Installing a Vega Trem VT1 For The First Time

Hey everyone! So of you may have noticed a Fender Japan Heritage 50's Stratocaster hanging out in in my collection for the past couple months. Well the reason this guitar was in my possession was to install a Vega Trem VT1 in it for its owner. I'm honestly not typically the biggest fan of Strats nor the Strat trem, but after a quick, mostly straight forward, installation, this is now one of the most fun guitars and trem systems I've ever played.
00:00 The Vega Trem VT1
02:22 Removing the Fender Floating Tremolo
03:47 Installing the Vega Trem VT1
07:49 Balancing & Setup
10:22 Demo
11:47 Thanks For Watching!
Instagram: @_nisebelle
Filmed by Britney
Edited and scored by ‪@nisebelle‬
Thanks for watching!
#vegatrem
#guitarmods
#fenderstratocaster

[@grootyoda7759]

Wake up new nisebelle dropped

[@afxtwinreverb]

Thanks honey

[@djist4197]

when a new nisebelle drops i dont just watch, i sit my ass down and listen

[@guitarbobification]

Everyone has their reasons for watching KZbin. Mine are#1 entertainment, #2 learning, #3 sharing with other like-minded people. When I come across a video that teaches me something its in my top tier list of great channels. I have heard of Vega Trem systems for a long time, but no one I found broke down the specifics of why this particular trem is such a nice option for a strat. Thank you so much for giving us in the guitar world a useful video for making a decision about a trem option. All the very best to you

[@j-pastel-yellow]

i had just finished my most recent rewatch of every video on this channel, and then this popped up in my feed. hell yeah dude

[@thefrogger6507]

This is the only channel that has me smiling at that jangly sparkly math rock or whatever you'd call it. What an absolute joy

[@chrismaghintay]

11:11 this demo song is a ripper!

[@rotosound_uk]

Perfect video, Nisebelle 🙌 Hope Daniel liked playing our Roto Yellow strings that you fitted - the Strat certainly sounded amazing in your hands!

[@zanzabar4ky7]

There is a much easier way to balance a flat trem like a vega or floyd. You want to use a stack of picks or coins to block the trem. Tighten the claw more than needed. Do the set up with the trem locked. Once you are all ready and tuned you remove loosen the claw until you can easily remove the shim, and tune with the claw. It takes me about 1 min extra to do a string change to a different gauge on a Floyd doing it that way with no intonation adjustment. It takes so much time off intonation adjustment too on a floating trem.

[@nisebelle]

Thanks for the tip! I’ll have to try that next time

[@ryanpullin]

Yeah that’s how I’ve started doing it. I like about 1mm of clearance for a subtle float, and I use 1mm picks coincidentally so it makes it easy lol. I’ve set up my own trems and it’s helped a lot. Also on the 6 screw, I started with the strings completely off and the springs removed so there’s no tension on the bridge. Back out each of the 6 screws, and then one by one screw them down until they start creating pressure on the bridge and makes it lift up. Then back out the screw until the bridge rests on the body again. This basically creates the “perfect” amount of movement space where it’s not going to impede movement or allow too much movement for the bridge to shift on the screw’s surface area. Do that for all 6 screws, and then back out the middle 4 screws to create a pseudo 2-point trem. It’s helped a lot for tuning stability. Also some white lithium grease on the pivot points helps remove any additional friction from metal-on-metal contact.

[@smokestacklightning]

Ok, huge thanks, will try both strategies. Blocking to do intonation is an anxiety saving step.

[@user-bu7rs2ox4t]

You are awesome! I have built several Strats but never installed a Vegatrem. I really appreciate your guitar tech skills and attention to detail, and your playing!

[@discocrisco]

That route and the Vega Trem look like they were made for each other. Tight fit, but it looks better than factory, imo.

[@WorkingClassMusic]

NISEBELLE GANG! Let’s squad up!

[@JasonTMays]

SQUAD UP!!!!! 👏🏾

[@FogTub]

You've done a beautiful job editing this, and your other videos! Always interesting, engaging, and to the point. Thanks for being genuine.

[@GC-ji3ye]

I love how much fun you have playing. I bought a used 4x12" cab yesterday and spent the afternoon repairing tolex tears and redoing the wiring. Now my amp head can be used after 6 years sitting on the floor without a cab to handle it. The fun isn't just the playing, it's the project itself to get to the playing.

[@mairbek]

It's always nice to see new content from you, Nisabelle. :)

[@Bairov]

You have an amazing talent in all areas of youtube guitar videos. I'm always engaged in your work! Thanks

[@joecooper7803]

Your passion for good content and quality shows. They keep getting better, even after your little setback. You go girl nicely done!

