I am happy to present the 7-string version of the EGS Pro tremolo. Note that the 7-string (as well as the coming 8-string version) does not feature Dual Action, but due to the excessive forces only have a single larger bearing. Weight (without arm) is 205 grams.
Here are a few more pictures of the 6- and 7-string tremolos, including the bearing details.
That looks amazing!!
Still some questions…
1)is the arm a standard floyd rose type or is it your own version?
2)how come the 6-string version of the “pillow” block containing the needle bearing has an extra larger hole which is unused? Is it intended for those who may want to put ultra heavy strings and thus permit use of a stronger larger bearing as the one in the 7string version?
@Xenon: it’s a standard arm – I have been using Schaller arms to date. The 6-string has two holes to support what I call Dual Action. You can (using a tremolo spring as a tool) remove the needle bearing and move it to the other hole and at the same time move the shaft to the other hole. When using the lower hole, the action is stiffer and more extreme and with the upper, a little looser and more subtle. This is not primarily intended to be an end-user operation – but one that is done at build time. Having said that, it is definitely possible to change during the life of the instrument.
See the video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHblk76fiI8 for a full explanation.
@Ola: About the trem arm, have you considered using the system present in the Gotoh licensed FR? The arm is internal threaded and it has a built-in bar tension adjust with damping. I think it’s a superior system, it’s difficult to maintain the bar in place with the traditional system under heavy whammy abuse and that system also tends to wear more easily.
@Anibal: thanks for the tip, I will make sure to check it out. I will say that the Schaller arms (and Allparts arms that I have used lately) have been very good.
I think I should clarify a little my previous post. When I talked about the durability of the traditional FR whammy bar, I was thinking that in my experience, it only lasts over 6 years of constant crash testing. Under normal conditions (less extreme usage) it might last a lifetime. If you say that spending u$s 30 once every 6 years is totally justified, well… you have a point. I must admit that maybe I’m too picky about this issue.
However, I do believe that having the possibility to adjust the bar tension is a very useful and cool feature. I couldn’t find the Gotoh coupling piece sold separately.
The super-vee tremolo has another adjusting approach, it can be seen in this video towards the end: http://super-vee.com/video_namm.html
Don’t get me wrong, I’m amazed by your design. I just want to share what I like from the other tremolos and having the opportunity to talk to the designer directly is very exciting!
@Anibal: I appreciate your comments a lot! I certainly don’t take it as criticism – I need the input from my potential users in order to perfect my designs. The Schaller/Allparts arms also have the tension adjustment actually, so you can have the arm drop to the floor by itself or stay in place. It also is largely free of “wiggle” when seated in place.
I would love to see an 8 string trem suitable for thicker strings 🙂