A stabilizer for a tremolo bridge prevents disablement of an instrument in the event of string failure. A cam, operated by the player, serves to support a tremolo bridge such that pre-failure tuning of the remaining strings is restored. A method is disclosed for stabilizing a tremolo bridge, comprising steps of ascertaining the normal position of the bridge with strings intact and the tremolo not actuated, providing a retractable stabilizer capable of maintaining the bridge in that position, and selectively using the stabilizer to oppose disabling movement of the tremolo bridge in the event of a string failure, or for purposes of facilitating tuning of the instrument. Novel designs of the components of the stabilizer are also disclosed.