What's The BEST Trem For Your Stratocaster? - Comparing 5 Aftermarket Trems!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 31 жов 2019
- Vegatrem? BladeRunner? Sophia? Rail Tail? Hipshot?
Today I compare the strengths and weaknesses of each design!
If you enjoyed this video, be sure to like and subscribe :)
FLOYD ROSE RAIL TAIL:
imp.i114863.net/qnDbW5
DARRELL'S GUITARS & GEAR LIST!
imp.i114863.net/vM09j
T-SHIRT STORE:
teespring.com/stores/darrell-...
TAB STORE:
Songs, Lesson Worksheets, and Guitar Techniques!
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DarrellB...
MY AMPS:
H&K Grand Meister Deluxe 40 - imp.i114863.net/Na1gV
Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier - imp.i114863.net/xdVB1
PATREON:
Become a Patron to be eligible for exclusive Gear Give-Aways and Lesson TABs!
/ darrellbraunguitar
ALBUM:
iTunes:
itunes.apple.com/ca/album/cel...
SUPPORT:
If you want to give back to help keep the channel going, you can help me out here:
www.paypal.me/DarrellBraunGuitar
INSTAGRAM:
/ darrellbraunguitar
FAVORITE FRET-END FILE:
www.solomusicgear.com/product...
OTHER FAVOURITE GEAR:
*Obsidian Wire Solderless Kits - obsidianwire.com?aff=5
*Guitar Parts & Build Kits - www.solomusicgear.com?ref=1931
*Journey Guitars - journeyinstruments.com/refer/...
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
After I posting my individual demos, I constantly get asked to compare these trems!
I hope you guys find this comparison helpful :)
Hi, just putting this out there while searching for a review on Gotoh/Wilkinson VSVG and brass vs steel saddle on a strat. Would love your insight on these. Thanks
Darell what's up can't you make video that include dff termelo put to the test?I want but if you don't that's okay 😆
I had a limited edition Jackson JRS-1... It had a Wilkinson trem and never went out of tune.. Loved it
I got my Indo Classic today!
Thanks so much for more great information, Darrell. I'm sure you hear this a lot, but you have been an incredibly reliable source of information for many since you started your channel. I, for one, have benefitted greatly. I appreciate it.
I worked with the guy who invented the Super V when he was designing it. Got to play the very first prototype in the shop. Super nice guy and a superb luthier. Taught me a lot.
Nunya Bizness I have a BR which I modded. Sounds good and better after the mods. The only thing with the BR is that it’s a bit more stiff. I wish they made a version a a floating non-fixed blade.
Well aren't you special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol
I like your style Darrell. Your arguments are clear, well presented, systematic and you stick your neck out and give your opinion. Good job on your comparison and review videos !
Sustain/Tone: Floyd Rose Rail Tail (1st), SuperVee Bladerunner (2nd)
Tuning stability [systemic]: VegaTrem (1st), Sophia 2-22 w/ Dual Stabilizer (2nd) and Hipshot Contour (2nd)
Smoothness/Feel: VegaTrem (1st), SuperVee Bladerunner (2nd), Sophia 2-22 w/ Dual Stabilizer (3rd)
Arm attachment: Any (collar or set screw), but SuperVee Bladerunner has loose screw-on attachment like Fender guitars
Travel: VegaTrem (1st), Floyd Rose Rail Tail dive-only (2nd), Sophia 2-22 w/ Dual Stabilizer (3rd) and SuperVee Bladerunner (3rd) and Hipshot Contour (3rd)
So the vegatrem is looking like a top contender!
it's based on a bunch of myths like tone transfer, contact area, heavy components, etc.
@@louiscyfer6944 he says myths like density, mass, and physics in general are myths loool
@@louiscyfer6944 Have you seen Jim Lill's videos on sustain and tone (he shows tone is 99% the pickups and tone wood doesn't exist) and his one on sustain isn't conclusive but seems to indicate things like compression matter the most, while quiet notes have better sustain (they decay less which feels like more sustain)
@@bonerici i have seen them. the conclusions are not necessarily sound, but the tests are great.
