Installing the amazing Vega-Trem, into my Custom Shop Fender!

Installation and demo of the excellent Vega-Trem VT1, 2 point tremolo, into my 1995 Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster.
Demo, played through the "Gojira" plug in from Neural DSP.

[@andre.slmartins]

Just been installing my vega trem, and let me just thank you A TON for this video! It is so much more helpful than anything else I've found online. You've really covered all the details I was hoping to learn about with a great level of simplicity. I appreciate the effort you've put into it my man. Cheers!

[@hlyangel1]

Great demo. You’ve got a good touch with the instrument too! Thanks

[@Omardottcom]

Very detailed, high quality video. Thanks for this video. Keep up the good work.

[@browill9]

The best vega video I've seen on KZbin. Thanx for sharing.

[@catcancrunch7260]

Seriously ready to pull the trigger on this for my Stratocaster deluxe, just seems really good

[@The7thEmergency]

Very intriguing! Never knew about VegaTrem but I knew if you were using them they must be fantastic. So glad they use the heavy kind of whammy bars instead of the dinky, capped, factory type tremolo arms. I am pleased to see they offer a left-handed option as well. Cannot wait to try this tremolo. And wow your Fender Strat! 😳🤘

[@NicolasGonzalez-Cooke]

THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO !! YES YOU COVER ALL DEATAILS AND YOU EXPLAIN NICELY. I FOLLOW YOU YESTERDAY AND I INSTALL MY VEGA TREM REALLY HELP ME!! THHANKS

[@theone31man]

What a beautiful guitar. I absolutely love the color.

[@Mr_Helper_Mizo]

This trem work very well & amazing

[@jamesbrace3212]

I WISH I COULD PLAY. I JUST DONT HAVE IT. IV GOT NO MUSIC ABILITIES. I WATCH EACH & EVERY VIDEO & I AM AMAZED EVER TIME ON HOW WELL YOU PLAY. TODAYS VIDEO WAS VERY IMPRESSIVE! GREAT CONTENT AS USUAL! 🙂👍✌

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Thank you so much!!

[@cameroncameron2826]

Great vid mate. second one i have watched & i know i'm going with Vega.

[@Terrysoddy]

Best video yet on this tremolo. Thanks a bunch man. ROCK ON!!!!!!!!

[@brynsstufftube]

hey chris! got the venga-trem today, but was scared to install it without being sure how... found your clip on youtube, watched it carefully and boom: my guitar is updated as can be! great tremolo, guitar stays in tune and the bar works very soft. it took quite a while to get the stringheight right, but with a bit of patience it can be done. thanks for your clip🙂and greetings from switzerland!

[@capponed2174]

I've been doing some research on trems for a new guitar build, which included watching MANY demo videos of the VegaTrem, and I must say this was by far the best - your playing really showed the capabilities, and I especially appreciate the tuning checks at regular intervals (many of the demos skip this crucial part!!). Now if I can just figure out how to do drop D tuning with it (according to VegaTrem, a Tremol-no won't fit on it :-( ) ...

[@ilyasrayan4791]

Also considering this over traditional Floyd rise (like in Guthrie Govan signature) or a blade runner reel (does not pull up enough…), but if tremol no does not fit you can go with a tremmory, it should be compatible as it is set up as a spring ;) I have tested once a Vega trem and also I had to say it was the smoothest trem ! Even smoother than my Ibanez PIA !

[@Math77_latam]

Beautiful guitar

[@SnifferCustoms]

Best demo! Wiggle stick mastery!!! 🤘🤘🤘 I found your video, because I was looking to see if spring set screws were in backwards on mine from factory. I was thinking they should be exactly as you had done...makes way more sense. Mine Vega-Trem had been sitting on shelf for several months waiting for time to install, until today. Entire time, tremolo arm stick out of box. How they fit it into box defies laws of physics. 😂😂 Thanks for spectacular demo and helpful tips, Chris Tompkins! 😈

[@tonyadams6985]

Been considering, and your installation video further convinced me to go with it! Thank you.

