Hamer Californian Elite - Trem set-up- YIKES!

[DBraz]

Hi guys,

I have recently bought a '90 Californian Elite and it is a beauty.

The set-up on it is less than perfect, with the main frustration being that when I pull back on the Trem (into the trem cavity) the trem springs are catching on the back plate. You can hear it and feel it.

I have a suspicion the sustain block on the back of the trem has been removed at some point and put on backwards which would make the springs move at an unusual angle, but I also suspect the actual sustain block is touching as well

I have measured the depth of the block and it is 37mm. Is this the right block? It is an original Schaller HAMER trem. If it is the wrong size sustain block what depth is it supposed to be and would a Floyd Rose upgrade "Floyd Rose" sustain block fit?

Any answers appreciated.

Regards

David

[murkat]

pics please.

[DBraz]

I'll get some done tonight and post.

[BadgerDave]

I had one that did exactly the same thing. I believe this is a known issue resolved by removing the cover plate.. You could also place some small felt or nylon washers or homemade spacers between the plate and body to give slighly more clearance.

Also, check to see if the contact is being made by the "elbow" of the trem spring where it inserts into the block. If so, you could drill/dremel/file a small channel in the edge of the block to lower the spring.

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

37mm is bang-on though you could file a mm or 2 off & re-drill spring cavities (may not need to - they're pretty deep). I like to keep my back-plates on. You could shim beneath your cover-plate as I did on my 91 Cent. Ice-lolly sticks are good but you may find something more suitable...

[veatch]

...resolved by removing the cover plate...

This.

All of my Floyded guitars had a back plate on them exactly two times: When i bought the guitar, and when i sold the guitar.

The only downside is you can't play in the buff, as your short and curlies tend to get hung up on the trem springs.

[DBraz]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the feedback.

There was me thinking I had a model with the sustain block on the wrong way...

I may well just remove the backplate (I wondered why it was immaculate )

I'll post some piccies this weekend. Needs a good set-up and a new single coil with more output (the one I have is pants).

[DBraz]

You could shim beneath your cover-plate as I did on my 91 Cent. Ice-lolly sticks are good but you may find something more suitable...

Like it!

Also, check to see if the contact is being made by the "elbow" of the trem spring where it inserts into the block. If so, you could drill/dremel/file a small channel in the edge of the block to lower the spring.

Brilliant idea. I will look at this again tonight and see whether this is a possibility. Mind you removing the backplate seems like the rational choice...

[Jem]

Back plate off is the simplest or Schaller do make a 32mm block but i find the feel is not so smooth. Try to avoid taking files and rasps to them, find someone with a milling machine if you want to go the mod route.

[DBraz]

Back plate off is the simplest or Schaller do make a 32mm block but i find the feel is not so smooth. Try to avoid taking files and rasps to them, find someone with a milling machine if you want to go the mod route.

Thank's, that's the way I am leaning.