[@romanthegambler6966]

What a great video! Educational, fun and even with a beautiful song at the end! Bellissimo!

[@jeremywills9303]

Good to see you still at it girl. Keep on rocking.

[@lunamatic9775]

I've been looking at adding a Vega Trem to my Strat, the lessons learned you added throughout your process is invaluable! Thank you!

[@shanemcalinden8883]

Amazing as always, it's amazing seeing this new wave of guitar tech oriented content come up, can't wait for the next video ^_^

[@RaYtAy151]

Just came across your channel and WOW your demo songs are amazing! This one especially gave me goosebumps.

[@chitwoodbryan4HBVS]

Fantastic playing and install!

[@steveg.3022]

Very cool! Nice job. Appreciate the clear explanation, even of your “mistakes.” Especially liked your description of the set up and balancing process. Thanks.

[@boogerz]

Great video, great playing, and entertaining as always 😎

[@progpogs]

Wasn't expecting the flutter, nice vid as always nis.

[@hanovergreen4091]

You just today popped up on my feed. Subscribed. Excellent presentation style and editing. Thank You for this video. Best Regards and Best Wishes!

[@iceWaterProductions1]

I’m about ready to install this on a Strat, great video. That song you played at the end was amazing.

[@JoRoBu17]

Great video! I installed a Vega Trem in my Sterling Cutlass earlier this year. As the guitar came stock with a two-point pivot trem, I used the other install plate option. Unfortunately Sterling uses a non-standard size of bolts for its pivot posts. Thankfully the folks at Vega Trem were able to point me to some Fender replacement bushings/posts that worked great. The new Vega Trem is a joy to play, and it's practically like getting a whole new guitar for the price of a bridge. I really appreciate you putting this video together, and I loved the song.

[@OmegaBeams-gl6xh]

Your videos have helped me get into setting up my own guitars/basses. Keep up the great work! 😊 🎸 🎶

[@k_im.c_am]

you really popped back up on my feed doing an in depth review on a piece of guitar tech that's vastly underrated and something I've had my eyes on for a while. nice :)

[@PedalPlayhouse]

Loved the track at the end and always the attention to detail in the Broll ❤

[@astridlenore]

That is truly amazing, I see they have a drop-in tele replacement that springs up through the existing tele string holes, if that works half as well as this one it would be well worth it. I always enjoy your playing and how you incorporated the new trem was a joy to see.

[@chaysepannell]

Awesome video! I love that this came out a week before I got one of these for myself. You rock! Great guitar player too!

[@renmusical]

I got a Strat with a Vega Trem VT1 too! From what I've seen from this video, I think "the fitting the trem" issue could be exclusive to that guitar. Mine's is just a run of the mill MIM Strat and had no problem fitting in.

[@nisebelle]

Yeah after looking at a few MIJ examples online, I think you might be right about it being an exclusive issue haha, glad yours had no issues fitting!

[@myretrofuture1731]

That demo at the end was sick as hell

[@jeffchilds4021]

You play amazingly well sister! I’m definitely going to check this trem out! Thank you!!!! 👊🏻💪🏼

[@sydwynd]

Thanks for the video. Am considering getting a Vega Trem. This video will be helpful for installing it.

[@MrGlynsPickups]

Thanks for another informative, well presented video

[@imogendedo8296]

First time watcher and new sub. Great video. not a strat guy, but i find it worth while to learn about these since i like to tinker.

[@danielberdugo9544]

I seriously want to buy you coffee and talk shop for 9 hours!!! You are amazing!

[@creamwobbly]

Nine hours of coffee, huh? 😬

[@ramencurry6672]

Well eventually you or her would need some bathroom breaks to release some gas

[@danielberdugo9544]

😅water will be served

[@aaronbeverly4711]

Nice work, I have a standard 6 screw trem on my strat and I was just thinking to myself about changing it but had no idea what would be good and this seems like an awesome choice! Also, your playing is so j-rock to me, like, your demo in this video felt like I was getting a recap on an episode of FLCL and this is the highest compliment I know how to give.

[@nisebelle]

Haha that is the nicest thing anyone’s ever said about my playing! As you can probably imagine, most of my influences are jrock bands, especially The Pillows!

[@ElMuttley]

The demo is SO GOOD

[@nellayema2455]

Good job! That's a pretty swell tremolo system. You inspired me to pull my Strat out of the case and give it a play.

[@nathancourtney2006]

Love your passion for friendship and guitar best of luck with all your endeavors.