[@jasonrichardson8531]

Yeah they are like a Ferrari after amazing 😊

[@michaelgibbs252]

Hey Chris, thanks for the great video which I found really helpful as I'm considering purchasing one of these for one of my strats. Quick suggestion though, a process I've used for over 20 years to set up all my floating trems on my strats. Use a wooden block installed from the rear trem cavity between the trem block and rear wall of trem cavity to put the trem level, and tighten the springs enough to keep the block in there, this will keep the trem stable. I make mine out of cedar door and window shims you can get at the hardware store, place two together and slide till you get correct thickness, trim to size, then super glue them together. With block in place, string up, tune, set saddle height and intonation. Once you are done, slowly loosen the trem claw springs until the block falls out. At this point, all strings will be flat a bit since you had to loosen enough to get the block out. Don't retune the strings, simply tighten the claw springs until the low and high e strings are in tune and you are good to go. The rest of the strings will be perfect. Saves an awful lot of time and headache I've found. I use the block when I change strings as well, makes short work of it.

[@vmann-jd5yw]

I made a wedge from poplar to insert into the trem cavity from the back for string changes. Holds it in place, painless.

[@jasonrichardson8531]

Might try that thanks

[@notapplicable6274]

Great review 💯🔥

[@eddiejr540]

Great stuff as always Chris...the Vega trem is awesome...and that is one very sweet strat....rock on my brother!!

[@eddiejr540]

Great stuff as always Chris...that is an awesome strat and it deserves the Vega Trem...rock on my brother!!

[@jimsurfs1]

thanks for this - I'm about to install one - very helpful - also makes me think I'll grab a second to put in my CS JB strat - great video!

[@jasonrichardson8531]

N 1 Nuno Bettencourt and totally changed my guitar amazing

[@scottbronder]

I dropped a Vega in my Malmsteen and absolutely love it. I was wanting to put one in my Nick Johnston Schecter as well but was a bit confused about how the 2 point version worked. Your video was really good at filling in the details. Thanks

[@raudoyveloz]

For the schecter check this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/horFiqKDfM9pqZY

[@bluzzedude8111]

Hi Chris, first of all, I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to make this video. I have a "Custom Strat" myself from 1999. It means the world to me. But as you know, guitar parts wear out a little. I just had new frets and Lollar pick-ups put in last yr. I've been on the fence about the bridge...but it's also time for a new one. I've been "eye-balling" this "Vega Trem" for awhile now. I wasn't sure about the installation. What was really throwing me was the two screws in the front of the original bridge. You know how ours have that opening in the front of the screw holes? I'm thinking "is this going to fit"? I had NO idea until...Wa-La...I came across your video and you explained everything that was troubling me. I can get one thru Amazon...unless you know somewhere better? Anyway, thanks for giving back brother. You really helped this fellow guitar player.

[@michaelsilverman341]

Channeling some serious Alan Murphy there! Great looking strat and great playing ,thanks for sharing

[@roytofilovski9530]

Love how you play. Awesome stuff.

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Thank you kindly!

[@Rikucaster18]

That was an awesome vid man. I don’t even really use these style of bridges but that one looks fun on my Strat

[@glendoggett9670]

I just preordered their new VT2nd for my homebuilt Tele. Can't wait to try it out. Must have been a TARDIS box to fit that trem arm in there!

[@OGbrundle]

Dude you are a phenomenal player

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Thanks!! :)

[@tommyburnhamsmusic]

Sweet vid man. I just bought one of these. and also a Hot Rail Bridge as well funnily enough. looking forward to getting it all and giving it the full shwang

[@sunnys5150]

I love my Vega Trem... I wish they would make slightly shorter arm tho. Nothing wrong with the arm they make, it's just my personal preference

[@kmatax9237]

dude, that color is amazing! i don't think ive seen one like that but no wonder, its from 95. you dont see a lot of 90s fenders around for sale. Theres a custom shop strat, its a one off with a finish modeled after a pint of Guinness, its got a unique pickguard too, sort off thinline tele, it looks awesome

[@offbeatbassgear]

Thank God the Strat that I'm installing this on has been fitted with locking tuners.

