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 What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo spring? 
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Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:13 pm
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Location: Tasmania, Australia
Post What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo spring?
I just noticed the presence of a copper middle tremolo spring in my 1991 S-500, and I was wondering what was the design intention for it? (I assume there was a logic to it?)

I found a reference to it on the ggjaguar site, (Last line in the page description at >> http://www.ggjaguar.com/92legacybld.htm ), but I’m stumped as to the intention of this old “desirable feature”?

Anyone know the reason for this?
:confused0007:


Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:08 pm
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Post Re: What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo sprin
offplanetfilms wrote:
I just noticed the presence of a copper middle tremolo spring in my 1991 S-500, and I was wondering what was the design intention for it? (I assume there was a logic to it?)

I found a reference to it on the ggjaguar site, (Last line in the page description at >> http://www.ggjaguar.com/92legacybld.htm ), but I’m stumped as to the intention of this old “desirable feature”?

Anyone know the reason for this?
:confused0007:


The older DF trems had a copper colored center spring and the total tension exerted by the
three was supposed to be optimal for the vibrato. The copper plated spring is of a lesser tension
than the outer two springs.

Hope this helps.

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Wed Nov 09, 2011 12:31 am
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Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2011 2:58 pm
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Post Re: What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo sprin
Craig wrote:
offplanetfilms wrote:
I just noticed the presence of a copper middle tremolo spring in my 1991 S-500, and I was wondering what was the design intention for it? (I assume there was a logic to it?)

I found a reference to it on the ggjaguar site, (Last line in the page description at >> http://www.ggjaguar.com/92legacybld.htm ), but I’m stumped as to the intention of this old “desirable feature”?

Anyone know the reason for this?
:confused0007:


The older DF trems had a copper colored center spring and the total tension exerted by the
three was supposed to be optimal for the vibrato. The copper plated spring is of a lesser tension
than the outer two springs.

Hope this helps.


why did they stop?


Wed Nov 09, 2011 1:19 am
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Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:13 pm
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Location: Tasmania, Australia
Post Re: What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo sprin
Very interesting! ...Thanks Craig!


Wed Nov 09, 2011 2:39 am
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Location: Europe/Austria
Post Re: What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo sprin
Here is how it looks like:

Image

Already thought about to replace it, but wasn't sure if it has any sense. It has really less tension can be easily put in and out with bare fingers, with strings attached and tuned. But if removed the vibrato is out of balance though.

As I now know this is original, it will stay in place for sure. ;)


Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:27 pm
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Post Re: What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo sprin
Good illustration Miles. If it were my guitar in the picture, I would adjust the trem claw even on each side but I am not sure that it makes much difference. I do not have any with a copper spring. I also have some three spring in which I have removed the 3 rd spring and readjusted the trem to have a softer feel in the trem.-- Darwin


Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:54 pm
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Location: Orange County, California Republic
Post Re: What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo sprin
Any idea whether a third-style (pickguarded) SC3 should have a copper spring? Neckplate date is 1987 ...


Tue Jun 19, 2018 9:34 am
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Location: Seattle
Post Re: What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo sprin
Danley wrote:
Any idea whether a third-style (pickguarded) SC3 should have a copper spring? Neckplate date is 1987 ...

Hey Danley,

My 1988 3rd style SC-3 has the traditional set of springs:
Image

- Jos


Tue Jun 19, 2018 10:01 am
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Post Re: What's the logic behind the Leo era copper tremolo sprin
Thanks for that pic- weird, mine must be replaced with another steel spring (no other mods to the guitar.)


Tue Jun 19, 2018 10:13 am
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