Need some help locking my trem arm - Ibanez

[flash6969]

Hey everyone

I have an Ibanez Jem 7V guitar & the trem arm is loose - whilst it goes into the tremolo ok it doesnt stay where I want it & moves around when i move around. What I want it to do is stay in a position (if you know Vai's trem - his stays in place like in this video

)

I'm aware of replacing the bushings (the white plastic "washers" around the trem arm that inserts into the tremelo system) but I wanted to ask if there were any other tricks or advice that i could try before i am forced to purchase these things?

Here's mine;

 

[cardinal]

What is turning? Is it just the arm, or the arm holder as well? If the arm holder is rotating, you'll need to tighten it. Sometimes, you can just use a large screw driver from the top (see the notches on the top ring?). If that doesn't work, you may have to pull the trem so that you can get at the nut on the back.

If the arm holder is fine, then the problem is just with worn bushings. I've had reasonably good luck by popping off the old bushings, wrapping PTFE tape around the arm under where the bushings go, and then reinstalling the bushings. Over time, you'll need more and more tape, but it is what it is.

I keep threatening to replace the arm holder with the new Schaller assembly...

 

[Halikus]

My trick is to remove the bushings and then paint the grooves they live in with a layer of nail varnish.

let it dry then replace the bushes scraping off any excess varnish, if its still not staying where you want add another layer of varnish to the groove and try again

 

[flash6969]

Yes it's just the arm that's turning - everything else is static & good.
I will try either/both of those solutions = thanks guys

 

[cardinal]

I've heard of the varnish trick, but the PTFE tape seemed easier so I've just done that. Both methods are trying to do the same thing: build up under the bushings a bit to make them stick out more so they grab in the arm holder. The bushings will continue to wear down, so you'll need more tape or varnish over time.

 

[flash6969]

Thanks. Yeah I'm ok with having to re-apply varnish or tape. I'll give it a shot