[@johnwebb2562]

What a Fab colour 😍 I think the Vega term is like the cherry on top, it's a pity that manufacturers don't have other trem options in their ranges. Instead of the bog standard old originals. John.

[@bayouburner281]

Thanks for the detailed setup-I’m thinking of getting one for my Mexican strat

[@johnhensley6808]

Nice work, and killer demo Chris..

[@norsangkelsang7939]

convinced... will check one out on the next build. Dig the playing and tone too!!! Nice work... Probably shouldn't say this, but, I think you could be nicked named Chubby Van Halen.

[@gwer369]

Everything I need to know except the process of setting the string height and setting the intonation. Another video showing showing this procedure would be cool, in order of strings that go first to last if that matters. Thanks

[@sharkair2839]

that is the most beautiful guitar. wow.

[@jefhal58]

Christopher, thank you for the best install video of the best trem! Just installed my first Vega-Trem on one of my Strats a couple of weeks ago. Would have been nice if I had your video for my install, as you have some good tips. Wish you would have shown a little of the process for action and intonation adjustment, but in hindsight, it's pretty easy. Have to agree, it's hands down the best trem out there - easy setup, incredible tuning stability, amazingly smooth and sensitive. Leo Fender would approve! I've also installed an AxLab Tone Claw locking spring claw on mine, which I think kicks the sustain up a notch. How about a review on that combo?

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Thanks for the tip!! I'll have to check out that claw!

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

this video definitely convinced me to put a vega trem on my strat and they make them lefty too!

[@1972Georges]

Nice guitar. Just ordered the vega trem

[@Polentaccio]

Love that you give it some abuse in a more rock context vs this super sweet melodic style playing. I am considering one of these to replace my wilkinson VS100. I've got it installed well but the block is bigger which is great for sound but totally cuts it range bottoming out. Have guitars with floyds but hate the locking nut. PITA. It's costly but seems like it might be the best solution.

[@rogereverett4467]

Great video! Now I want to install one on my mid 90s American Strat. And maybe replace my standard bridge pickup.

[@chrisharbin623]

Yeah, I really like this (and many other) vid too. I get mine "allegedly" sometime this week. Looks easy enough.....

[@thawthaw03]

wish i could play like you sir❤

[@robbieriddle2325]

Unlock those saddle locking screws anytime you adjust the saddles, up or down, or for intonation. You are absolutely right! I know what happens if you don't. Wish I would have understood how important that advice was before installing my VT. SMH

[@Andrew-qq8fb]

great demo

[@BJ-fj6jw]

You're a good player!

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Thanks!!

[@Tetasha]

What a nice soothing voice

[@burresseffects]

The “ha ha dum-dum!” moment cracks me up.

[@blackstopa]

You have explained everything beautifully I just can't find such adapters Where did you manage to buy Could you give us the contact details of this shop?

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

www.amazon.com/Guitar-Saddle-Bridge-Height-Adjustment/dp/B07BK7LR83/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35206G8HUT5F6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fA2xpPmZnvebpfLDg5PFggcZ_-IYTOVyNBlIUW9NorVxaoudo6MHKLpHl41IJybKZ6OcQDfFs8AqGWgDDBocK1S4ibohboEGt1OmFRGpY8vjSGNsqwg3zTXwq9HWTriyjpduRR_kNWsfKb3s3-ka6ol6Ao-44n-12tMu5qnt63S504xSzjtpoOutSi9j_3zHl4fUgVX3p1h1RPr3nWktVPSsGaQ0roEFhqFH0GeLyhYjaH_NGdTzOtkvWTXif_3wRqGac-Rtpnwp7YCyEJWSOm8kF7cquemdX8D1u2xS3p4.mTtYATTb22QUIk2qcIVAvdtrOs9HzGtZ0UMs9CbQXGo&dib_tag=se&keywords=monsterbolt&qid=1719320338&sprefix=monsterbolt%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1&th=1

[@blackstopa]

@@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear - thank you !

