Ibanez Edge Tremolo Tuning Stability Options

[yoncopin]

In the past I've just blocked any tremolo bridge I've had, but recently I wanted to learn a solo that had some cool whammy tricks in it. So, I unblocked my Ibanez RG570's Edge trem and set it up to float. Everything is working fine, but I'm having issues with the tuning and wanted to know if it was expected... Obviously it takes some time to get the tuning right so the springs and string tension are in balance, then I lock the bolts at the nut. After that, there's usually some fine tuning at the bridge and I'm good to go.

After that, I've noticed the when using the bridge it doesn't ever really return perfectly to that original tuned location. The strings stay in tune with each other, but after a divebomb will go a bit flat. Pulling up again can make them return to rest just a bit sharp. It's hard then to retune because that resting point seems to move depending on the use of the trem. Normal? How to deal with this? I'm reminded why I buy fixed bridge guitars.

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[thefireball]

I know exactly what you are facing. I faced the same when I had a floating trem guitar. Seemed to be the norm - unless maybe it doesn't happen with the really expensive guitars? Or maybe there's a trick I don't know about. I just got used to bumping the trem to get it back in tune after using it, or making the "bump" part of my move after doing the whammy bar trick.

I eventually stopped play it, and sold it .

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[Rammikin]

No, that's not normal. The Edge (both the original and the lo-pro) has very good stability. If the fulcrum edge is worn though, that might cause problems getting it to return to the neutral position accurately. A tremolno can be installed to help it return to the correct position, but the bridge will feel stiffer with that installed.

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[Mertay]

Springs staying at the same position in time might be the reason as it was blocked, probably spring change may be needed.

Usually as Rammikin mentioned the 2 parts where the floyd is balancing on the bolts may have been worn, they have to be sharpened. Another reason may be what you used to mute spring noise, like stuffing too much material might also cause it.

Finally not too likely but the strings may get funky when a block is removed.

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[yoncopin]

The more I read about it, the more I think it is the interface between the posts and the knife edges. I'm going to take it apart tonight and polish the edges up and lubricate it. Hopefully that will get it returning to neutral properly.

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[fzalfa]

i had the same behaviouron my XPT700XH, solved after a clean and the add of some gun oil

Cheers

Laurent

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[yoncopin]

Initial results are pretty good. I'll have to spend some more time playing it but I did find a small burr on the flatter knife edge. I used some very fine sandpaper to smooth it out and then hit both edges with a dremel polishing wheel with some metal polish. It was shiny and smooth when I finished. I then put a bit of chapstick (recommended by Ibanez Rules) to lubricate it and the result is much improved. I think it just had the tiniest of snags on that edge which was hanging, but extended use will tell.

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[Todd Simpson]

BINGO! This is usually the source of many issues. If the posts have worn notches in them for example, it keeps the entire system from stabilizing. If someone has screwed the posts down or up without taking pressure off the strings, it can create dents in the posts and this can wreck your stability. The fix is usually to buy new posts. However, it sounds like you've turned in to a luthier and fixed it yourself!! SCORE!!

The more I read about it, the more I think it is the interface between the posts and the knife edges. I'm going to take it apart tonight and polish the edges up and lubricate it. Hopefully that will get it returning to neutral properly.

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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Nov 15 2017, 05:21 PM