How to Replace the Tremolo Block on a Guitar

Upgrading the tremolo block is an inexpensive way to enhance the tone of a guitar.

The tremolo, or whammy bar on an electric guitar is a metal bar that adds vibrato to the sound by removing tension from the strings that are mounted on the tremolo bar. It was originally used to create an echo effect by blues and jazz artists and eventually became a mainstay for heavy metal guitarists. Aftermarket tremolo blocks can be purchased and used to replace existing tremolo blocks. Installation time will take approximately one hour.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Loosen the tuning pages up near the neck of the guitar and completely remove the strings from the pegs.

2. Flip the guitar face down and use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the back plate.

3. Pull the strings out from the bottom of the old tremolo block.

4. Unscrew the old tremolo from the tremolo block and then unscrew the screws from the front of the old tremolo block.

5. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the screws from the back side of the old tremolo block. Set the new tremolo block in its place. Pull the springs down with the pliers and attach them to back of the new tremolo block.

6. Insert the new tremolo screws through the front side of a guitar and tighten them with a screwdriver.

7. Insert the strings in the tremolo block and pull them out through the front of the guitar. Insert the ends of the strings back into the tuning pegs and then tune the guitar by hand.

8. Replace the back plate on the guitar using a screwdriver and screw the new tremolo into the new tremolo block. Plug the guitar into the amp and test it out.

References

• Axe Blaster: Bridge Installation
• "The Guitar Player Repair Guide"; Dan Erlewine; 2007