Silver Sky neck finish and trem block issue

[ewikman]

I just bought "2" Left Handed Silver Sky SE. I really love these guitars and the quality. I do have a small issue with the strings getting stuck in the trem block. Both guitars I need to use a small tool to jam the ball ends out so I can change strings. I bought the first one and had this issue, but now the 2nd guitar has the same issue. Maybe they will loosen after a while, but wondered if anyone has a solution?

Also, the neck has glossed up after playing these past weeks and I'd like to know how to get it back to the factory satin-ish finish? It's kinda chalky for lack of a better term. I love that feel. I ran some steel wool on it but it's not the same as it was when I got it. Thanks!

 

[Birdsofprey]

The string stuck in the block issue is inherent with those SE term blocks and of all low end guitars any manufacturer. It’s the steel they use. A small Allen wrench kept in the gig bag pocket will coax them out. You can get a brass trem block from John Mann and it’s a wonderful upgrade. As far as the neck glossing over you can use triple ott OOO steal wool, it will remove the gloss and not hurt the neck or finish.

 

[JasonE]

I would see the ball end of the string sticking in the trem block as a feature. You know it isn't falling away when you use the trem so it is probably helping tuning stability. As mentioned, a small allen wrench will push them right out. They may loosen up over time. The neck finish isn't really something you are going to be able to fix. Anything you do to put it back to satin is going to be removing some of the finish and over time you will be down to bare wood. It is the nature of a satin finish on a neck that it will get shiny with play time, especially if it is a nitro finish.

 

[Cyberi4n]

I see John Mann being mentioned frequently. Does anyone know if there is a UK equivalent supplier?

Thanks in advance

 

[TheCraftsman]

Don’t believe there is but he ships internationally and quickly and his stuff is of the highest quality

 

[nebben]

Definitely check out the Bridge Block Kit from John Mann Guitars. If you buy the kit it comes with a set of nickel plated brass saddles as well as the brass bridge block, plus all the hardware you'll need and very good instructions on how to install everything. I've got a 2022 CME Limited Run S2 Custom 24 that came with a quilt top, ebony fretboard and a pattern regular neck instead of a pattern thin. I installed TCi 85/15 pickups in it, a Core style wiring harness, and the John Mann Bridge Kit. Its my budget Core model. Plays and sounds great!

 

[deathworlder]

Did it do it with the original strings?

 

[Mind Flayer]

All SE silver skys have the issue with the ball getting stuck. I use a cut-off piece of a low E string to force them out. Next time you change strings, instead of discarding the low E string entirely, cut off the string maybe a half inch from the ball, maybe a bit longer, so that the string stays firm but is long enough to poke through.

Other than that, I don’t know of any solution. It is annoying.

 

[John Mann]

All SE trem guitars have this issue.
MannMade USA blocks solve this problem, plus they sound better

 

[Cyberi4n]

Shame you’re in America and I’m in the UK… how easy is it to order? @John Mann

 

[deathworlder]

All SE trem guitars have this issue.
MannMade USA blocks solve this problem, plus they sound better

Not my 4 SEs with trem...

 

[Rider1260]

Tho I don't have an SE I would think you could run a drill bit into the block ( gently ) make the hole a bit looser.
BUT the John Mann Block will likely be better overall

 

[TheCraftsman]

Shame you’re in America and I’m in the UK… how easy is it to order? @John Mann

Worldwide shipping, only import taxes need to be paid, I had one shipped to Europe and it here in about 5 days.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Worldwide shipping, only import taxes need to be paid, I had one shipped to Europe and it here in about 5 days.

Unfortunately in UK we get hammered by taxes for anything that comes from US.

We pay import duties and VAT (ouch). The item is held until you pay the taxes.

 

[Max Headroom]

Unfortunately in UK we get hammered by taxes for anything that comes from US.

We pay import duties and VAT (ouch). The item is held until you pay the taxes.

Kind of glad I escaped decades ago.
But on other days I sort of miss Ol Blighty

 

[Cyberi4n]

Mine arrived a few days ago and flew completely under the vat radar

 

[lcs101]

Not to highjack the thread (but I wasn't sure whether this was worth creating a new thread), but any thoughts on the stock steel trem block vs. a John Mann steel block? Would love to add a little sustain in particular and wondering if this might be a good route.

 

[Glide-bpm]

Not to highjack the thread (but I wasn't sure whether this was worth creating a new thread), but any thoughts on the stock steel trem block vs. a John Mann steel block? Would love to add a little sustain in particular and wondering if this might be a good route.

It's well worth the cost of the brass block!!!

 

[lcs101]

It's well worth the cost of the brass block!!!

I appreciate the feedback. My only concern with the brass is I've heard sustain is better with steel. (Feel free to correct me if that is wrong.)

 

[Glide-bpm]

I appreciate the feedback. My only concern with the brass is I've heard sustain is better with steel. (Feel free to correct me if that is wrong.)

Brass sustains a lot better with my brass blocks than the old steel ones!