My tremolo doesn't hold tuning, what can I do?

Your tremolo is a quite delicate piece of precision equipment. Over time, we have had two different versions:

1. Needle bearing type (2010 - 2016), with two bearing housings screwed into the guitar and the tremolo base plate pivoting around axles seated in these housings
2. Fulcrum type (2016/17 - ), with knife edge posts that provide a pivot point around knotched inserts in the tremolo base plate

Normally, the .strandberg* EGS Pro tremolo should hold tuning very well, on par with the best constructions available. Note that it was never constructed for the most extreme "dive bomb" use, so is shouldn't be expected to be perfect in these conditions.

In the event that it is acting up and not returning to 0, here are some steps to follow.

Tremolo v2 Troubleshooting

1. Look at the guitar from straight above the bridge. The tremolo should sit centered in the recessed cavity. The tremolo post inserts are notched to help with centering, but it is possible for it to sit out of place if not carefully replaced after e.g. a string change. If it is not centered, it is possible to push it in place by hand.
2. Check the front edge of the tremolo and ensure it is not touching the front edge of the tremolo recess. If it does, the tremolo posts must be replaced with a newer version of them. Document, and send to us along with serial number details, etc.
3. Look at the spring cavity from the rear. Is there anything visible that is touching the springs or the spring block that is preventing movement?
4. There have been cases where the screw that holds the tremolo arm when screwed in has unthreaded itself and touches the bottom of the recess for the tremolo arm. In this case, the backward pull of the tremolo is limited, or can even cause it to lean forward. It can be corrected by removing the tremolo and tightening the screw.

Tremolo v1 Troubleshooting

1. Look at the guitar from straight above the bridge. The tremolo should sit centered between the bearing housings. If not, it can be pushed by hand to be centered.
2. Look at the spring cavity from the rear. Is there anything visible that is touching the springs or the spring block that is preventing movement?
3. Look at the outside corners of the bearing housings and how they sit in the tremolo recess. Over time, materials can have shifted, and the housings are being pressed towards the base plate. It can be corrected by sharpening the inside corner of the recess with a knife or screwdriver, loosening the mounting screws of the housings, inserting a few business cards between the housings and base plate and screwing them back in. Then remove the business cards, and there should be enough clearance for the tremolo to move freely.
4. Remove the tremolo and pull out the housings. Inspect the axles of the tremolo, since they might be worn. Get in touch with us for a replacement if necessary.