[@gearViewmirror]

Nice Strat😍

[@GuitarWizardGuild]

Considering putting a Vega Term in my Japanese Squier!

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Best floating trem with no damaging mods to the guitar. BTW, that HOT RAILS is my favorite Duncan unfortunately he does not make a full size humbucker version of it.

[@fredm661]

Thanks for the vid 🤘🏽

[@Mauitaoist]

To make that a better installation use a Schaller Sure claw spring tension adjuster.

[@roderickgful]

Great demo! Having installed 5 others, you’ve suffered the trial & error for us. How about bridges with screws instead of post? Is there a different model?

[@roderickgful]

AHH, you answered my question at the end!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Nice to see a pre-Katrina CS guitar that isn't a ridiculously reliced white over fiesta red over paisley or some such.

[@villyramos3114]

dude! you have a very serious mice problem! I can even hear them talking over in some parts of the video!, on a serious note, nice job with this install demo!

[@Havanacuba1985]

What color is that it’s beautiful

[@restofthejunk01]

Looks great BUT I don't like the big gap at the back of the trem

[@imtinuksungjamir3290]

Really enjoy your videos Chris! I got a problem with my vegatrem, while I pull off it keeps coming out from the tremolo bar side. I reinstalled it again but it's been the same case. Please help.

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Are you sure the the knife edges are set in the grooves of the mounting block? It's easy for them to not be aligned if there's no tension from the strings. Also, make sure the tension between the springs and the strings are balanced (when in tune), so that the tremolo top is perpendicular to the top of the guitar body.

[@imtinuksungjamir3290]

@@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear Okay, I'll try that. Thanks.

[@zyxwfish]

Same thing I can’t get the bar back into the box 😂 and yes it is the best trem in the world.

[@keithjai8111]

Thanks for the video, but I have a question, how do you go about changing the strings?, there’s no video on KZbin about this, hopefully you can make a video on how to do this, thanks

[@trinacria1956]

Just got mine!

[@JBurtonTenor]

Hey, thanks for this video! I really enjoy your playing and phrasing. Do you know what the string spacing is? is it vintage wide, or narrow like the Mexican ones? I'm debating getting one of these but cant find that info anywhere.

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Thanks! The E to E spacing is 53.5mm as seen here: vegatrem.com/quality/

[@jameslanclos568]

That's a very handsome guitar. I love metal flake finishes or whatever they call it these days. I'm not a big fan of single coils and I like the bridge pickup. What brand is it? Do you have the option of splitting the coils?

[@johnwelwacnisen948]

Seymour duncan hotrails, and yes u can split it.

[@rickthestick8]

I've had the Vega Trem on my Silver Sky for a couple year since I first got it. I love it. I'm constantly breaking strings (right at the saddles) and even went the the Paradigm strings but no help. Is anyone else having an issue with string breakage. I have emery clothed the saddles and even replaced the saddles with new ones but they keep breaking. TIA.

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Weird. I've never broken a string with any of my Vega-trem equipped guitars. Out of curiosity, are you properly locking down your saddles? The only thing I can think of that might cause breakage at the saddle, is excessive vibration. If it's not locked down, I could see it being a problem. Otherwise, I'd send an e-mail to the support team at vega-trem and explain what is happening. I've no doubt they will help you.

[@rickthestick8]

I do have the saddles locked down. I will reach out to their tech support and see if they have any ideas for me. I'll let you know ...

[@billypropes6827]

Thank you Chris!

[@cobravinci]

Great video! Your guitar is a beast and a beauty, I LOVE the color of the body. I saw the same guitar on sale on an famous english site several years ago... Maybe this is that guitar. BTW, I'd like to upgrade a nice Fender Player (in Ferrari Yellow). I think I'm going to buy a Vega Trem but I'm struggling for the choice of the tuners (Fender locking? Hipshot? Gotoh?)... Any advice for me? Are you using locking tuners also? Cheers from Belgium!

[@here-is-my-profile]

I'm very interested in this but it doesn't look like it will fit a Squier Standard Strat with the 2 point trem. The posts are 64mm centres.

