Yeah, it's the original one. I knew they were hardened steel but I wasn't prepared for just how hard it would be.MechaBulletBill wrote: ↑Fri Oct 22, 2021 3:41 amdid you drill an original 60s vibrato plate? those are very hard compared to repro/reissues, which wear away just through minor use.
Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
- JSett
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
Silly Rabbit, don't you know scooped mids are for kids?
- Shadoweclipse13
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
That is my favorite part!! Curves that look the same or damn close always make me happy. This is a fantastic looking mod!!! Thanks for posting it!johnnysomersett wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 9:03 amI kind of lucked-in that the plate for the Les Trem was almost the same curve as the back of the Mustang plate so it doesn't look too jarring in contrast.
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
- BTL
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
Yet another fun project on a vintage guitar with lots of character...nice work!
Owner, Lowe Custom Guitars
- Shadoweclipse13
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
We aren't usually in short supply of those around here, and when we are, it's not for long.
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
- JSett
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
Yeah, there's definitely been a long-standing 'vibe' here in OSG-land for beater vintage projects.Shadoweclipse13 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:39 amWe aren't usually in short supply of those around here, and when we are, it's not for long.
Unless there's some subtle sarcasm in that original statement I'm not picking up on?
Silly Rabbit, don't you know scooped mids are for kids?
- BTL
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
I believe we are all in agreement.
Because I build new, it's a very different perspective, and one I enjoy vicariously.
Because I build new, it's a very different perspective, and one I enjoy vicariously.
Owner, Lowe Custom Guitars
- Shadoweclipse13
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
I don't think so. Unless it's a really obvious joke, Brad is usually very positive and not sarcastic that I've ever noticed.johnnysomersett wrote: ↑Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:50 amUnless there's some subtle sarcasm in that original statement I'm not picking up on?
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
- JSett
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
Thats good. My sarcasm radar is often over-sensitive.Shadoweclipse13 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 22, 2021 11:57 amI don't think so. Unless it's a really obvious joke, Brad is usually very positive and not sarcastic that I've ever noticed.johnnysomersett wrote: ↑Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:50 amUnless there's some subtle sarcasm in that original statement I'm not picking up on?
Silly Rabbit, don't you know scooped mids are for kids?
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
I knew I couldn't be the only one who thought of this. My install is, however, a bit more complex. I drilled into the body and installed studs for the Les Trem II behind the routs for the old springs. Then I fashioned a new aluminium plate with a cutout for the Trem (it's not holding the strings so don't need the hard metal). That way the Trem doesn't sit as high as it would if it were on the plate. The pic shows my first test cut of the new plate. The edges are a bit rough because I hand cut it with a Dremel. Next step is to have the plate CNC machined and polished to a chrome-like finish.
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
I somewhat regret not picking up the firestang last time it was up for sale. It seems every time I see a picture of it I find a new way it was ridiculously awesome and janky.
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- inkeye
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
Nice mod. I debated on using a Les Trem on an MJT body I'm getting but I went for the standard JM trem route.
I've heard good things about the Les Trem but I haven't had a chance to use one yet.
I've heard good things about the Les Trem but I haven't had a chance to use one yet.
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Re: Mustang Les Trem conversion. Yes, really...
The main reason that I replaced the original Mustang trem was to have some more flexibility in the setup and adjustment. The Mustang trem is such that you have to set it up so that it works properly. After that there's really little that you can do with it to adapt it to your playing style. On my Stang it worked fine (I could even say that I was fairly impressed with it) but there a few notable challenges. First, it was too sensitive. The slightest jiggle produced more modulation than I usually wanted. Second, the cigar bar was too high and too close to the bridge so that it screwed with my right hand positioning. My mods fix all that. A JM trem would've accomplished the same but they don't fit well on the Stangs and require extensive mods to the body. Plus, the results that I've seen don't look good. If I want to, I can actually reverse my mod without it showing. The original metal plate will cover the holes that I made for the Les Trem studs. The likelihood that I will ever do that are next to none, though. I'm very happy with the mod.