Trans trem
Ned Steinberger, founder of the American musical instrument manufacturer Steinberger , developed the Trans-Trem-System (synonyms: TransTrem, Transposing-Tremolo-System ), a vibrato system for the electric guitar . For a long time, the system was delivered exclusively on instruments manufactured by Steinberger.
System description
In contrast to other vibrato systems for guitars, the entire chord played is retained when the vibrato lever is operated with the trans-trem system . The individual strings are not out of tune with one another, as is the case with other systems. Are the transtrem may also with the lever in different positions fixed ( "curling"), whereby a retuning ( English : Transposing ), the entire guitar during the game possible.
Such a system was also developed for electric basses , but was rarely used. Electric basses with trans-tremors - such as instruments from the Steinberger L series - are rare today and have a value as collector's items.
construction
Unlike the other vibrato systems, a free-floating part is connected to the side parts of the base plate with special tailpieces via bearings. The strings run over individually adjustable roller saddles . As a result, the vibrato does not get out of tune even with strong pressure from the guitarist's striking hand . However, "divebombs" (a strong lowering of the lever so that the strings largely slacken) are impossible. An integrated spiral spring , which can be adjusted from the outside with a screw, ensures an easily adjustable zero position. In order to achieve the necessary tuning stability, guitars and basses without a headstock (English: headless ), in contrast to conventional guitar strings and the previously common string clamps, used strings with two balls (English: Double-Ball ). This type of string has so-called balls (English: ball ends ) at both ends , which are hooked into the tailpiece of the instrument. The tuning of such guitars and basses is done using special tuning mechanisms on the vibrato system. This enables the strings to be changed quickly, and the tuning procedure is also much easier than with other types of vibrato systems such as the Floyd Rose vibrato system.
user
- Eddie Van Halen had the system built into some of his signature guitars from Music Man and Peavey . Recommended audio samples for the special sound of Steinberger vibrato include Get Up and Summer Nights on album 5150 by the American rock band Van Halen .
- English fusion jazz guitarist Allan Holdsworth uses a trans-trem on his custom-made DeLap and a Steinberger guitar with a trans-trem system.
- Mark Knopfler and his backing guitarist Jack Sonni from the English band Dire Straits both used Steinberger trans-trem guitars on their Brothers In Arms concert tour.
- American guitarist David Torn makes extensive use of the trans-trem and uses it in his instructional videos.
- A special application was the installation of a trans-trem-system in the electric guitar harp of the American guitarist Michael Hedges . One example of this is his piece Point A on the Taproot album .
- One user of the trans-trem with electric bass is the American bassist Michael Manring .
literature
- Tony Bacon, Dave Hunter: Totally Guitar - the Definitive Guide ,
Guitar Encyclopedia. Backbeat Books, London 2004. ISBN 1-871547-81-4