I'm not in the market for a replacement trem, but this is good information, nonetheless, Darrell. Thorough, as usual.
@Short For A Stormtrooper Big For Your Mom Yep, and it's 33 years old. Trem is original…
Then why say anything at all?
@@michaelcraig9449dude’s inserting useless pieces of information, what’s new
I bought a Floyd Rose Rail Tail because of this channel. It's a great trem...
How do you find the tuning stability? I've been eyeing a Rail Tail since Darrell posted his review on it about a year ago.
I would like to know that too.
@@luisreneventura , I bought it mainly for the stability. I'm not really thrilled by having to use the amount of lube that appears to be required, but the timing has been great. Super well made and very heavy. Easy to install and looks great.
@@onlyfromadistance7326 the "timing" or the tunning?
@@luisreneventura , tuning...
Damn autocorrect.
Thank you for the dedicated hard work, Darrell. It is very much appreciated!
I’m glad I ran across this I have a strat project I’ve been working on for a long time.
This is a ambitious project evaluating all these tremolo systems. Kudos
I bought a Vega Trem thanks to your videos on it. I appreciate you putting in the time.
Clear and exhaustive explanation! IMO the most important feature of a trem is its tuning stability.
Thanks so much for this video, and the devoted one to the Vegatrem! Looking for an upgrade to my six-point strat, and I'm all about expressive trems, so the VegaTrem is a no-brainer.
Who knows if I would've ever figured that out without your videos? Well done!
I got a Blade Runner about 4 years ago, love it. Great video.🤘👍
Seriously, thank you so much for making this video!!!
Great video. You come up with interesting topics consistently.
Man I'm really glad you made this, cuz I'm actually in the market for a trem unit. I have a strat that I'm upgrading everything on, mainly to learn everything I can about a guitar from wiring, replacing, properly setting up and fine tuning specific things like frets and intonating. Basically what I've learned from this is each option is great, they all just have a flaw or two
Great video Darrell. Really well explained.
I'll need to think some more about which trem to put in my 1990 Fenix Strat.
I just put a Vegatrem in my American Strat and I love it! The tuning is much more stable and the way it's able to raise lower and flutter is amazing.
A vegan trem? Wow! 🤪
Yea it's unbelievable what an improvement it is. And so simple. Installation is a breeze too. I had to do some fine tuning but once it was done the only maintenance is a little grease on the pivot points and the whammy bar O ring.
Great video! I’ve been looking for an aftermarket strat bridge and your video helped me to decide. Watched the individual model video which was also helpful.
Thanks.
Love the channel Darrell, thanks for all the insights. Just wanted to come back on this one ... I just put a GOTOH 510 bridge into a Partscaster and it's amazing. Looks good, feels really stable, tight, responsive and silky smooth, right up there as one of the best trems I've ever used. Have set it up for up a minor third and down to slack, used it with a Fender LSR roller nut and Schaller locking tuners, no string trees - absolutely bombproof, I can't put it out of tune no matter what I do. One third the price of an OFR here in the UK (UK£80 versus UK£240). Much as I've loved my Floyds and various Ibanez Edge models over the past 30 years, I'll now never again consider double-locking trems where this GOTOH bridge is an option to retrofit. For the price, it's amazing - I knew there must be a reason Guthrie Govan used to have them on his signature Suhrs.
Does the 510 retro fit on a standard 2 post strat?
@@austinthebeast33 sorry, I have no idea. I got a cheap mass-produced body and had to drill the holes for the mounting posts myself and also had to route out part of the cavity to get the amount of travel needed for the above set up.
At a guess, I would have to say it's not a drop-in replacement, but can't be certain. Maybe post on one of the Fender forums to see if someone has already done it ?
