A reader asks: I bought a Japanese ' 62 Fender Strat reissue last year. I am very pleased with it except that the tremolo arm is causing major problems. If I bend a string it pulls the bit behind the bridge forward, so all the other strings descend in pitch. I assume this is a common problem but it is very annoying. It makes everything sound out of tune if I play unison bends or bends with open strings ringing. I have tried tightening up the springs a bit but this stops the tremolo arm moving freely and messes up the string tension if you do it too much. I have been told that tightening the springs up all the way could do permanent damage to the guitar anyway. The other thing is that if you use the tremolo more than a tiny bit it puts the guitar seriously out of tune. I don't really want to start adding expensive new parts - some seem to cost more than would be justifiable on a guitar of this price anyway. I also particularly like the look of the guitar the way it is and, if possible, I don't want to add new chunky metal bits that would spoil its classic look. What would you suggest ? Chip answers:
With that said, though, I did warrantee work for Fender, and have been setting these puppies up for a long time. However, I would welcome any input from anyone who knows more than I do about this issue. The vintage Strat tremolo system was not designed for the dive bomb techniques of Eddie Van Halen, but for a gentler, more subtle effect. Jimi Hendrix was a master at making an out of tune guitar sound in tune after his tremolo feats through shear technique, but most of us don’t have that genius. But, here are a few tips to give the Strat owner a fighting chance at keeping the vintage tremolo system working well. A favored setup approach is to use three springs, one in the center, and two on either side. Some people like the side springs to connect to the body end right next to the middle spring, and at the tailpiece end on the edge. The springs then splay out like a three fingered V-for-Victory signal. This allows a little greater tension than running the springs parallel to each other. When the instrument is tuned to pitch, adjust the spring tension so that the tailpiece just barely rests on the body. Then, bend a few strings and see if it rises off the body. If it does, tighten the springs until typical bending maneuvers do not allow this to happen. The mounting screws on the top of the body should all be at the same height, and, ideally, all installed exactly on center with no screws tilting to any significant degree. With a good nut, carefully installed strings (preferably not superlight) and a careful setup of the tailpiece, the Strat tremolo can be used with great effect. It’s necessary to learn the limitations of the design, and then adjust to them. All the best to everyone for a great holiday season and a wonderful New Year! I have a new CD due out in the New Year, and so I personally have something that I am really looking forward to. Maybe I’ll even buy a Strat…
I love the responses from readers of this column to my website at www.jumpinsomethin.com. I’ve been invited to write a lesson for one website, links are being offered, and it’s great to communicate with other guitarists. Chip Wilson Email at: jumpinsomethin@aol.com Website at: www.jumpinsomethin.com
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Guitar
Tech Talk is from Chip
Wilson in New Orleans. If you have a question
about guitar building, repair, or maintenance, send it to
Chip at 
Before
I answer this question, may I state that I think the Fender
Stratocaster is one of the great designs of the Industrial
Age, and that some of the guitarists who have made it their
primary axe (Clapton and Hendrix, just for starters) are
among my favorite musicians of all time. May I also state
that I have never owned a Strat. 
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