Tremolo Block Springs

[Pedro]

Question:

How many springs does HBM use on the tremelo block and in what configuration?

[Pedro]

There does not appear to be much interest in this one.
I heard that HBM has four extra heavy springs to allow him to play with the tremolo bar in his hand. True or myth??

[Gary Allen]

Hi Pedro..If you contact Ian at VML he might answer your answer as he would know.....Gary

[Pedro]

Thanks Gary.

Pedro

[Bill Bowley]

There does not appear to be much interest in this one.
I heard that HBM has four extra heavy springs to allow him to play with the tremolo bar in his hand. True or myth??

Pedro,

Sounds logical (even if not substantiated) to me - I use 4 springs on my guitars, it has the 'feel' that I prefer and also allows my 'palm' to rest on the arm without causing any unintended trem effect..........

[Pedro]

Bill,

Thanks for that. I think that is probably the answer.

Will

[Bojan]

I use heavy strings by today's standards (gauge 12) on my Strat and I have only three springs at high tension, and that gives me great results -- tuning stability plus good trem arm sensitivity.

[Pedro]

Hi Pedro..If you contact Ian at VML he might answer your answer as he would know.....Gary

Spoke with Ian at VML.
HBM has different setups for the different guage of string.
With the heavy guage he uses 4 spring in a 'W' config. and three spring on the lighter guage.

As for sensitiveity and unintentional tremolo whilst 'palming' the tremolo it is down to the way HBM 'attacks' the string.
Up rather than down is the secret.

[Gary Allen]

Hi Pedro..Glad you rang Ian...He s a nice guy and very helpful.................gary