STETSBAR T-Style Series User manual
T-Style Guitars
Fitting Instructions
FIRST STEPS -Check that you have 1 set of Allen Keys, 4 flathead screws and 1 neck shim
and please read the warranty notes at the end of this document before commencing.
Make a secure setting on which to work on the guitar. The STETSBAR requires little if any drilling tools and will install
quite rapidly. HINT—If you have never removed the neck of a guitar or set intonation of your guitar in the past, you may
wish to get some experienced assistance before you begin.
T-Style Fit Instructions Page 1
PREPARATION
Prepare the guitar by taking off the strings and unscrew the neck screws and remove the neck. Next, remove the
“ashtray bridge” and un-mount the bridge pickup from the ashtray.
String
Anchor
Bridge
(shown removed)
Mounting
Plate
Bridge Plate Assembly
Bridge Adjustment
Screw Tracking Adjust-
ment Screws
Top View Bottom View
Three Hole mounting
Four Hole mounting
We work hard to provide the very best professional product for the demanding artist. If you have questions or concerns call
the 800 number and we will be happy to assist you.We cannot take responsibility for problems or damage occurring
through inexperienced installation. Any alterations or modifications to the STETSBAR voids manufacturers warranty and
invalidates returns. If you are unsure of your ability to fit the unit we will be happy to recommend or work with a qualified
guitar technician or Luthier to resolve your installation issues.
A lifetime warranty is provided to the original owner for replacement against manufacturing defects excluding normal wear and tear. Please retain all
documentation for any claims.
Revision April 2006
STETSBAR is protected by US Patent # 5,392,680
TUNING AND ADJUSTING VIBRATO ACTION
Bring the instrument up to tune. As with all such systems you will find it necessary to repetitively tune each string as the
springs stretch under the tension the strings exert.
Once you instrument is in tune, check the position of the centre of the bridge in relation to your instrument’s scale length.
Also check the travel up and down when you use the arm. The object of these checks is to ensure that equilibrium has
been achieved between the pull of the strings and the pull of the springs.
If necessary, adjust the Tension adjustment screws (See picture) to position the bridge more equally. Tightening the
screws pulls the bridge backwards and raises the arm -loosening the screws lets the bridge slip forward and lowers the
arm. This step may have to be repeated a few times as the string tension settles.
Finally, intonate the guitar by adjusting the bridge saddle position. Now you are ready to play!
STRINGING THE GUITAR
Replace the bridge with the saddle adjustment screws pointing towards the neck. String your guitar. Bring the strings up
to a very loose tension –sufficient to keep them in place and adjust your bridge height via the bridge adjustment screws
to get your preferred action. Loosen the Tracking Adjustment screws and proceed to the next step.
FAQ
1. Arm Play -slightly tightening just one of the adjustment screws will take any arm looseness out of the action.
2. Not returning to tune—invariably this is due to nut problems. Lubricate the nut with Big Bends Nut Sauce or
graphite. If that doesn’t work get a guitar tech to check that the nut slots are correctly cut and not binding or re-
place the nut with a graphite or Delrin nut.
3. Intonation problems -If you can’t adjust the bridge saddles enough to get correct intonation then you need to use
the adjustment screws to position the bridge closer to the scale length and then use the saddles for fine adjust-
ments
MOUNTING THE STETSBAR
Now fasten the bridge pickup to the Stetsbar—you won’t need to
refit the pickup springs as we will want the maximum height adjust-
ment on the pickup.
Remove the bridge from the Stetsbar to uncover the center retainer
screw. Remove this with the Allen key and gently pull up the front
of the bridge plate assembly high enough to access the mounting
screw holes under the bridge plate.
There are two sets of mounting holes—3 or 4 screws. These match
to the two major styles of Telecaster bridge. Mount the Stetsbar to
the appropriate mounting holes with the supplied screws and replace the bridge plate and retainer screw.
Be careful to ensure that the 2 wafer roller bearings are seated properly in their pockets on the mounting plate AND that
the bridge plate assembly locates properly on to them as you close it back into position.
Breathe a sigh of relief—that was the most difficult bit!
Center Retainer Screw
REFITTING THE NECK
Place the tapered shim (thick end toward bridge) in the neck pocket of the guitar and ensure that the holes for the neck
align correctly. If necessary you may have to drill clearance holes in the tapered shim for the neck screws. Fasten the
neck to body using the original neck screws.
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