PS. I've got a Majesty as well (2017 Majestic Purple with Sonic Ecstasys) and the 510 is easily as good as the EBMM bridge, without the piezo, obviously 👍🤟🤟
@@kevinmcguinness1113 is the gotoh 510 a direct replacement for fender stratocaster floating tremolos?? how big is the block?? is the tremolo sturdy feeling??
THANK YOU for doing this Darrell. The info was great. I was wrestling with which system I would go with. The Floyd Rose Rail Tail sounds like what I am looking for. Thanks again.
ahh i knew darrell would have a solid break down on this, was just thinking about upgrading my kit strat...
big fan here!
Thank you, we need more videos like this one
The BladeRunner definetly caught my eye in terms of the look and how it holds sustain. One of the first mods i plan to do with my Player series Stratocaster would be to either 1. Upgrade the pickups or 2. Replace the Tremolo System preferbly a 2 point system like the stock one in my Strat just to be on the safe side. Good video Darrell! You definetly gave me some good ideas!
I've had my blade runner for many years now and it works great.
I have a Player Strat and the stock bridge is already great!
I was trained as a luthier by the guy who designed it. Got to play the first prototype in the shop back in 2007-2008 even before Howard Leese (guitarist from Heart) got the first production prototype of the full locking system. Superb product, you’ll love it!
Got myself a vega trem, I love it. Working great on my stratocaster.
How is the sustain on it?
Thank you so much! Until I watched this I was going to get the vegatrem, now I'm getting the bladerunner because I don't need the crazy amount of movement, rather just better tone and feel over the stock fender 6 hole trem. Thanks!!
I just purchased a 2014 Suhr - with a Gotoh 510 and its Phenomenal. Really keeps in tune with Flutters and mild-Dive-bombs. Best I have ever used. Darrell you are Covering the Most Important Topics, that matter-most to me. Really Love your channel. oNe LovE from NYC
I put a gotoh 1996t on my Jackson it’s a great trem at a really affordable price
@@kaoe145 I am Super-picky and Not easily impressed, and I absolutely Love my Gotoh. It's Phenomenal. I will Never use or need another. People are Amazed with my Tuning stability on my Suhr. Glad your are loving yours too.
Ohhh so cool! I was just rewatching some of these old alternative strat trem videos last night. Your floyd rail tail video was the first video of yours I ever saw - last Christmas. Yeah, no s#$+!, I was just watching them again last night : the floyd and the vegatrem. I just love the look of the floyd, looks like top quality. Onya Darrell, Rock on from Down Under😎👍
Great info Darrell! am currently using two Strat guitars, one equipped with a Wilkinson with Schaller locking tuners. The second has a rebuilt Floyd Rose vintage with a large brass inertia block installed and Sperzel locking tuners. But its great to see that there are other options out there. 👍👍
Very helpful as always thanks Darrel
I've put a number of Stetsbar tremolos on guitars -- first for my son's strat, then several people who tried it had me install them, a tele, a Les Paul, and a couple more strats. I can't speak for some you've shown, but the Stetsbar has incredible range, are easy for me to install, and very stable, the strings stay in tune. It is not the cheapest option, but worth a review! ( the trem travels on the same plane as the strings, something no other tremolo I've ever installed does)
Great, well done, comprehensive video! I wish all youtube creators were this clear and informative.
Planning on upgrading the trem on my old guitar soon, so this video is quite helpful. It's still going to be hard to decide though since all 5 are great options.
Great comparison! also great topic to discuss, a lot of people tend to look for replacement trems because of the poor performance of a traditional 6 screw tremolo.
In my personal opinion every two-point trem is king, they keep in tune and don't require a lot of time to setup like a floyd rose. Usually the brand doesn't matter that much as long as it has one but I'd recommend Hipshot, Wilkinson and Gotoh.
Also If you have a two-point trem that doesn't keep in tune I'd take a look at the nut instead of new whole trem.
I put a Floyd Rose Rail Tail on my PRS CE 24 and I love it.
I´ve had the Bladerunner on my Strat for about a year and it is superb !
