New to forum. S200 T Bird reissue owner. Trem question.

[barrycreed]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum as a poster. I've been reading threads on and off here for a while though. Someone might be able to help me with my query. I picked up a T Bird reissue recently, and think I need to try and find the little screw cap for the trem. See image attached. I don't need to be doing dive bombing or surf riffs all day long, but would like to be able to fix the trem arm in for some light rocking! I'm in Europe, so if anyone knows of anywhere online I could locate the missing part. Am I actually missing a screw?

 

[gjmalcyon]

Hi. Welcome - stick around. Nice bunch folks around here. I'm an acoustic player, but based on this photo from Guild's page about the guitar, you're missing a screw:

 

[barrycreed]

@gjmalcyon Thanks for the reply and for confirming! Now I just need to try and track one down... Hopefully I'll get some assistance here.
Been a long time fan of Kim Thayil, hence the Guild purchases. Love the T bird too. Ugly, but I like it!

 

[gjmalcyon]

@gjmalcyon Been a long time fan of Kim Thayil, hence the Guild purchases.

Then you'll want me to resurrect this thread from 7+ years ago. Sorry about the craptastic Photobucket watermarks but I refuse to acquiesce to their extortion: https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/speaking-of-kim-thayil.175389/

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Then you'll want me to resurrect this thread from 7+ years ago. Sorry about the craptastic Photobucket watermarks but I refuse to acquiesce to their extortion: https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/speaking-of-kim-thayil.175389/

I wonder what ever happened to Thunderface? He was a fun guy!

 

[amnicon]

Yes, it is a screw that tightens both the stub/sheath of the arm that's in the picture and the rest of the trem arm. I would assume it's a standard metric size, and you may be able to get buy with one that's too long as it might still pin the arm into place. The original both pins the arm into place and cinches tight against the housing.

 

[barrycreed]

I measured and it’s 5mm diameter and 3mm diameter inside/by the hole.
Anyone know where I could get a replacement? Email Guild ?

 

[Nuuska]

Hello from Finland

Welcome to LTG

I would start with any screw that looks about right - but NOT using any tools - only trying to turn it in with my fingers. If the thread is not correct - it will stop quite soon. If it goes in all the way, but feels loose - then you have right or very close right pitch, but the screw is too thin.

Some metric and inchic screws are close enough to be like that.

Once you find right thread - go to local screw-specialist, if there's one in your area. Or if there is a really good screw specialist - just take the guitar over - they'll find right thread in a jiffy.

 

[jp]

I measured and it’s 5mm diameter and 3mm diameter inside/by the hole.
Anyone know where I could get a replacement? Email Guild?

I would definitely try emailing Guild first, however, I'm not sure how responsive they'll be about spares for their reissues.

Next, try contacting Hans Moust, resident Guild expert, to see if he has one. He's a member here, and you can DM him. Here's his site.

http://www.guitarchives.nl/guitarsgalore

As you may know, Guild sourced those tailpieces originally from the Swedish company Hagström. Whether or not the originals had metric threads or SAE, I'm not sure. I think the first best step is to identify thread measurement. If it is metric, you may have some luck with vintage Hagström dealers like this one, although it might be costly.

http://www.hagstrom-vintage-guitars.se/shop/spare_parts.html

If you just wanna stick anything in there to whammy away, then I agree with Nuuska. Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[barrycreed]

Thanks ! I’ll try those two options.

 

[barrycreed]

I contacted Guild and they have them in stock so fingers crossed.

 

[jp]

Very refreshing. We've had a few members relate mixed results from Guild's customer service, so I hope they come through for you.

 

[barrycreed]

I spoke too soon. Gave them an invoice address for Europe and they told me I’d have to contact a local dealer. Postage to Europe was going to be way to much, so I understand! If I can get screw dimensions I’ll take it from there...

 

[Rambozo96]

I have a Hagstrom II with that bridge. The originals had a big honking thumbscrew with a flat head channel on the head of it. I think they make them differently now. With Hagstrom still being around I imagine they’re sourcing the bridges from them yet again.

 

[DrumBob]

OP. I understand you want to use the trem, but if you don't mind me saying, I think you're going to have an issue with tuning stability if you try using it. Those Hagstrom units are extremely prone to knocking the guitar way out of tune, even with a simple wiggle of the arm. The T-Bird I had wouldn't stay in tune at all with that trem unit. My tech tried all kinds of fixes and nothing worked. He finally screwed it down, disabling it completely., I then sold the guitar to a friend and he took the trem unit off and installed a Bigsby.

 

[barrycreed]

I wonder how it plays with the Bigsby? I'm still waiting for my trem screws to arrive from Ireland (I'm in a different country at the moment). One thing I noticed is that the intonation is totally f**ked now. From fret 1 to 5, the strings are against the fretboard, so dead sounding. Not sure if it's because the weather has gotten colder.
I originally got this guitar for all the bells, buttons and whistle, but sometimes, the simplicity of a tele might be hard to beat!

 

[GAD]

Check the neck. Sounds like it needs and adjustment.

 

[barrycreed]

I have heavy guage strings on it, not sure if this is making a difference ...

 

[F30]

I really hope you find a resolve that you'll be happy with.