Gotoh GE1996T Tremolo Unit | Part 3

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GE1996T Arm Lock System

We begin this discussion with an overview of the components and tools directly related to the Arm Lock System. These include the supplied 1.5mm and 2.6mm hex wrenches, Tremolo Arm, Tremolo Arm Socket, Torque-Adjusting Screw, and Center-Guide Screw. The Arm Lock System is engaged during two procedures, namely, attaching and setting the Tremolo Arm; and removing the Tremolo Arm. Do take note that most of the information presented in this post has been sourced from the Gotoh GE1996T Operation Manual.

Tremolo Arm

The Tremolo Arm has an external diameter of 5.5mm. Seen below is the end of the arm that is inserted into the Tremolo Arm Socket. This end of the Tremolo Arm has a threaded hollow center with an internal diameter of 3.8mm. The diameter and threads match that of the Center-Guide Screw perfectly, allowing the Tremolo Arm to be screwed securely onto the Center-Guide Screw. 

Tremolo Arm Internal Threads

Tremolo Arm Socket and Torque-Adjusting Screw

The Tremolo Arm Socket is the component of the Tremolo Base Plate where the Tremolo Arm is inserted. This socket is secured to the base plate by means of a brass hex nut. The Torque-Adjusting Screw, meanwhile, serves two purposes. One, to keep the Tremolo Arm from swinging around, and two; "to set the amount of arm torque." The Torque-Adjusting Screw may be tightened or loosened with the supplied 1.5mm hex wrench.

Tremolo Arm Socket/Brass Hex Nut

Torque-Adjusting Screw

Center-Guide Screw

The Center-Guide Screw features an anodized black finish and is located at the exposed end of the Tremolo Arm Socket. Its threaded portion has a diameter of 3.8mm, allowing the Tremolo Arm to be screwed onto it for a secure fit. Using the supplied 2.6mm hex wrench, the Center-Guide Screw may be tightened, loosened, or even unscrewed completely from the Tremolo Arm Socket. For the benefit of readers, I've gone ahead and unscrewed the Center-Guide Screw. Now you can not only see the whole screw, but also look right through the Tremolo Arm Socket.  

Center-Guide Screw in Place

Unscrewing the Center-Guide Screw

This is the Center-Guide Screw

Tremolo Arm Socket Internal Threads

Looking Through the Tremolo Arm Socket

Attaching and Setting the Tremolo Arm

The first step is to insert the 1.5mm hex wrench (C) into the Torque-Adjusting Screw (A) and turn it slightly anti-clockwise; thereby loosening it. Following this, insert the Tremolo Arm into the Tremolo Arm Socket until it presses against the Center-Guide Screw (B). Then, turn the Tremolo Arm clockwise until it is at the desired height. Finally, carefully retighten the Torque-Adjusting Screw (A) with the 1.5mm hex wrench (C) to set the desired amount of arm torque.

Attaching and Setting the Tremolo Arm

Tightening the Torque-Adjusting Screw

Removing the Tremolo Arm

To remove the Tremolo Arm after use, turn the arm anti-clockwise until it detaches from the Center-Guide Screw (B). Then, gently pull the Tremolo Arm out of the Tremolo Arm Socket. Here, you may find that the arm is "stuck" in the socket and cannot be pulled out easily. This happens when the Torque-Adjusting Screw has been screwed in too tightly. If you are faced with such a situation, the only solution is to loosen the Torque-Adjusting Screw by turning it anti-clockwise with the 1.5mm hex wrench. However, doing this too often will eventually wear out or damage the threads of the Torque-Adjusting Screw, rendering it unusable. This is why Gotoh cautions users against loosening or tightening the Torque-Adjusting Screw "unnecessarily or frequently."

Removing the Tremolo Arm