Custom 22 SH SE trem set up first time help

[MC Deli]

I’ve read some great posts on here and I’ll try and do similar with good pics.

When I got this I thought it was well set up - it had been pleked with a medium low action 12th fret 2.3mm bottom string, 1.8mm topstring.

But it’s now dry winter and 3mm /2.8mm. Way too high for me.

Also the trem is not quite level to the strings:

https://imgur.com/a/0Y4h2mZ

And this… I just noticed that the trem is floating higher on the bass string than the treble. The photo is not great but the trem screws are not level. The trem plate is 3mm high at the bass string, 2mm at the treble. From the side it’s 3/32s at the bass string side rather than the 2/32s as recommended.

https://imgur.com/a/8E9oDuw

With neck relief if I fret 1st and last I have daylight at 6th-8th frets. Not much but enough to suggest I have too much relief.

And I don’t have a lot of room left with the saddle heights. Maybe 1.8mm at the top string.

Left trem claw screw is also slightly out.

https://imgur.com/a/qhtqLZn

So, I think I should l do the 6 trem screws, get them level at 2/32. Then see if I need to loosen the trem claw. Then see if I need to bring the action down or tweak with the saddles. Good idea?

(I have radius guages etc to help)

 

[MC Deli]

Ah i need to tighten the trem claw

 

[TheCraftsman]

May need a tweak on the truss rod if humid and temp has had a big swing but usually and hopefully the trem screws shouldn’t need touching

 

[MC Deli]

May need a tweak on the truss rod if humid and temp has had a big swing but usually and hopefully the trem screws shouldn’t need touching

Trem is not level though in both planes: it’s not level with the strings from the side, and the trem plate is not level - and those 6 screws really should be based on the PRS info…

 

[TheCraftsman]

You can take out the springs and strings and measure it using the John Mann hex wrench method

And yes they absolutely should be level just be careful as you don’t want to sheer off a head, also important to make sure the trem plate knife edge sits back in the grooves when restringing, for sure I see the trem look like it’s being pulled forward a little also but if you want to do a true job measure the screws (make any adjustments very carefully) and once level springs strings tune up and set the claw , retune make sure it’s right and then it’s time to rock

 

[MC Deli]

You can take out the springs and strings and measure it using the John Mann hex wrench method

And yes they absolutely should be level just be careful as you don’t want to sheer off a head, also important to make sure the trem plate knife edge sits back in the grooves when restringing, for sure I see the trem look like it’s being pulled forward a little also but if you want to do a true job measure the screws (make any adjustments very carefully) and once level springs strings tune up and set the claw , retune make sure it’s right and then it’s time to rock

Yes! Just done this. Was harder than expected as the screws kept catching. But I undid them a bit, started again, used the hex wrench method as prescribed

Also added pick up covers

I will now restring.

 

[TheCraftsman]

Hoping for solid confirmation you got everything back where you want it

 

[MC Deli]

Trem is flat now. 6 Screws even. But from the side it’s not level with the strings. So, I will try to tighten both trem claw screws a little.

 

[MC Deli]

Did the trem claw screws a half turn, then another half turn, back off a quarter and now it’s level and looking good for the 2/32 height and parallel to the strings.

Action at 12th fret is now 2.3/2mm so already much closer to where I want to be.

Now I’ll check for buzz, intonation etc. fingers crossed

 

[TheCraftsman]

May need a tweak of the truss if the weather and humidity has swung wildly but sounds like you’re closing in on success !

 

[MC Deli]

So far so good. Overbending all good.

First time with a radius gauge. So this is 12” radius at the 22 nd fret. And the bridge has been set more like 20” but I guess this more of an art and typically do we generally favour slightly higher BGD strings kinda accentuating the radius?

 

[TheCraftsman]

I think you’re now in the realm of personal preference with respect to action and you’re good to customise as you wish and how it plays and feels right for you, factory or any other spec is a benchmark, always make the guitar and setup comfortable for you

 

[MC Deli]

Well the action, height is all good.

But now the trem angle is now shifted a bit and gone too far. So the trem claw screws might have to be tweaked . So i won’t do the intonation. I’ll see if it settles and then see if I have to claw or if I can intonate.

And I’ll look up how to do pics here again!

 

[TheCraftsman]

No need to let it settle tweak the screws on the claw and get her level and the you’re set! Pleased it all went well!

 

[MC Deli]

https://imgur.com/a/k7j9cDT

Pics work!

I ended up tweaking the trem claw almost back to where I started and took all the bridge saddles down checking with the radius gauge. Intontation did not need any adjustment.

Feels great now. Also I hated the exposed pick up ribbons so very happy with the covers.

Trem tuning is not holding but I realised I do way too many post winds plus have the strings winding down increasing the angle coming off the nut. So I will restring.

 

[show_a_little_faith]

This might help: