Loose tremolos on Jaguar, Jazzmaster & Bass VI guitars

[VML Easy-Mute]

While my VML 'Easy-Mute' Guitar Tremolo Arms are not to everyones taste, the 'Total Tension System', that I developed for Hank in 1998, has always seemed to meet with some approval. Over the past 10 years, I have been frequently asked if the same modification could be carried out to the tremolo unit that is fitted to the Fender Jaguar, Jazzmaster and Bass VI, which, until now, has always met with a negative reply. Now, with the Japanese re-issues readily available, the need appears even greater.

I was recently asked the same question by a well known American guitarist and also then by a member of my local Shadows Club. The problem lies in the way the arm actually fits, in that it is just a screw-in holder, with the lower part having 4 slots cut into its side-wall. These are then just slightly 'crimped', into which the arm is then just forced. Even from new, the system tends to be loose, and further wear caused by use of, and constant removal of, the tremolo arm, together with gradual metal fatigue, tends to make the fit even worse, resulting in a rocky, wobbly and 'pendulum-like' arm.

So I went back to basics and have now developed and put into production, the 'Easy-Trem' unit. This is a totally self-contained, self/home fit, (about 20 minutes) retro-fit unit, requiring no modification or damage to the guitar's tremolo unit. (removed parts can easily be re-fitted) It is made from polished stainless steel, to match the existing chromed parts of the guitar, (gold-plated version available on request) and comprises a mounting unit fitted with a 'Total Tension System', a full-depth tremolo arm shaft bearing, and a new screw-in polished stainless steel tremolo arm, fitted with an aluminium silver-anodised De-Luxe knob (standard Fender white or black hard-plastic tip available as an option). The new tremolo arm has no rocking or wobbling, and stays where it is, when you let go of it.

Full details, and pictures, are on the VML 'Easy-Mute' website, if the idea appeals to anyone; just click on the 'Easy-Trem' listing,

Best regards,

Ian @ VML
http://www.easymute.freeserve.co.uk

[David Martin]

Thanks for this Ian...

[JimN]

Just bringing this one to the top - for no other reason than that I am thinking of getting one for my Bass VI...

JN