass string out for a string change. To make matters worse, they used the wrong sized wrench to adjust the tailpiece, which resulted in that screw head being stripped.

I had to remove the entire vibrato assembly and raise the height from the back to get it to where I liked it. I eventually ended up getting an All Parts vibrato assembly, screwing that tube thingy out, and replacing it on the original piece so that it still said Fender on it.



I didn't like that guitar. But it didn't keep me from buying more Mustangs.

taylornutt wrote: I am going to remove the tremolo plate and raise the height of the tube.

why are you going to do the first to achieve the second?

kypdurron wrote:

taylornutt wrote: I am going to remove the tremolo plate and raise the height of the tube.

why are you going to do the first to achieve the second?

true story all you need is the right allen key.. not sure if i included one or not.. it came to me without one.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned the nut slots yet? If you hear a ping when you push the trem arm down one of the strings could be snagging in the nut.
Graphite/Pencil in the slots usually solves the problem.

serfx wrote:

kypdurron wrote:

taylornutt wrote: I am going to remove the tremolo plate and raise the height of the tube.

why are you going to do the first to achieve the second?

true story all you need is the right allen key.. not sure if i included one or not.. it came to me without one.

Are you referring to the two smaller holes on top of the tube? I was hoping those were height adjustments but I was wasn't sure. Is that what they are? If so, that will make life much easier.

I found an allen wrench but it was too big.