[@May_for_a_day]

new nisebelle!!! yay!!

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Just fantastic playing.

[@jeffnduran]

Wonderful video! 😊

[@thetimberowlsband]

Dang if that wasn't some of the most tasteful whammy bar use I've heard! Always great to hear what you do with cool gear!

[@lakai958]

your playing style is SO refreshing. I just picked up a cheap strat for a project guitar and you got me wanting to drop more on a trem than what I spent on the guitar LOL

[@Henni63]

Great stuff.

[@rayfromvegas]

Great video 👍 I own 4 Strats and on 3 I have installed the Vega Trem. They’re fantastic.

[@russellzauner]

Good job! Thanks for producing and uploading this content - I am always interested in aftermarket trem videos, I have several guitars that range from hardtails I want to convert least effort path (Ibanez AX7521) to a couple guitars that I bought as used players and I didn't realize until they got here that the trem was not comfortable (Aria Pro II RS series) or flat out the incorrect trem where I can't really find a used part for it some I'm gonna have to restomod it (Peavey Horizon II). Protip: use already broken in strings from another guitar to speed up dialing in where the trem is going to actually float - then you're not fighting two variables at once.

[@DanielBobke]

The Vega Trem is a great drop-in mod for almost any Strat. In combination with locking tuners, it is almost like having a Floyd Rose without having to route out your guitar or mess with the nut. The flutters with the Vega Trem are great - much easier than with a standard Strat trem.

[@Metallian2112]

I've been listening to the Let Me Go demo for two days straight on spotify!

[@DrKevGuitar]

re: 08:28 ALL my screwdrivers have marks on them for 1/4 and 1/2 turns. It's such a great hack, makes all adjustments that don't have a fixed measurement a breeze. Great video Nisebelle, thank you!

[@MuvoTX]

Nice!! I might get one of these for my fender prodigy.

[@middle_pickup]

I got news for you. That piece of paper isn't going to do anything if the force of those trem springs snap into the guitar top with the trem baseplate. A piece of wood is a better option, but I honestly would just backing the springs out a bit before removing the trem so there is no force to hit the guitar top with. You're going to need to adjust them anyway. Also it's possible that the body may take on moisture in the future, and decrease the clearance in the trem route. Just another thing to consider.

[@smokestacklightning]

Very. Cool! My experience- Low and high E install is required ( should be a mention in manual) then fun fiddling spring/ claw adjustment to set it parallel and body level given your preferred string gauge. . No need to set G string to pull minor 3rd ala Jeff Beck setup as the amazing Vega Trem has such a wide range of movement.

[@waltimedes]

Cool video! I have a strat I've had since I was a teen. I just put 5 springs on it and locked the bridge down to the body. This trem might be what I'm looking for. I'm already trying to figure out how to wire up an "oops all middles" 3 way switch for it since I never use the pickups by themselves and want to try neck and bridge together.

[@magraretsbane6274]

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

[@charlie-obrien]

Very nice playing. Nice trem also, if you feel the need to upgrade.

[@quiet_owo]

my god... you should probably release your riffs in a instrumental album. so catchy

[@WilliamFeryll]

Another amazing video! I have a Strat that could use a new bridge ❤

[@bobolson5423]

I love the Vega trem

[@user-uo9cy2ep2h]

Great vid. Not a strat or trem fan either but to each their own.

[@santiagoamezquita5181]

Hello! Great video! Does this guitar has locking tuners ?

[@michaelvarney.]

I love my VT.

[@musoseven8218]

Great video and advice😊👍💜 I've got an almost identical strat. I'm considering fitting the Dave Murray Seymour Duncan set up. I think that works around a standard Fender Strat. Bridge and Trem🤔 The Trem seems like a great idea, neat, clever and looks to pitch forward and back well. How well does it stay in tune please 🤔 Also was it's easy to set up the intonation on the new Trem🤔 Thanks✌️👍😊💜

[@eerbrev]

Great video as always! Question - is there a way you could have supported the bridge block from the back to help with the installation? That was my first instinct, but maybe there's something in the way that I don't know about that would prevent that.

[@nisebelle]

Thanks! Honestly, I work on strats so infrequently that I’ve never heard of blocking the trem from the back to help with balancing until reading about it in the comments. There shouldn’t be anything preventing using something to add support on the vt1 and it’s definitely something I plan to do for next time!

[@eerbrev]

@@nisebelle Everyone approaches problems differently,and your solutions still worked!

