Dead Spec trem retro fit?

[starscream67]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a USA CE 24 and tried to install a tremolo-no because I love PRS but hate trems.

Unfortunately, the trem claw screws were too short, and when trying to level the bridge one of the claw screws ripped out as there just wasn't enough adjustment room in the screw length. No, toothpicks didn't help.

I've contacted PRS Europe and waiting to hear from them as my 2017 CE had much longer claw screws so I didn't have this issue.

But I'm honestly wondering if anyone has attempted a dead spec type trem block? Like putting a whole piece of wood back in the trem cavity around the trem block to make it a permanent hardtail? Is there a template for such a thing? I like how the PRS trem feels under my hand but I’d like to mod it to be a permanent hardtail.

Thanks for any insights.

 

[D k Souther]

Lower the bridge plate until it’s resting flat against the body (like a vintage Strat) then tighten the spring claw until it doesn’t move when you bend a string. You’ll need to raise the saddles to compensate but you’ll effectively have a hard tail.

 

[show_a_little_faith]

Lower the bridge plate until it’s resting flat against the body (like a vintage Strat) then tighten the spring claw until it doesn’t move when you bend a string. You’ll need to raise the saddles to compensate but you’ll effectively have a hard tail.

Might want to add another spring or 2, if you have the slots for them too

 

[d^rren]

You guys are missing the fact that one of OP's claw screws ripped out of the wood.

I would just deck the trem and wedge a stack of coins or washers in front of and behind the block so it doesn't move. Done. If you want, you could do the same with wood. I wouldn't bother filling the whole cavity, just immobilize the bridge.

The Tremol-No is great if you want a "convertible" setup for occasional trem use, but if you hate trems and never plan to use it, I probably would have just blocked it in the first place.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

I have a non-PRS that has a hard wood wedge at the back of the trem block, works a treat, easily reversed if needs be and no mods necessary.

Hope you get the trem claw screw issue resolved.

 

[aphantomvaper]

If you put a block behind the trem you wouldn't need the springs or claw, am I thinking correctly? The strings should provide plenty of forward pull to hold the block.

 

[starscream67]

Update: PRS Europe sent me longer trem claw screws; great service as usual.

For anyone interested, this is the difference in length: