Back up all you strat purists

[Stevepage]

If the buzzing gets too annoying you can get the LSR nut which comes with the plate to easily change from the wilkinson nut.

[Dmoney]

I'm about to get stuck into setting up the trem. I've noticed the tuning stability is better but still not spot in. Sometimes the strings stick when just tuning. How much better IS the LSR over the wilkinson? Would might be nice is a direct drop in graphtech.


EDIT: So I had to take out the tremsetter and add a spring to get the trem to sit flat on the body? The guitar goes out of tune rapidly when I mess with the trem. for now I might try soaking the nut in WD40. I don't think this guitar has seen a setup for a while. I just checked the intonation and set that up. If I can stabalise the tuning tonight, I'll gig it this weekend just to freak people out.

[Philly Q]

EDIT: So I had to take out the tremsetter and add a spring to get the trem to sit flat on the body? The guitar goes out of tune rapidly when I mess with the trem. for now I might try soaking the nut in WD40. I don't think this guitar has seen a setup for a while. I just checked the intonation and set that up. If I can stabalise the tuning tonight, I'll gig it this weekend just to freak people out.

I ended up putting a normal spring claw and three springs in mine.  The Tremsetter definitely works, but even perfectly set up it feels a bit "funny".  And there was a part of it which wore out after a while, a little rubber disc.  I can't remember now exactly how it worked.

I don't think they recommended using oil or WD40 on the nut - if I remember right they suggested some kind of dry Teflon lubricant.

[Afghan Dave]

...they suggested some kind of dry Teflon lubricant.

I always use a water based lubricant... (I think it's spermicidal as well)  :P

[Philly Q]

...they suggested some kind of dry Teflon lubricant.

I always use a water based lubricant... (I think it's spermicidal as well)  :P

I should've known the word "lubricant" would attract you like a wasp to a jam jar.  :P

[Dmoney]

Hey chaps.
I ditched the tremsetter and stuck in a claw I had kicking about and went the 3 springs. as per Philly's move.
I popped out and got some dry teflon lube but it only helped a little. I also found an old bit of string had got wedged in the rollers, so I got that out. More than a little wiggle on the trem seems to nock it out. Maybe the rollers are sticking.
Maybe it is worth changing the nut. I know it involves drilling but its only minimal drilling right? still, shame to change it.

Would a wilkinson VS100 trem or something fit this?

[Philly Q]

I think the VS100 is pretty much a direct replacement - might need to slightly enlarge the hole in the top of the guitar, but I'm not 100% sure about that.

I liked your earlier idea about a Graph Tech replacement nut - better than faffing about with rollers - but do they make one to replace Wilkinsons?  I know you can get a graphite replacement for a Floyd locking nut, but the Wilkinson sits 1/16" closer to the first fret (as does the LSR).

There's an Earvana replacement for an LSR nut, maybe you could get one of those fitted and have Feline (or someone) fit a little piece of maple behind the nut to cover the gap left by the Wilkinson?

[gordiji]

wilkinson nuts don't work properly.period. lsr roller nuts DO (very well). it's a simple but very effective change if you like tremming & wan't to keep the guitar.

[tekbow]

I never had any problems with my wilkinson nut waaayy back when.. worked properly, but i guess everyones milage can vary. They get gunked around the bearings sometimes but you're right, not worth the hassle to take apart and clean

[Dmoney]

When I changed the strings some of the rollers looked a bit worn. I wonder if the old rusty bit of string I found stuck in there had jammed the rollers and now they are a bit worn and not full working...
still... holds it tuning if I don't use the trem, so thats fine.

I think I'll go the LSR route after looking about. thanks for the suggestions.

[Dmoney]

It's back! Feline has done some work.
3 ply plate added with a HS setup. Nailbomb and an Irish tour. 3 way tele switch. Volume knob in a better spot. One vol, one tone. The snaggy nut replaced with an LSR and the correct trem arm found by Jonathan. Sound like a beast. Loving the neck and middle positions.

[FELINEGUITARS]

YAY!

[Philly Q]

The black scratchplate really changes the look.  I like it!

[Dmoney]

I like the black with the Ash because of these...



I think these old P Basses look awesome. That's where I took the idea from.

[Telerocker]

Strat looks great! Btw, my the trem (three springs) on my Fender American Series strat is superstabile. Even better then my other strat with roller nut.