Trem bar is too loose - what to do

[Klapausius]

The trem bar in my '02 Custom 24 is too loose and makes a sound during a slight up and down vibrato.

There seems to be some differences between my '02 and '04 trems at least in the black plastic part which is where the trem bar is mounted. The '04 is tighter.

Is there anything I can do? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Zilmo]

Tighten the set screw a little?

[Klapausius]

There is a set screw?!? Thank you, Sir!

[Zilmo]

Did it work?

[IntenseJim]

Tiny allen screw below the trem arm hole, oriented parallel to the saddles. In this pic, the allen screw sits in its hole your the far right (to the right of the last phillips screw entering the high E saddle):


http://www.prsguitars.com/csc/img/trem.jpg

Your PRS case should have the appropriate allen wrench. Even a dope like me can tighten or loosen it.

[Rabidhamster]

AHA! Thats what the hole and the silly wee allen wrench are for! Brilliant! I'd been extra careful and worried with my tremelo, wondering when the plastic instert would wear out and stop holding the trem arm. Sweet!

[Valtiel]

I would find this funny if I also didnt know about the set screw until about a month after I got my first PRS. Genius design IMO.

[Peter]

That answers a question. I always wondered why that little allen wrench didn't work on the bridge saddles.

[Klapausius]

Did it work?
Yes! I'm happy now. This was the final adjustment to make the guitar feel completely set up for me.

These guitars are well designed.

Thank you very much.

[alantig]

What if you have the opposite problem? The trem arm in my 513 is a bit too tight, even with the set screw backed out. In fact, the screw is backed out enough that it vibrates almost all the way out as I play. Can I put a small amount of something on it w/o causing myself grief? Like Big Bends Nut Sauce perhaps (or something else)?

Alan

[Zilmo]

Never had that problem. Contact Customer Service and see what they say.

[alantig]

Never had that problem. Contact Customer Service and see what they say.Already on it. Thus they spake:

To lubricate the trem arm a bit you can use just a bit of 3 in 1 oil or graphite powder. Just a small amount should do the trick.So I'll give the graphite powder a try. Seems to me it'd be less messy if I screw up.

Alan

[jawnboy]

I've had my PRS Custom 24 for two years now and just recently the trem bar began to swing freely. I wondered how to address it and then went to this forum. Thank you all for the information! I learned how to set the set screw just in time -- it had vibrated out so far that I believe I might have lost the thing in a little while. Thanks again, guys.

[majordelt]

I've had my PRS Custom 24 for two years now and just recently the trem bar began to swing freely. I wondered how to address it and then went to this forum. Thank you all for the information! I learned how to set the set screw just in time -- it had vibrated out so far that I believe I might have lost the thing in a little while. Thanks again, guys.
Hey Jawn boy,
Where are you located in cenral Pa?

[majordelt]

Anyway, I'll be playing a few PRSI at the winners circle/ Holiday Inn grantville this weekend. IF you get a chance, stop out and say Hi:cool:

[JasonE]

What if you have the opposite problem? The trem arm in my 513 is a bit too tight, even with the set screw backed out. In fact, the screw is backed out enough that it vibrates almost all the way out as I play. Can I put a small amount of something on it w/o causing myself grief? Like Big Bends Nut Sauce perhaps (or something else)?

Alan


Here is a trick I use on my paintball guns. If the scew is vibrating and backing out, take it out and put some teflon thread tape on it then put it back in. It will give it just enough extra size to make it fit tighter and it it not permanent in any way. If it is still loose, put a little more on it. I did this on some saddle screws on a friends bass and it worked perfectly. You can get the tape in white and black colors. It is also cheap. And, you can fix your plumbing with it... :)

[ajax]

Ah paintball. Pretend violence. Hmm might need to go again soon.

[Big Foot]

Ah paintball. Pretend violence. Hmm might need to go again soon.
For years and years I've deer hunted w/ a couple of my friends who are Native Americans & they taught me alot..... I'll never forget what they said when I told them I was going paintballing and asked if they wanted to come too....... "Nah, shoot'n at people...that's dumb"
I thought it really was fun but I have to admit there sure is alot of false bravery when you don't have to worry about getting killed....
(That's just my 2 cents)

[ajax]

For years and years I've deer hunted w/ a couple of my friends who are Native Americans & they taught me alot..... I'll never forget what they said when I told them I was going paintballing and asked if they wanted to come too....... "Nah, shoot'n at people...that's dumb"
I thought it really was fun but I have to admit there sure is alot of false bravery when you don't have to worry about getting killed....
(That's just my 2 cents)

Now if the deer were armed too.........

[Big Foot]

Now if the deer were armed too.........

Ahh touchet! I see what you mean. At least w/ paintball both sides start out on even ground.