narrow spring for tremolo

[Ready Freddie]

Wondering if anybody could help me with the following - I've got some
vintage German tremolo for my Kawai guitar, which is prety similar
to Kahler, as I understand. It's only problem is the spring, which is pretty weak
and doesn't really hold the tension, so after moderate use guitar gets outta
tune. Spring itself is narrow, so I have no chance to replace it by Bigsby one,
and even spare narrow spring for my Hallmark tremolo has a little bit more
larger diameter than needed. So the question is whether it's possible to
find something like Bigsby spring but like two times smaller. Maybe some
motocycle part would work? I qonder if anybody had some experience,
as I know Brian May managed to work it out when he built his Red Special
Thanks in advance

[Bob Shade]

You can find narrower springs in different guages at the auto parts store.

[TerryTNM]

Where can I get one of those tailpieces? They look really cool. Fine tuners, string hold-downs on pedestals neat swing-away adjustable arm. . . niffty. I already use the Schaller bridge on some of my guitars although this one has the adjusting screws through the top. Was this an aftermarket piece?

-Terry

[olrocknroller]

Cool string trees/buzz-stop rollers! This is an interesting design! If the spring is only a little week, perhaps a shim would be helpful to "stack" the spring height. I find that most automotive springs are raw tool steel, and very prone to tarnish and rust... Another possible source for "stainless" springs might be a plumbing outlet...

[oipunkguy]

ive had luck in small independently owned hardware stores. you might have to find it in another metal, and gold plate it

[Ready Freddie]

Thanks guys. here in Russia assortment in auto/moto shops is not as wide. I've managed to find a factory here, which
can build spring according to any spec, but it's a bit too expensive I've found spring of proper diameter on eBay, which is
12'' long, but I hop to cut it down and press. It's blue color BTW, so just fine to match the guitar
Regarding tremolo - the only information I've got is that it's made in Germany in 70s, brand unknown, and
I must agree - it's really cool, and I hope it will work fine with new spring. Instead of shimming - base of spring
can be lifted up (!) so it's my current fix, which made situation a little better - action is more tight now