zen_jp5 Posted March 6, 2010 Share Posted March 6, 2010 I recently bought a ZT3, and the TT3 doesn't lock solidly. In the "locked" position there is a tiny bit of play up and down, maybe .010" - .025". This can produce buzzing - vibration of the entire movable part of the trem - on certain notes. The TT3 trem locking system consists of two blocks; each with serrated teeth that fit together. One block is connected to the movable part of the trem; this block can be moved either toward the headstock or toward the endpin by a cam mechanism attached to the trem arm. This movement allows the user to either lock or unlock the trem by rotating the trem arm. The second block is screwed to a static bottom plate beneath the movable part of the trem. The movement in my TT3 is occurring because the serrated block on the movable part of the trem is not fully engaging the mating block that is screwed to the static bottom plate of the trem. In the "locked" position there is a tiny gap between the mating teeth of both blocks that allows movement. There are two screws that hold the second block to the bottom plate. I've tried loosening these and shifting this block closer toward it's mate. This worked for awhile but soon things shifted back to their original position and the problem recurred. Is there a way to adjust the cam that's controlled by the trem arm to push the movable block a little further out so it's teeth engage the static jaw better? Any other ideas? BTW, I've tried contacting Gibson several times about this,and haven't had a reply. Most dealers have no idea whatsoever on how to adjust these things and would only offer to sent the guitar back to Gibson; for a nice 1-3 month vacation! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to adjust the mating of the movable to the fixed trem locking blocks on the TT3? thx. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shankster Posted September 16, 2010 Share Posted September 16, 2010 Hi, Don't have an answer to you your poroblem but maybe you can help me with mine? The 2 blocks with serratted teeth - has the one mounted to the body got a similiar ammount of teeth as the trem one? I ask this because I bought a ZT3 with transtrem problem and the block in trem cavity looks like its broken. Thanks and hope you solved your problem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsh27 Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 I am experiencing a similar problem. Mine only locks in the bottom two positions, the standard and the 1st upper position. (this just started happening this week...I think a part may have broken and I didn't notice) I think mine is aligned right but maybe the part is broken. I don't know many teeth there are, if any on the non-moveable part that's screwed into the guitar. Have you tried tightening the two alan nuts on the side of the tremelo bar? I've had to loosen and tighten mine. I doubt that will help but it's worth a try. I'm terrified of messing with mine but I'm sure that's what I'll have to do since gibson isn't too helpful. Does the big plastic wheel screw have anything to do with where the tremelo rests/sits and it's position in relation to that attached lever? Maybe? Who knows. I wish I could be of more help. dsh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Be.eM Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Does the big plastic wheel screw have anything to do with where the tremelo rests/sits and it's position in relation to that attached lever? Maybe? Who knows. The "big plastic wheel" adjusts the spring tension and thus the position of the trem when not locked. This is why the setup process starts with the trem locked in zero position (E) - tune - unlock - adjust the tension to match locked and unlocked position. If your trems are really broken or defective, you need to find a "Gibson authorized service provider" in your area. These are the only ones being able to sell Steinie parts. Bernd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.