Wilkinson VSVG user here, no complaints, it's on my Strat for the last 7-8 years
Thanks for doing this video. Great comparison
You always do the best videos!
About to build a partscaster from MJT so this is a super valuable video. Thanks man!
That's a good one D! Thanks for sharing brother! Be Well!
always useful. darrell braun = subjectively objective + objectively subjective = universally informative + informatively universal = darrell braun. works around the world.
Very helpful video. I am still thinking about locking the pull function on my trem.
I like to dive but I rarely use the pull of it. I will most likely give it up for some more tuning stabilty.
Very helpful video. I definitely need a trem system upgrade and I'll probably try the Hipshot bridge. It seems simple, good and affordable. Thanks!
Just installed the Vegatrem. I really like it but I'm thinking I might have to use the heavy springs with 10 to 46 strings as the mediums seem too wimpy. What did you use Darrel?
I'm partial to the Wilkinson - I bought the same one Paul Gilbert uses - found it at a Guitar Maker supply store, only place that carried this model. When I want a more precise tone - I block it off, Trem block to body with Computer Gap Pad - perfect machined even cushioning - Try it, you'll like it☺
Hey Darrell after watching this video I purchased a Hipshot Contour bridge for my MIM Strat. It completely transformed my guitar, way better sustain and a trem that is so smooth and easy to use, better than my Bigsby, similar to a good Jazzmaster trem but maybe even better.
Good video man. It just popped up in my feed 2 years later 😆
Excellent information. Thank you so much
Darrel.. I love your video comparrison.. Watched some of these bridge trems as you did them.. I have yet to see you review a Babicz system. My compound radius LP Standard needed individual string height adjustment to benefit Gibsons compound radius. It was so nice I bought just the saddles for my Elite Strat "18" and LOVE them. Full contact to base plate, the saddles are not just sitting in 2 set screw pins therefore allowing a far superior passing of resonance to the body. Please do a review on this very unique and high quality cam lock system for both the LP and Strat.. They have been out for years and little has been said about them. My Gibson SG HPII also has a Babicz bridge, it allows the bridge to sit flush on the body for transfer of tone to the body more efficiently. Yes..its pricey.. Yes, its very high quality and it is VERY innovative. My only issue is "BABICZ" being stamped or laser etched so large on his product which is why I bought the saddles and not the complete trem system for the strat.. His base plate compresses and locks the saddles in position once set. I went with saddles alone ($100!) that sit on base plate free floating as the traditional saddles. Please give people a complete run down on this product. Thanks Darrell!!
The fine tuning screw fell out from my factory installed tremolo bridge on my 1986 Fender Strat, and it won't screw back in because the threads are worn out on the bridge. Now I can't fine tune one of my strings. How do I fix that?
Damn haven't even seen the vid but I know it's gonna put a smile on my face
Really enjoyed this. Im in the process of of s couple builds. I chose the Super V. Hope I’m happy.
Love your vids man 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Get the Hipshot Contour,on top of beeing a great all-around trem it has another big advantage that no other system has.
The Hipshot doesn´t have knife edges but uses a ball bearing system,which means there´s no wear like on a vintage or OFR tremolo. Theoretically,this thing can last forever,if you take care of it of course.
There´s a reason why Mayones is using the Hipshot Contour as the standard trem system on their guitars.
The Super-Vee Bladerunner has no knife edge or any kind of hinge point with friction. It is a little strip of sheet metal that bends and then returns to its original (unbent) position.
Does the Hipshot come in a 6 screw version?
@@chrisn.4136 No, it's a 2 point screw unit.
The was SOOOO helpful, thanks!
Thanks for the info, good comparison.
Great vid as usual, will check the vegatrem and the blade runner out. I have a Wudtone hi mass pivot trem on my main guitar but wouldn't mind something else on my current project
I bought my first Strat the other day, and someone had used a whammy with more girth than intended, so the trem is messed up. This video is a great aid, thanks!
