Anyone owned a Yamaha SE300?

scarry67

Just picked one up (from late 80s I think) in need of setup but it's got potential. The tremolo is an issue though. It's got a full sized block that doesn't seem quite right in that it's proving impossible to flatten the trem to the body as the block gets caught against the recess underneath. I wonder if it's been swapped and a smaller import style block is what's fitted as standard. Anyone have or had one?  

Funkfingers

I have an SE100 in project condition. Its original bridge is the same as the SE300. The stock bridge has a narrow Metric spacing for the six pivot screws and unusually shaped saddles. 

I replaced my bridge with a Wilkinson. In order to get this to mount centrally, I had to buy the version with the elongated pivot screw holes. I also had to fill and redrill for the screw that passes through the one round pivot screw hole.

One upshot of this is that I have a complete but redundant Yamaha SE vibrato, finished in chrome.

scarry67

Have you got a photo of the stock one that I could compare with mine? I found a photo of one earlier which did have full sized bridge so maybe mine just needs adjusting... Was the bridge on your SE100 a hopeless case?

Funkfingers

https://i.imgur.com/UdzLDdE.jpg?1

Wilkinson installed. Yamaha resting in humbucker cut-out.

The stock bridge has the skinny, tapered sustain block associated with Sung-il vibrato bridges. I changed to Wilkinson specifically because I want the larger steel block. My intention has always been to have the bridge flush with the body. 

In the photograph, you should just be able to make out what I meant about the elongated pivot screw holes on the Wilkinson vibrato bridge's baseplate.

scarry67

Taken it all apart tonight. It’s got heavy steel block which seems original. I’ve abandoned idea of using Trem arm as I can’t get it to be useable  and it now sounds rather good as is. Needs nut grooves lowering but otherwise quite pleased. May replace Tele style knobs mind...