Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've been wondering if I've been attaching the arm to the accent vibrato properly. All I do is fit the arm, chrome washer (I think I found this from something else) then tighten the screw tight. I like it so it doesn't move, but that restricts getting to the controls, and if I move it it just gets really loose. Is there a way of getting it to swivel like a bigsby arm? Use it then move it out of the way, but it not being really loose? Stupid question I know but it's been annoying me for years.

There should be a white plastic (teflon, I think) washer between the arm and screw. That helps. If it still spins, you can put Loc-tite on the screw right before installing it.

Hi! On my 335 the screw get loose, even with the plastic washer. I put a second plastic washer and now I can move the accent arm up and down without the screw get loose.

The second washer I added is a Gibson vibrato washer. I hope this helps you...

Thanks for the picture. I've used two thick rubber washers for the time being and used as bit of locktite on the thread. It works okay, the screw still turns but it moves back and forth with the arm.

There should be a 1/2" wavy washer under the screw, my Accent is totally stock and that's all it has. With that you don't have to tighten the screw enough so that it turns with the arm. I occasionally clean and lube it with some silicone spray and it works fine. Hope this helps!

This thread begs the question, do you really need the arm?

Do folks here really make use of that Accent vibrato? Heck, I simply keep that arm in the case. No worries about out of tune stings, access to controls, slipping arm....

Tommy wrote:This thread begs the question, do you really need the arm?

Do folks here really make use of that Accent vibrato? Heck, I simply keep that arm in the case. No worries about out of tune stings, access to controls, slipping arm....

I use the vibrato on more than the odd occasion. I'd have kept the R tailpiece on otherwise!

Just picked up a 325C64 this weekend... love that Accent! Need to figure out a way to cover that pointy tip though.

jdogric12 wrote:Just picked up a 325C64 this weekend... love that Accent! Need to figure out a way to cover that pointy tip though.

Yeah - a rubber or plastic cap would be a great idea.....

jdogric12 wrote:Just picked up a 325C64 this weekend... love that Accent! Need to figure out a way to cover that pointy tip though.

Go to Home Depot. Buy something called a 'rubber thread protector" or "rubber end caps" or "screw protectors" (really no official name for these things). About fifty cents. They come in assortment of sizes and various colors. I think white would work best for the Accent arm.