Ibanez EDGE-ZERO TREMOLO, ZR2 TREMOLO User Manual

EDGE-ZERO TREMOLO / ZR2 TREMOLO

The Ibanez Edge Zero or ZR2 Tremolo is a double locking tremolo that features the zero
point system that keeps the tremolo unit flat (at the zero point). This system eliminates
the hassle of tuning, which is a shortcoming of the floating tremolo, providing a more
comfortable playing experience. The Edge-Zero uses knife edge and ZR2 uses ball­bearings for pivots.

Attaching the tremolo arm

The tremolo arm can be inserted and removed easily. Be sure to insert the tremolo arm
into the arm socket (Fig. 1 A) and push it down firmly until the arm snaps into place (Fig. 2).
The torque of the tremolo arm is adjusted with the torque adjustment cap (Fig. 3). Turning
the cap clockwise will tighten the arm torque, and turning the screw counterclockwise will
loosen the arm torque.

Caution

Be sure to fully loosen the torque adjustment cap before attaching the tremolo
arm.

Adjusting tremolo angle and Zero Point System

The angle of the tremolo is adjusted by the balance between the tension of the strings
and the zero point system installed on the back side of the guitar body. The Edge-Zero
and ZR2 tremolo are designed so that the tremolo unit sits roughly parallel to the surface
of the guitar body by adjusting the zero point system correctly. This ensures optimal
performance. Tuning is completed when the zero point system is adjusted to the correct
position. If the tremolo is roughly parallel to the surface of the body, the stop rod contacts
the tremolo block and the stopper.

To adjust the angle of the tremolo, turn the spring adjustment knob (Fig. 4 B) on the back
side of the guitar. If the stop rod (Fig. 5 C) does not contact the stopper (Fig. 5 D) (or the
tremolo is tilted forward) while the guitar is tuned correctly, turn the spring adjustment
knob clockwise to tighten the spring. If the tremolo block (Fig. 5 E) does not contact the
stop rod (or the tremolo is tilted backward), turn the spring adjustment knob counter­clockwise to loosen the spring.

OK

NG

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

B

Fig. 4

A

Fig. 1

E

C

D

Fig. 5

Using as a floating tremolo (Zero Point System deactivated)

The Edge-Zero and ZR2 tremolo can also be used as a normal floating tremolo by de­activating the Zero Point System. While holding the arm up (with the tremolo block facing
away from the stop-rod (Fig. 5 C), remove the-stop rod and sub-spring (Fig. 6 F). The
angle of the tremolo that is kept in a floating state is adjusted by the balance between the
tension of the strings and the tension of the tremolo springs installed on the back side
of the guitar body. To maximize performance, set the tremolo so that it is approximately
parallel to the surface of the guitar body. To adjust the angle of the tremolo, turn the
spring adjustment knob (Fig. 4 B) on the back side of the guitar. If the tremolo is tilted
forward while the guitar is tuned correctly, turn the spring adjustment knob clockwise
to tighten the spring. If the tremolo is tilted backward, turn the spring adjustment knob
counterclockwise to loosen the spring.
When adjusting the tremolo angle in the floating state, the balance between the tension
of the strings and the tension of the tremolo springs changes each time the tension of the
spring is adjusted. Thus, adjustments should affect tuning. Make adjustments by tuning
the strings repeatedly.

Adjusting the action

Adjust the height of the tremolo unit by turning the stud lock screws (Fig. 7 H) on either
side of the tremolo unit with a 3 mm Allen key. Note that it is not possible to adjust the
height of individual strings.

Stud lock mechanism (Edge Zero tremolo)

The Edge Zero tremolo has a stud lock mechanism. The stud lock bolts (Fig. 8 L) are
packed in the accessory bag. Remove the tremolo unit and stud bolts (Fig. 7 H) from the
guitar. Install the stud lock bolts into the holes in the bottom of each stud bolt with the
adjustment holes for an Allen key facing up. To lock the stud bolt, insert a 2 mm Allen key
into the hole on the top of the stud bolt and turn the bolt clockwise (Fig. 8 K). The stud
lock bolt is locked when it touches the anchor bolt and cannot be turned any further.

Adjusting the intonation

Remove the intonation adjustment bolts (Fig. 9 N) housed in the bridge unit and tighten
them in the screw holes at the rear of the saddle until the end of each bolt touches the
wall of the bridge unit. Loosen the saddle lock screws with a 2 mm Allen key (Fig. 7 J),
turn the intonation adjustment screws to adjust the saddle position. Tune the guitar and
check the intonation. Repeat these adjustments until the required intonation is reached.
Fully tighten the saddle lock screws and put the intonation adjustment screws into the
bridge unit.

F

Fig. 6

Edge-Zero

H

H

G

G

J

J

ZR-2

Fig. 7

K

L

Fig. 8

N

M

Fig. 9