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Tremolo (or more correctly, Vibrato)
Units |
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In the 1980's at least three different
tremolo
units appeared on MIJ Contemporary Stratocasters. My
understanding was that they were produced for Fender by the Kahler company
BUT I've recently told by the GM of Kahler International that they were,
in fact, produced by Schaller. Without the manuals it
isn't always obvious how to set them up correctly - well we've got the
manuals. And more!. If anyone has a manual for a different type
they'd be doing fellow Fenderholics a service by scanning it and emailing
it here so it can be shared.
I frequently get asked if it
is possible to get spares for the tremolos fitted to Contemporary models.
Up until now the answer has been no. But I've just been told about www.axeparts.net
and www.fretsonthenet.com
who may be able to help. Give them a try.
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System I
Quote from the manual for the System I: " The System I features a
fine tuning floating bridge with two knife edge pivots, height adjustable
pivot posts, roller saddles, and a snap-in torque adjustable arm. It also
comes supplied with a three section screw actuated locking nut." The
only instructions I have for this unit are included in full Contemporary
Model manual which can be downloaded here. |
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System II Download
the System II & III manual
Quote from the manual for the System II:"This is a fine tremolo system
designed for
those who desire the improved stability of a string
locking system but want the 'vintage' feel of a more
compact unit. While the bridge does not have the
locking feature found on the System III, and does not
have the adjusting tools in the arm, the arm does snap
in and out of the receiver, and is torque adjustable
for arm swing. The arm swing is best adjusted by
utilizing the bridge balancing rod system. This
eliminates the cover plate on the back of the guitar,
and makes it extremely easy to adjust the spring to
string tension. Access to the system is the 2.5 mm hex
head screw located underneath the strap button on the
bottom side of the instrument." |
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System III Download
the System II & III manual
Quote from the manual for the System I I: "The System III is a finely
engineered, high performance piece of equipment - its unique 'tool free'
design provides the finest in trouble free
tremolo performance. One of its unique components is its tremolo arm -
more than its normal function, it snaps in and out of its receiver, is
torque adjustable for arm swing, contains the tools necessary for set-up
and adjustment and is utilized in the bridge locking feature of the
tremolo..... It is designed so that it can be used as a fixed bridge
(non-tremolo) as well as tremolo. In order for this feature to work you
must insert the arm properly. The short end of the arm has a hex wrench
inserted in its end......"
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Thanks to Duncan Woodward
(aka 'Slacker' in the Fender
Forum), Geno 'Peegoo' and Jerry Kern for the supplying the manuals |
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Are you looking to buy a
used Fender Japan guitar? Confused by what you see on Ebay and elsewhere?
Read
my 'buying
tips' before commiting yourself.
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after doing that go to |
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for the
best selection of used non-export Fender Japan
instruments you
will find this side of Tokyo |
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