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I use vintage six screw tremolos. Before I install the tremolo I cut six short pieces of surgical tubing, put the screws through the bridge plate and then put the rubber over the screws so that it looks like a short sleeve. I then install the bridge onto the body. I turn the screw so that there is pressure squeezing on the tubing, but not so much as it would crush it. If the distance on the front of the bridge is too high or low I adjust it.
Next, add springs and string it up. Tune to pitch checking the bridge height at the front and read. Adjust to taste and re-check.
There is a bit of a balancing act to get everything to work well together but it is well worth the effort. Between adjusting the trem springs and the front screws on the trem there can be a lot of little tweaking to do, but it goes quickly enough. After doing some other set up and intonation it is a good idea to check back at the condition of the trem, so I do. After playing for a couple of days I may feel like it needs a little more adjustment so that I like it better, but it's easy and quick.
I like the rear of the trem a little higher than the front so that it is fully floating. It also makes for a well-mannered trem and with a well cut and lubed nut makes for a guitar that stays in tune as well.
One more thing I use three springs and adjust them at the claw to get the feel and action that feels best for me.
Cheers,
Bob
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Three chords is enough... most of the time!
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