[@AdamTheGuitarist]

I am thinking about buying this for my modern player Marauder

[@mrmeeks85]

I also had a problem where the route on the strat that I originally wanted to put the vega on did not accommodate it properly unless I wanted to plug and then drill new holes for the bridge (no thanks). I ended up putting it on a different guitar than I first intended (and love it, FWIW). The variations in routes/bridge placement can affect the vega trem's compatibility. Something to be aware of.

[@mrmeeks85]

P.S. It was a partscaster strat, the body was from a local builder here, Carparelli.

[@enparticular]

great video as usual! I'm wondering what are your thoughts regarding the 'feel' of the trem comparing to your jaguar guitar. The jaguar/jazzmaster trem is my favorite BY FAR regarding the feel, and allows you to be real subtle about it. Is that possible with that or it's more like a very modern vibrato system like it sounds in the video?

[@trev3971]

The Vega Trem is a silky smooth Strat trem, but it's still a Strat trem. It's a tighter fulcrum than the Jazz/Jag, so a subtle flutter takes *much* less hand movement. It can be done, but it's difficult.

[@nisebelle]

Totally agree with @trev3971 ! The VT1 felt much more reactive and touchy compared to a jag vibrato, so I found it way easier to do really fast movements, but it also took a lot more control to be subtle. For reference, the shoegaze-esque part where I was holding the bar while arpeggiating those chords took waaaay more takes than I’m proud of just to get it subtle enough. Hope this helps!

[@masters1ful]

Will this fit on a two point tremolo like on the newer squiers?

[@c.j.robert5350]

I installed a VT-1 in my Schecter Nick Johnston and there is at least a 1/4'' behind it to clear the 'up' movement.

[@frankiechan9651]

Hi Nisebelle, I know Darrel Braun is a big fan of the Vega - it is something I would love to try on one of my guitars. It looks so beautifully engineered - solid metal as opposed to bent steel saddles. And that solid baseplate is pure art. I see your problem from the start though - you should have used a Pokemon card instead of the bit of old calendar. Then there would have been no issues at all.🤣 Glad that you got it to fit though, when everything was at tension. The ultra tight tolerance I actually think is a good thing? Much better than loads of slop, than can be unsightly. For final adjustments - I got a great method from Dylan Talks Tone for when he does Floyds. 1. With strings on, and springs loose. Block the trem from the back with a small offcut of wood, pencil eraser or whatever - that makes the trem level. 2. Then you can tune up, intonate etc without worrying about what the deck of the trem is doing. 3. When ready - slowly tighten up the springs until the block just slips out. The trem should stay level and is balanced perfectly against the string tension. (maybe a small fine tune required, but it shouldn't change the deck position too much.) re: no Radius Gauge - trim up a Pokemon card until it matched the radius you want - either by trial and error or using a compass - then use that to reference arc of the bridge saddles. All things can be fixed with Pokemon cards!

[@nisebelle]

Haha i think you’re right!! I was about to buy a few new tools from StewMac for some future projects, but now I need to see if I can make them out of Pokémon cards first!

[@nikolabakich9709]

am i crazy or is nisebelle transgender like her channel just think about it when i watch her vids

[@javamon]

What does this trem *feel* like compared to stock? Is it easier to bend strings?

[@MajicFreeman]

There's a new company creating a strat trem that comes on their guitars that allows you to bend to EXACTLY to 1/2 and whole step. Basically is has a tactile "notch" for lack of a better word (because a notch would probably make an unwanted sound) that tells you you're at a 1/2 step and a full dive takes it to a whole step. So it bends less than some floyd roses and locking trem's, but it gives you a tool to do exact bends with ease. THAT IS SOMETHING! I'd want to play it to see if it's something i'd actually want, but it seems interesting.

[@trev3971]

A good setup on a regular trem will do this if you so desire. No need for specialized equipment.

[@MajicFreeman]

@@trev3971 no it doesn't. A regular strat trem can give you a full whole note bend and more, but this bridge "guides" you to those two notes, a 1/2 note bend up or down and a whole note bend up or down.

[@trev3971]

@@MajicFreeman I guess I'll have to tell my Saticoy that it can't actually do what it's been doing for years.

[@MajicFreeman]

@@trev3971 well maybe another bridge can do it, but it certainly isn't any old regular one.

[@trev3971]

@@MajicFreeman Just a regular six-screw Strat bridge. You act like people haven't been dialing these things in for 70 years.

[@maheshwareswar9969]

Can this trem system be fit to any guitar with single locking trem?

[@EclipseAtDusk]

A tip I saw on trem balancing that had me balancing a trem in 15 minutes, and an FR at that Block the trem At Zero Tune the guitar Remove block Adjust strings in back until guitar is in tune, it should be flat & in tune! I took an FR from standard to drop C in No Time

[@nisebelle]

15 minutes?! That’s awesome! Thanks for the tip!

