Kahler Tremolo Tension Adjustment..... FAST!!

Mark Vinciguerra Luthier @ VCS Guitars, talks about how to re-balance a Kahler tremolo after a change in string gauges. Super easy and fast..... just don't over think it!
www.vcustomshop.com #vcustomshop.com #vcsbasses #vcsguitars #customguitar #custombass #luthier

[@deludedreality89]

The fact that you can turn a small screw and turn a floating bridge into a fixed bridge, individually adjust saddle height, string spacing, nice fine tuners, and the lack of a rear route is really cool. No floating bridge system will ever be perfect but I like the Kahler more than the FR. Have you ever worked on the Kahler fixed bridge version that Mustaine and Friedman used to have on their signature guitars?

[@juanrajara2887]

I believe that was a B flat @ 4:00.

[@VCustomShop]

Hahaha! Me too!

[@TaahaAhmed]

Thank you for this - very useful video!

[@VCustomShop]

I am glad it was helpful….. thank you for watching!

[@eliaskapravelos7171]

I always tune mine locked and then when I take off the screw thingy I tune it with the tension adjuster until it matches the locked angle. Is this angle wrong ? I never had tuning stability issues (well I do in a similar JH LTD I got last week but that one is borked and I am waiting on new springs, it only stays in tune with dives, pull ups make the whole guitar go sharp).

[@eliaskapravelos7171]

Nevermind I should have seen the rest of the whole vid first, anyway if you got any tips for pull up issues I'd much appreciate it.

[@Plumbsss]

My kahler doesn’t have that little screw behind the the bridge… and the bridge is super raised and I don’t know how to fix

[@VCustomShop]

Hmmm, I thought they all had it.... Sorry about that. So here is my recommendation for you. If by "Raised" you mean that the fine tuner end of the bridge is up in the air..... Try unlocking the nut and tuning the guitar down a half step (E flat - E flat). If the fine tuner end of the bridge is now below the surface of the bridge, try tuning the guitar with the center allen head (spring adjustment) as I did in the video..... that should get you close. But if the bridge is perfectly level when tuned to E flat, go down to D-D instead. Make sense?

[@Plumbsss]

@@VCustomShop ok so it’s becuase the string tensions are not right and it’s throwing the bridge out of wack but now I know that I have to put that tool into the second hole next to the whammy bar… what is the name of the tool you used?

[@VCustomShop]

Not next to the bar…… the hole in the center. It is a 2mm allen wrench. 2:46 in the video

[@Plumbsss]

@@VCustomShop thanks dude

[@robjakala7177]

I have a Kahler on a peavey impact from 1985 that doesn’t have the Allen on the bridge to make it a fixed bridge so it must not have that capability…..plus the fine tuner on the low e string turns but doesn’t adjust the pitch

[@steve852011]

since i bought my guitar it has never gone back in tune if I release the bridge screw and touch the bar at all its out of tune, taken it to a luther and 3 guys for set ups and not one has it returned to in tune, just looking to see if i can find anything i am doing wrong other people seem to stay in tune at least a few times....

[@ozzuk616]

Hate to suggest is it a genuine bridge? With so many fakes it does happen.
Or has something been damaged on it perhaps a fork or roller, what string gauge and tuning are you using?
It could be a simple issue like needing the heavy tension springs or possibly the cam being too close to one side and pinching it is supposed to float between the main baseplate, you want a slight gap each side so the cam can move freely without touching.
I would suggest sending kahler an email with pictures or a link to a video to possibly show the issue I really hope it can get fixed for you.
Many techs are used to Floyds and try to set up the same way but it requires a different approach check out the videos on rexylab with Eddy he now works for Kahler and knows his stuff maybe seeing one that is setup perfect will help you figure the issue

[@steve852011]

@@ozzuk616 yeah its a genuine bridge i bought it new i dont see anything damagaed...

[@TrebleMidBass]

The cam will not go back and it will go always out of tune after a time since it does not have the required space to move.

[@VCustomShop]

The cam is perfectly aligned with the “Neutral Screw” or “fixed” position….. look back at the video 5:37-5:45 and you can see the full range of the cam.

[@TrebleMidBass]

It will not go back fully since it tilting forward instead be in level with the frame of the Kahler. Go ahead and watch Gary kahlers setup video second part or wait for RexyLab videos because non of the people on TH-cam knows anything about the proper setup

[@VCustomShop]

It isn’t tilted forward, it is perfectly level with the locking screw for the fixed position. If it is at any other angle the set screw that Gary designed for a tremolo lock position would not work! Watch the video again and pay close attention at 5:37-5:45

[@TrebleMidBass]

Hey you do all wrong, the cam tilting forward it does need to be aligned with the frame level and adjusting or loosing the cam screws people really does not know how to setup a simple bridge.

[@VCustomShop]

The cam is perfectly aligned with the “Neutral Screw” or “fixed” position….. look back at the video 5:37-5:45 and you can see the full range of the cam.

[@jim4596]

Your a lifesaver, much Thanks

[@VCustomShop]

Glad to help!