American Original Trem Unit

[Mondaysoutar]

Hi, hope this is the correct area I’m posting this in.

Basically, I changed strings on my AO Jazzmaster and the trem arm felt lower(closer to the strings) and less responsive/sensitive than before the string change. It’s usually hyper sensitive, which is amazing, so responsive. It also feels like it has a bit more tension in the arm as well. Anyone any ideas what could’ve caused this or how to remedy it?

I didn’t touch the trem tension spring or anything, just changed strings as normal. I changed to fender bullets this time instead of my usual D’darrio, if that could possibly have anything to do with it? Same 11 gauge, just different brand. Any help would be appreciated man.

[seawalker]

It seems like changing brands of string, even with the same gauge, can sometimes affect the setup. I would try fiddling with the adjustment screw to see if you can restore the same action as before. The only thing it could be, really.

[jorri]

It's string tension.

More tension pulls it forward, so less room to travel.
However to set the lock now, would be to tighten the trem, causing even less travel.

I'd see if you can loosen it ignoring the lock.

Second thing is bullet ends could be squeezed in the plate too much and be pushing it forward I guess, or preventing upward travel.

[Mondaysoutar]

Yeah, it’s a weird one. I hadn’t set up my trem lock system as I’ve never used it, so maybe I’ll try that and see if it helps.

Could it be that the bullet ends sitting under the lip of the pivot plate are affecting the movement of the trem arm as I press it? I’ve Googled, etc and not seeing anything about it so not sure.

[Mondaysoutar]

It's string tension.

More tension pulls it forward, so less room to travel.
However to set the lock now, would be to tighten the trem, causing even less travel.

I'd see if you can loosen it ignoring the lock.

Second thing is bullet ends could be squeezed in the plate too much and be pushing it forward I guess, or preventing upward travel.

Aye the bullet end thing is the only thing I can really think of too!

So you think loosen the trem via the adjustment screw and see if that helps?

[jorri]

Yeh try that.
But like when I've used heavy strings before you may have to ignore the lock button. That's fine, as I guess not everyone uses it.
Though they aren't heavy strings. I've used 13s in standard and had that problem. Not 11s.

So:

You should be able to see if bullet ends are touching the plate.

All offsets seem to end up with big variance on where the trem ends up. So whilst bullets work on some, may not on others.

I remember they prevented upward bends on mine.

[Mondaysoutar]

A couple of the bullet ends did seem to be touching, so took the strings off and reinstalled them. The arm is definitely a bit higher than I had it prior to changing, but it’s a lot more responsive. I’d still like to get to the bottom of what exactly has happened here right enough!

I’ll order normal ball end strings, hopefully that’ll take me back to where I was. Any other ideas, hit me up!

[StevenO]

I'm assuming this Trem unit has the trem-loc function? Make sure that isn't impeding the action and response of the unit.

[Mondaysoutar]

Yep, it’s an AVRI unit man. The lock doesn’t do anything as I’ve never set it up. Meaning, I can slide it across both positions easily, and it doesn’t effect tuning. It’s always been this way, and I change strings every two weeks, the trem’s never been affected.