A quick-release
tremolo lock device for installation into a
tremolo or vibrato
assembly recess or cavity, and for mounting to a movable bridge or a
tremolo or vibrato block of a stringed instrument such as a
guitar. The tremolo lock device includes a spring
mount that is adapted to be fixedly attached to at least one wall of the tremolo or vibrato cavity to prevent
relative motion between the spring
mount and the cavity. The spring
mount is also configured to capture an end of at least one tremolo or vibrato return spring. A slide key is also incorporated into the quick-release lock device, which is connected to the spring mount about a
proximate portion of the slide key. The releasable tremolo lock device is also adapted with an adjustable quick release slide
receiver that is adapted to receive and to releasably capture a
distal portion of the slide key to, when engaged to capture, fix the position of the
receiver relative to the slide key. A
tail piece member is also part of the lock device and is joined to the quick release slide
receiver. The
tail piece is further configured to be mounted in the tremolo recess to the tremolo block of the
guitar. In any of the embodiments of the invention, the lock device may also incorporate various types of joints that are adapted for movement in
multiple degrees of freedom to compensate for natural and induced misalignment between the tremolo block, the recess wall, and the tremolo lock device.