Issues to Consider When Removing Locking Nuts on an Ibanez Jem Junior with a Floating Tremolo
Understanding the Potential Problems
When considering removing the locking nuts on your Ibanez Jem Junior guitar while keeping the floating tremolo intact, there are several issues to be mindful of. This article delves into the potential problems, including tuning instability and practical steps to mitigate them.
Tuning Instability Due to String Loosening
Tension Loss During Deep Dives: If you are planning to use the floating tremolo to the extreme, it is important to understand the risks involved. Extreme tremolo dives can significantly reduce string tension. This loss of tension can cause your strings to become loose, especially if you do not have locking tuners. In regular nut slots, the strings can easily slip out, leading to potential tuning issues when using the tremolo.
String Winding and Tension Loss: When string tension drops, the winding of the strings on the tuners can loosen. This can cause the guitar to go out of tune, making it difficult to achieve consistent pitch during performances or sessions. This is particularly a concern if you are a guitarist who frequently uses the tremolo to execute rapid dives or other complex maneuvers.
Impact on the Whammy Bar
Sync Between Whammy Bar and Tuners: The Ibanez Jem Junior is designed to allow you to dive using the whammy bar without losing your tuning. However, if you remove the locking nuts, it is recommended that you also remove the whammy bar temporarily. This is because even without the locking nuts, the whammy bar can still cause tuning instability. Replacing the whammy bar ensures that you maintain the intended functionality and minimize tuning challenges.
User Experiences and Alternatives
Some guitarists have experimented with this alteration and reported mixed results. According to one user, they haven't encountered any significant issues with their Ibanez guitars, even without locking nuts. However, it is important to note that their experience might be different due to variations in the guitars' bridge designs. If you plan to remove the locking nuts, consider replacing the whammy bar temporarily to ensure optimal performance.
Another user suggests that your guitar should be fine with the locking nuts removed, provided you engage in extensive use of the tremolo. They emphasize the importance of locking tuners, which can help prevent tuning instability during prolonged or intensive tremolo use, such as deep dives. While they do not anticipate any issues with removing the locking nuts, they do recommend replacing the old nut with a new one for ongoing reliability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to remove the locking nuts from your Ibanez Jem Junior, you should be prepared for potential tuning instability, especially during deep tremolo dives. If you are going to use the floating tremolo intensely, consider acquiring locking tuners to mitigate these issues. Additionally, if you frequently use the whammy bar, it is wise to remove it temporarily to maintain consistent tuning. Proper care and selection of appropriate hardware can help ensure that your Ibanez Jem Junior continues to deliver exceptional playing experience.