Mann brass block and tuning issues

gtrdave

gtrdave

n+1 is the correct value
Joined
Jan 2, 2018
Messages
93
Location
The First State
I recently installed a Mann brass trem block in my SE Swamp Ash Special. This same guitar is barely a year old and prior to the Mann install I purchased and installed some SE locking tuners, similar to the S2 models. Prior to the tuner install, the guitar held tune pretty good and then got better after the locking tuner install.
After the brass block install, however, tuning became very unstable and unpredictable.

Some history; I've had this block for a couple of years and had previously installed it on my former S2 Standard 24 and had a similar tuning instability issue. Before I sold that guitar I reinstalled the OEM steel block and the guitar was fine again.

Is there possibly a problem with this brass block? Something with my installation? Should I contact Mann? I really like this guitar, but I've found that I can't gig with it because the tuning is so wonky.
 
Definitely contact John. He makes good gear, and is especially familiar with the PRS bridge systems. Obviously it isn’t a warranty thing, having been used on several instruments, but I’m sure he’ll be interested in helping you get to the bottom of any performance issue with his gear. He posts here regularly.

Paging @John Mann to the courtesy phone…
 
gtrdave said:
On both the SE and the S2 I used the stock springs.
Click to expand...
The stock springs and screws which came with the brass block? Or the stock s2 and SE springs?

I used the supplied springs with the mann bridge on my CU-24-08 and added locking tuners and it’s pretty solid
 
Last edited:
TheCraftsman said:
The stock springs and screws which came with the brass block? Or the stock s2 and SE springs?

I used the supplied springs with the mann bridge on my CU-24-08 and added locking tuners and it’s pretty solid
Click to expand...
The OEM springs that came with the guitars. I got no springs with the block when I bought it new, only screws and I used those.
 
It doesn't make any sense that a trem block would cause tuning issues unless the block is not seated completely.
I would contact John Mann and see what he thinks.
 
gtrdave said:
The OEM springs that came with the guitars. I got no springs with the block when I bought it new, only screws and I used those.
Click to expand...
Ah my bad I replaced the whole trem unit which comes with springs etc. as said probably contact John I’m sure he can help
 
Locking tuners are no crucial factor of tuning stability. First of all locking tuners support very quick re-stringing due to no or less string turns around the axis. And - undoubtful - they hold strings tight.
The most impact on tuning in- and stability is the nut and the string riders. The slots need to be perfectly fitted to gauge and the angles to ensure the lowest amount of friction.
Unfortunately you didn't provide A/B pictures.
I asume there has been a slight but severe change of an angle that cause more friction (my experience in that predominately the wound bass strings are the weakening source for the issue).
Hence give the guitar a professional check- and set-up.
 
Maertl513 said:
Locking tuners are no crucial factor of tuning stability. First of all locking tuners support very quick re-stringing due to no or less string turns around the axis. And - undoubtful - they hold strings tight.
The most impact on tuning in- and stability is the
DISTORT6 said:
Once more for the folks in the back…
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I am of the belief, the perception of locking tuners helping tuning stability, stems from the high probability they are replacing an inferior tuner.
 
I use both locking and non locking, fully agree about stability my comment was more that I (thought) I’d done the same upgrades and didn’t see any issues although I upgraded to the Mann 2040 complete trem not just the brass block.
 
Maertl513 said:
Locking tuners are no crucial factor of tuning stability. First of all locking tuners support very quick re-stringing due to no or less string turns around the axis. And - undoubtful - they hold strings tight.
The most impact on tuning in- and stability is the nut and the string riders. The slots need to be perfectly fitted to gauge and the angles to ensure the lowest amount of friction.
Unfortunately you didn't provide A/B pictures.
I asume there has been a slight but severe change of an angle that cause more friction (my experience in that predominately the wound bass strings are the weakening source for the issue).
Hence give the guitar a professional check- and set-up.
Click to expand...

Aside from the mods (tuners and brass block), the guitar is as it was when I bought it the beginning of '24. In that time the tuning has been fairly stable. In stock form the guitar was fine, but I had to be light with the vibrato arm. My S2 Standard 24 was more stable, but it had the factory locking tuners, so I figured they would help my SAS SE, which they seemed to, even if subtly.
A short while later I installed the brass block to try and tame the tone of the SAS SE a little (because, brass...), plus I had it sitting around since I uninstalled it from my S2 prior to its sale and I might as well use it. THAT's when the tuning went weird and was very reminiscent of my S2 when the brass black was installed on it and the tuning on that went wacky.

So, the conclusion is that there's either something wrong with this block or something wrong with how I'm installing it...and I'm very mechanically inclined. And, yes, my next step was to reach out to Mann directly.
 
ESP Arming Adjuster/EVH TremEndus and how ever other many names it has. Every floating tremolo guitar I purchase gets one installed!!!
 
I would be looking at the installation rather than the block itself. Is the block secured firmly against the bridge base plate? Did anything happen to the pivot screws or knife edges during the installation process?

The only thing I can think of that might cause tuning instability as the result of the block is that your string ball ends are getting hung up inside the block. Make sure you give the strings a good yank when you pull them through the block to ensure they are properly seated.
 
d^rren said:
I would be looking at the installation rather than the block itself. Is the block secured firmly against the bridge base plate? Did anything happen to the pivot screws or knife edges during the installation process?

The only thing I can think of that might cause tuning instability as the result of the block is that your string ball ends are getting hung up inside the block. Make sure you give the strings a good yank when you pull them through the block to ensure they are properly seated.
Click to expand...

I've double checked everything. The fact that this is the second install with this thing and I'm getting the exact same results leads me to believe it's somehow faulty, but I can't think of what or why.
And I thought of that same thing; binding ball ends in the block - but you'd think eventually they would seat after stretching and vibrato use and then stay somewhat stable.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

gtrdave
Mann brass block tone
Replies
5
Views
306
gtrdave
gtrdave
K
Cheap trem block - lesson learned
2
Replies
21
Views
1K
John Mann
John Mann
D
S2 Custom 24 Tuning Stability
Replies
16
Views
433
SinSir
SinSir
Glide-bpm
Kicked in the teeth by a horse... twice.......
2
Replies
33
Views
1K
gush
gush
K
Stuck Strings (in the block) of my DGT SE
Replies
19
Views
303
Spudman
Spudman
Back
Top