I've read through a number of posts directed at SE blocks and strings being stuck inside. I was playing my DGT SE Friday night when I popped a string. We were near enough the end of the set, so we broke early and I went about changing the string. Long story, short.... 4 of the 6 strings were stuck in the block. I loaded the DGT back into the case and plugged in my LP to finish the night. That's all inconvenient and a PIA, but not horrible.
Horrible is what I encountered trying to extract the strings this morning. I had to completely disassemble the bridge assembly to get them out. BTW, that included removing the string saddles, screws and springs, plus the springs from the claw and the 3 screws separating the block from the top mount. Currently all those pieces are in a baggie, wrapped in masking tape and stuffed in the case with an inoperable guitar.
I refuse to put this great sounding, great playing guitar back together again without either taking a drill press to widen the existing block holes (they are tapered) or replacing the block with a Mannmade. The reason for this post is #1, to whine and #2, to find out if anyone has any ideas for a fix. And yes, I realize this is PRS's economy line, but even economy guitars should NOT require a drill press to change strings.
(I tried everything in the toolbox to extricate those string ends from inside the block... flat blade mini-screwdriver, the low E string, my wife's hair pin, etc.)
Please, someone educate me! I'm sure this block is in use other SE trem bridges and I know I'm not the first one down this trail.... Thanks for any suggestions/ideas.
Horrible is what I encountered trying to extract the strings this morning. I had to completely disassemble the bridge assembly to get them out. BTW, that included removing the string saddles, screws and springs, plus the springs from the claw and the 3 screws separating the block from the top mount. Currently all those pieces are in a baggie, wrapped in masking tape and stuffed in the case with an inoperable guitar.
I refuse to put this great sounding, great playing guitar back together again without either taking a drill press to widen the existing block holes (they are tapered) or replacing the block with a Mannmade. The reason for this post is #1, to whine and #2, to find out if anyone has any ideas for a fix. And yes, I realize this is PRS's economy line, but even economy guitars should NOT require a drill press to change strings.
(I tried everything in the toolbox to extricate those string ends from inside the block... flat blade mini-screwdriver, the low E string, my wife's hair pin, etc.)
Please, someone educate me! I'm sure this block is in use other SE trem bridges and I know I'm not the first one down this trail.... Thanks for any suggestions/ideas.