Jaguar vibrato tension

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BamaSurf
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Jaguar vibrato tension

Post by BamaSurf » Sat Dec 02, 2017 7:41 pm

I have used the search engine but have not found an answer to my question....which is

Is there a correct spring tension on a vibrato unit without the vibrato lock..such as found on 60s Lacquered Jaguars and other Fender offset guitars? If so how is vibrato set up properly?

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Embenny
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Re: Jaguar vibrato tension

Post by Embenny » Sat Dec 02, 2017 8:20 pm

This is a classic guide.
The artist formerly known as mbene085.

BamaSurf
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Re: Jaguar vibrato tension

Post by BamaSurf » Sun Dec 03, 2017 7:17 am

Thanks for the link.

So does mean there is no desired spring tension on the units I described earlier, the ones without the trem lock?

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Jaguar018
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Re: Jaguar vibrato tension

Post by Jaguar018 » Tue Dec 05, 2017 9:12 am

There is certainly a way to properly set up trems, but once it's set up correctly, spring tension is totally user preference. Adjust until it feels right to YOU. Do you like it stiff and tight? A little give? (INNUENDO). There is no universally ideal spring tension.

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mike fried
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Re: Jaguar vibrato tension

Post by mike fried » Wed Dec 06, 2017 11:05 am

If you use the Jag's mute, here's a great alternative setup for the spring tension and locking button:
Set the trem tension so it pulls the tuning just slightly flat when the lock is engaged - this will compensate (when engaged) for the mute raising the tuning slightly due to the shortened effective string length. It requires a little trial-and-error to get the best balance between the two setting, but it really enhances the mute's usability, in my experience.

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