Gotoh 510 with both modern 2 post + block saddles and the 6 screw + bent saddles are both incredible trems. There's a reason Suhr and Tom Anderson use flavors of those. ;)
Thanks, it's great to have an honest opinion what some of these higher-end vibrato tailpieces are like.
I like how Wilkinson offsets the high 'E' and 'G' holes in their trem block......seems to hold tune better for my Strat.
Floyd rail tail hands down! Great video Darryl.
Thanks for the intonation!
HI DARREL! I hope you're having an
Amazing day too!!!
Thanks for this. How easy/hard was the Bladerunner to install?
I would have found an on screen table useful for an easy to compare 'snapshot' of all the criteria you talked about.
Hey Darrel, great video, we need more videos like this ;) maybe hardtail or Floyd Rose style
8:39 really love that guitar, would be amazing for the chugging
FR railtail! I still have mine in my strat! Love it!
I went for the hipshot contour bridge after watching this video (and many others, arguably ALL of the videos 😂). My lord, it’s a dream, silky smooth and very precise. Highly recommend!
I’m using Wilkinson and I think it’s perfect matched to me.
I have a Wilkinson '5+1' model on my Strat; 6-screw vintage-style system but with the action of a 2-pivot set-up, and inexpensive, too. Works really well, especially together with locking tuners :-)
@@mightyV444 I am also looking for locking tuners as well. Any recommend, sir ?
@@CoolEndChannel - You'd probably want a set that would fit the same screw holes, so maybe check if there's a locking version of your current ones. I did the same with the Fender ones on my Strat :-)
i bought the supervee. It saved one of my guitars from bad friction damage. It works great . after 4 years with it . i havent needed to take it off or anything i can push it as far as i want without damaging the guitar body . Its frictonless which perfect.
Hi Darrell,
Haven't watched all the individual videos you did for each of these trems but one issue I didn't notice you cover was whether any of them keep the other strings in tune whilst you do a double or triple fret bend - particularly where you play another note on the guitar besides the string you're bending (double stop bends, tandem bends etc) as this can be an issue you then have to compensate for; I used to have an amazing Floyd Rose locking trem system on an Ibanez years ago but you had to learn to also slightly bend the second note to bring it up to pitch as a result of the drop in tension caused by the first string bend (if that makes sense?).
These days I have a 1990's Strat Plus with the HipShot Tremsetter which automatically compensates well for this but, as many people find, it really spoils the feel of the trem action. I see that even the HipShot Contour trem doesn't include any mechanism like on their Tremsetter to make sure it comes back to exact pitch. The only one you mentioned with a comparable mechanism was the Sophia. So can you tell me if any of them keep all the other strings in tune whilst you bend one string, or does it mean going back to having to compensate as you're playing? Hope this question makes sense (kinda hard to explain).
Thanks,
Steve
wilkinson works great always comes back in tune.
Which model?
My personal favorite is the Wilkinson 2-point trem as used in my Reverend and Danelectro. 2nd place for me is the very solid stock trem on my PRS S2. I'll never use a Floyd and see no reason for one (overkill unless you're an EVH type).
Top as usual , an italian fan
I would like to see Darrell review the Wudtone, Babicz, Kahler, Floyd Rose FRX, Super-Vee Maverick & Super-Vee Locking Kit ... Top video, keep up the good work
I have one strat with no modifications, and then a strat with a floyd rose, a locking nut, dimarzio hss pickups for the bridge and neck and a evolution (vai) for the middle, custom finish, and 24 frets, a guita that I build with a local luthier for years !
I have watched this comparison a few times since you released it. I am building a strat and trying to decide on a trem/bridge for the build... I am leaning towards Babicz full contact system, Its not in your options here, l just watched again because l couldn't remember all 5 you reviewed here. Very VERY well done video (no surprise here) ..have you used Babicz bridges or saddles on anything? I currently have Babicz tune-o-matics on my 17 LP Standard and my 18 SG HPII.. l am VERY happy having "individual" adjustable string height on both these guitars being compound radius. Just curious on your thoughts on his product..
