Tremolo issue on Jazzmaster kit

[Infsub]

Hi all.
Have built the new jazzmaster style kit and I am having an issue with the tremolo.
The socket that houses the tremolo arm is getting stuck under the plate. It also has the E string hard up against it and catching on it.
The other end if the tremolo set-up, where strings go through seems to be getting stuck too.

Anyone had experience with this? I have a fender jazz master and the clearance is much greater.

I figure the plate has a slight twist or bend (although when removed it looks ok.) or the route is too small as the unit only fits is to a very tight cavity, this removes the possibility of trying to mount it on a bit more of an angle.

Can anyone help? Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Chuck]

Hey Infsub, I just received my JZA kit this morning so had a look at the tremolo. On mine the "socket" is pretty tall and I can't see how it could get stuck. As far as the other end goes, I can see what you mean as the tolerances are quite tight.

As you say, I have found on mine is that the trem cavity is definitely too small and I'll need to expand it a bit to get the trem sitting comfortably. I reckon that's your problem as it'll be putting undue pressure on the plates, and also explains the E string rubbing on the post (as in the cavity didn't allow for correct alignment).

[Infsub]

Hey Infsub, I just received my JZA kit this morning so had a look at the tremolo. On mine the "socket" is pretty tall and I can't see how it could get stuck. As far as the other end goes, I can see what you mean as the tolerances are quite tight.

As you say, I have found on mine is that the trem cavity is definitely too small and I'll need to expand it a bit to get the trem sitting comfortably. I reckon that's your problem as it'll be putting undue pressure on the plates, and also explains the E string rubbing on the post (as in the cavity didn't allow for correct alignment).

Thanks for the feedback. I am sort of leaning towards the cavity being to small myself, as when I removed the tremolo I couldn t see any bending or warping. Looks like I got some filing to do.

[Infsub]

UPDATE... after getting to work on the cavity with a file, the problem still persisted. I removed the tremolo and worked out that it is the 3 screws joining the plate were drilled in slightly off angle.

Adam sent me out a replacement and it works a treat.

[Simon Barden]

Glad you got it working in the end.