Why am I smiling behind this mask? We got to fix this ESP LTD Signature Alexi-200! Sometimes you get interesting fixes, and this qualifies – a sheared off trem adjustment screw lodged in the guitar body. This particular job was all Jason – I just got to pose for the pic. This indie kid is ready for his debut at the Canal Club.
Shameless plug – the strap is from Franklin Straps – “The Soft Strap“. I never considered upgrading my guitar strap before. One is as good as another, right? Wrong! Franklin Straps make holding a heavy guitar a much more managable activity, and they come in a variety of great looking sizes and styles. Extremely comfortable, highly recommended, and available for purchase at this very shop!
Scroll for details of the fix.
A quick note on the guitar. The ESP Alexi-200 is named for Alexi Laiho, a founder of the Finnish metal band Children of Bodom. Sadly, he died late in 2020 … yet another reason it was a horrible year.
This guitar is equipped with a Floyd Rose tremolo system, which is great for divebombs and generally shreddy guitar licks. We were tasked with repairing the system – a trem adjustment screw had sheared off flush to the body of the guitar.
So in the pictures above, you’ll see the back of the guitar with the trem removed. Top right, you can see there’s a broken screw lodged in there. No good! This screw maintains the balance of the tremolo, and is essential for the operation of the guitar.
Above, Jason drills into the body to extract the screw, while I provide moral support and keep my composure. Mostly.
Top left, you can see the screw has been mostly liberated. A little work with pliers and it’s out. Top right, we added a dowel to replace the missing wood.
And, the final product after balacing the trem and hooking up the bridge ground.
More tales from the shop coming soon!