Hey Darrel Braun, great video but I was wondering what your thoughts on the Babicz full contact hardware trem for the strat might be.
Nice review Darrell. Please make a review video on schecter guitars with sustainiac system.
great information thanks D
Great video. I would recommend an Ibanez with a locking nut if you're simply after a great tremolo system with rock solid tuning stability. The ball bearing one on my 2010 S5470 Red Viking is amazing. ✌
Very Interesting Darrell ! Can U also do some more trem systems like Schaller or Trevor Wilkerson, etc THANK YOU for the knowledge.
Thank you very much. Very, VERY usefull for me :)
Tremendous video!
A look at other systems like Bigsby, Stetsbar, Duesenberg Les Trem, etc would be cool too
Another great video, your initial video on the Floyd Rose got me to buy one and I am very happy with it. Your descriptions on it are bang on. I would really like to have the same kind of video for a Telecaster, I am thinking about upgrading the bridge on my 72 reissue thinline you input would be greatly appreciated . Thanks for the channel.
Denis, how do you find the tuning stability of your Rail Tail? I notice Darrell didn't mention it as a winner in that respect. Cheers
@@OutstandingBill1, I am not a very experienced player (i.e. I don't tune by ear) but whenever I pick up my strat I always check the tuning with my Polytune and so far so good It stays in tune as much as my PRS McCarty 594
Would love to see a video where you upgrade the term on a super squier and see how you solve the slimmer body width solution.
Very Cool to see these unique innovations. Forgive me if this question was asked already but admittedly I didn’t sift thru the 500+ comments 😏I’m curious to know you opinions on Callaham trems and traditional trem parts marketed as upgrades.
Excellent advice.
Hey Darrell, you should check out the Duesenberg Tremolo for guitars with Tune-o-matic bridges. I think it's a very interesting tremolo due to the fact that you don't have to modify your guitar and its design is so sutil that it doesn't look horrible in a Les Paul or an SG. Oh, and it's very affordable too!
I totally agree-actually theres nothing comes near them for value for money!
You're like the paul's hardware of guitars dude. Great content
GOOD INFORMATION. Thanks from Perú.
Nice video, Darrell. While the following are not Stratocasters (I mean, the MM and PRS aren't either), but have you tried the Gotoh T1502/1802 tremolo bridges that are found on the Ibanez AZ series? Probably the best tremolo bridges I've ever tried.
I bought a Hipshot Traditional for my Mex Strat when I did a bunch of upgrades to it a few years back. I cannot complain, it has great sustain and more than enough movement range and consistency for my style of vibrato. Definitely worth the money.
I wish there were a few more on the list, but, this is the kind of do we need, there aren't any out there, and no where to try em out, so this is great? Super stoked the SuperV is here though, very impressive 6screw replacement for your strat
It’s the best 6 screw upgrade if that’s what you’re stuck with. It’s also the most forgiving for amateur builders drilling their own holes. You can adjust it sideways before screwing down.
After watching your video and doing some further research, I bought and installed the Super Vee Blade Runner on my 1985 MIJ Fender. Loving it! Installation was easy, and it’s pretty good (but not 100% perfect) at staying in tune. So I’m a happy camper.
If yours isn’t 100% returning to zero point you need to check your nut. There’s physically nothing to stop the spring steel from returning to the same point. Yes I have one.
Awesome. Thanks for the info. For my own personal experience, I had trouble with the trem arm on the Blade Runner. I slightly bent it to suit my style of half holding while I play and it snapped, to discover the that trem was a basically a pipe filled with a soft metal. After putting in a normal strat trem it worked fine and I could bend the trem arm to suit me. I emailed and spoke to them but never got a replacement arm.
same happened to me.
@@HeviNova Bugger - obvious design flaw!
Hey Darrell, great video! I have a question - regarding the hipshot bridge, it looks similar to the Gotoh 510 series and I was wondering if you have any experience with that trem system? If so, could you share the characteristics? Thanks!
Gotoh 510 rules!