[@EclipseAtDusk]

@@nisebelle you’re welcome! I got it from Ben Eller here on youtube, actually!

[@PurpleHazer239]

Will this tremolo fit into an Ibanez AZES40?

[@SusObamaHank]

So funny that it's a strat video since I just bought one today

[@Steven-kj7xq]

Cool trem but was a bit shocked at the price. $350! (cad). I've had any trouble with the standard strat trem so I think I'lll keep using it.

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s worth it because it’s the best. However if your playing style doesn’t use the whammy bar that much then it would unnecessary to get it.

[@simonsmith2642]

Im putting one on a JV Modified. If I un into the same issue I will update it here.

[@GetOffset]

The radius is WHAT? I didn't realize it was vintage specs!

[@trev3971]

The radius is the *correct* one. 7 1/4 forever!

[@GetOffset]

@@trev3971 😐

[@trev3971]

​@@GetOffset As a thumb-over player, 7 1/4 is so much more comfortable than anything else that I've sold all my non-7 1/4 guitars. They're just perfect!

[@nisebelle]

I didn’t either when we shot the last video! But to be fair, the old saddles were radiused something wonky so now it should feel like a real 7.25 haha

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

MAKE SURE YOU MATCH THE RIGHT SPRING TYPE TO THE RIGHT STRINGE GAUGE YOU ARE USING. Be very careful since the stupid springs don't have labels on em. Only their lil packages have labels. Get em mixed up after taking them out of their lil paper bags, and you dun f---ed up... I would know from experience lol. If you're off, sooo much for a stable trem... I was soooo mad at this product until I realized the mistake I made, largely because the company didn't properly label all this stuff... They really should do a better job with the labeling... Color code em or somethin... OR do it yourself so you can't mess up! Knowing which springs are which is everything here... Other than that I think you covered everything basically. Best trem upgrade for any strat if you ask me. Aside from the terrible price lolz. Sometimes you can find em for close to 200 though instead of the near 300 that they are asking yeesh!

[@christopherhughiebolosada2849]

I thought I was just here for the Vegatrem. But Ma'am, your smile is just beautiful.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

she's not going to sleep with you

[@We-all-watched-the-video]

@@YouSoundButtHurtusername is epic 😂

[@p-nutbutter9826]

just watchin this makes me wanna mod my own guitar but im broke

[@chanie-kunmarquez6251]

Can anyone tell me what kind of genre she plays??..I watch most of her videos and I really like the songs she made

[@gadymarcus2362]

Bella/Linda.💋💋💋💋💋💋👑

[@mondvlogph]

Vega Trem is One of The Best Aftermarket Upgrade, But its not For Everyone Specially costing: ₱13,750.00 | $243.85USD Its Like Buying a New Squier Guitar Here In Philippines 😅

[@rabokarabekian409]

Strat Style Stetsbar = no spring resonance / saddle to trem string distance is constant / no guitar mode to do, so it's reversible . Plus, has with that lovely steam punk look you have been wanting???? only.$329.00 (hee-hee)

[@nnapsR]

why did you tape off the pickups

[@nisebelle]

Great question! I used some steel wool to polish the frets which flakes off a ton of fine particles. The tape protects the pickups from attracting these flakes since they can be potentially damaging to the pickups, and really annoying to clean off.

[@nnapsR]

i have am mexican strat and i really think i might try this@@nisebelle

[@felderup]

looks like it's far more of a linear pull, so intonation changes less, a good goal.

[@68halfcab]

She can set up strats and is beautiful inside & out? Me & my guitars are in love!!! To bad she isn't in Nebraska, I could also use guitar and bass lessons as well as a songwriting partber, Love the video Nisebelle!!!😘

[@14TacomaDR]

$360.00 Amazon Canada kind of expensive

[@edrosenquist6541]

What a great voice for narration!!! I need to come up with a product for you to talk about!!! VegaTrems do ROCK though. Sorry, but your voice is distracting.

[@j3tth3di3ty8]

hey, just wanna say the channel inspired me to put a "metal" strat together. Thanks for being cool. (PS if anyone has any paint schemes/colors/Ideas for me, plz lemme know cause im very indecisive on this.)

[@curtisnewton895]

ok but let's talk sustain and block size

[@rageingrhino]

Did I hear a Radiohead reference?

[@blakeburress]

I love my VT, but their customer service is awful. If you lose a trem screw good luck getting a replacement.