KB-Trem information
This section contains technical information and - if available - parts information for the KB-Trem.
The Steinberger KB trem was used on several guitars in the late 1980s (Gibson, Epiphone, Hohner, and maybe others). Depending on the manufacturer, this tremolo is also known as KB-X or KB-S tremolo.
If you own such a guitar, then the photo below most likely displays what your tremolo looks like. Almost all of them suffer from the “bent posts syndrome”. Due to the weakness of a component (the posts and the pedestal they‘re mounted on), the trem doesn’t work as it should, intonation of the guitar is way off, and – if at all – you can play the guitar with a locked trem. If this is the case and you want to fix it, you should download the PDF linked below, explaining the problem and the solution.
I also wrote a setup guide for this trem, explaining the function (and the internals) of the lever for setting the spring tension. I have combined those (previously separate) documents into one. If you want to fix or just set up your trem and donʼt know how, download the new, combined PDF (updated May 01, 2012). It contains installation instructions for the posts, the spring tension adjuster and finally, setup instructions. Make sure you have read and understood all the information given, before starting to work on your trem :-)
Steinberger KB-Trem Repair and Setup Instructions (English)
Steinberger KB-Trem Reparatur- und Einstellanleitung (Deutsch)
Improved steel posts for the KB-Trem
These steel posts have been proved and tested on a large number of Steinberger KB-Trems worldwide. This is how they look after installation:
Especially for use with heavier gauge strings (which leads to stronger forces on the posts) these steel posts are highly recommended. These steel posts better withstand the forces, due to a better material and the additional supporting “foot”, which also prevents the post from cutting/digging into the base plate. Please note, that the KB Trem posts and the R-Trem posts are of different length, so they are not interchangeable.
Spring tension adjuster for the KB-Trem
Another weak part of this trem is the spring tension adjuster, a combination of a threaded bolt and a moving plate which compresses the spring. On many trems the thread on either the bolt or the plate is stripped. Once this happens, you cannot adjust the spring tension, which also leads to an unusable trem. You may continue to use it only in locked mode (as a fixed bridge)… or get a new, improved spring tension adjuster.
This spring tension adjuster can be ordered here.
Trem arm for the KB-Trem
Not much to describe here: a trem arm for the Steinberger KB-Trem (which can also be used on the R-Trem).
This trem arm can be ordered here.
Tuning screws for the KB-Trem
Iʼve had some sets of tuning screws newly made for the KB trem. These screws arenʼt 100% exact reproductions of the originals, so mixing them might not be the best solution. Better replace the whole set, if necessary.
These tuning screws can be ordered here.
Springs for the KB-Trem
If the spring in your KB-Trem is damaged, you might want to replace it. Youʼve got the choice between a softer spring (for .009 string sets and lighter) or a harder spring (for .010 string sets).
These springs can be ordered here.
KB-Trem knife edges
Just to clear up a very common misunderstanding: it is correct that the KB-Trem has two different knife edges, one with a straight and one with a curved edge. The curved edge is not damaged or worn, but keeps the whole tremolo top in position horizontally. With two straight edges the top could move sideways. Unfortunately I donʼt know of any source for these knife edges, but they rarely need a replacement anyway. Theyʼre hardened steel working on not hardened pivot posts, so major damage is unlikely.
Failure of the KB-Trem locking mechanism
If the locking mechanism on a KB trem doesnʼt hold the trem top correctly, this failure most likely comes from the problem with the leaning posts. Replacing the posts usually also cures this problem.