[@jeffcrandall5799]

Nice work Chris..... what pickup do you have in the bridge....much appreciated !

[@GreggStallingsProject]

Can you set up the trem to not go sharp (decked)? And, do you have any control over the arm tension? I had another makers version with no way to loosen the arm tension -

[@jubjub905]

No you cant deck it without putting a block in the back, which frankly defeats the purpose. What brand did you have?

[@PatrickAshe41]

I'm completely stuck on this installation. The little tiny screws on the bottom to lock the springs in place just aren't turning. I'm just not seeing a FAQ or tutorial with this issue.

[@indianrockstrat]

So on a 74 strat with five screws holding the bridge down to the body you would only use two with this system?

[@alleycat27]

thank you

[@steviesavage]

these look great, but was wondering if it's possible to adjust them from side to side, to get the string alignment perfect? I'm guessing so, as it sits on a blade!

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Yes, you can adjust the side to side for perfect alignment.

[@musoseven8218]

Awesome guitar and trem - relatively easy fit too. Has your custom shop Strar got locking machine heads too? Great video thanks😊👍

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Yes it does!

[@marcoarnulfomatagomez873]

Hi, nice Job. What is the distance from the center of one pivot to the other? I have a two point wilkinson trem bridge which is 57 mm, and I want to replace it for a Vegatrem. Just to make sure if it fits.

[@nigeldaddyo]

Too bad the saddle height screws stick up so high. so much for ergonomics. that would drive me nuts. for what they're charging, you'd think they'd offer some optional shorter screws.

[@wishiwasdead247]

Why do some vega trem systems have 2 screws and others have 4 screws ?

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

The 2 screw model is a replacement for the "2 post" tremolo's and the 4 screw model is a replacement for the traditional "6 screw" tremolo's.

[@les7118]

Hi. How do you think, two hole vegatrem fulcrum possible to install on 6 screw strat? or is it has bigger height?

[@davehendrix671]

nice man whats the bridge pick-up

[@michaelbattista1334]

How far down do you lock the saddles? When locking the saddles should the back of them be flush with the body or down so the front of the saddles are pointing up a little ?

[@LegatoTactics]

Does it affect the tone?

[@dazdaz713]

Nice man ! What's the the bridge pickup your using?

[@puiawestham5476]

I like your tone

[@bluematrix5001]

can you replace a Floyd with a Vega-Trem?

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

You cannot. Or I should say, not without major modifications to the guitar.

[@Argentuza]

After 2 years, do you still think the VegaTrem is better than the traditional strat tremolo?

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Absolutely! I still put them in anything I get that will fit one. Vega-Trem rules!!🤘

[@DistortionVoid]

Hey Chris, very useful video! Are you using staggered locking tuners here? Wondering if it's worth switching to staggered while my strat is disassembled or if the roller trees will be fine. Thanks!

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Yes. Staggered Locking tuners. I'm a big fan! String trees just add another friction point for the string to get hung up on... Any time I can get rid of string trees, I will.

[@markgrimm3564]

hey thanks a lot chris got mine on order can ye tell us what pickups you using

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Fender stock pickups in the neck and middle. SD Hotrail in the bridge.

[@lynoj777]

Threat video!!!

[@midnightroses2879]

You don't provide any information about the sound and sustain of the vegatrem. It is a very thin block which I think causes the sound to be thinner and less sustain? A steady tremolo is great, but if the sound becomes thin and sustain decreases, I think many strat players say no to the vegatrem! It may be quality steel, but a lot of money for a thin block

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

I have other video's that display the sound and sustain of this excellent tremolo system. This video was intended to demonstrate the Vega-Trem's ease of install. No offence, but you are very much mistaken if you think that the Vega-Trem sounds thin and lacks sustain. They provide quite the opposite. A thick trem block is not the only element for creating great tone and sustain... I have very good reason for putting these trem's in any guitar that they will fit into. As do many others. They work, sound and sustain beautifully. IMO they're worth every penny spent.

[@Kitarraman]

Hi Chris, I have a question: did the threaded tubes screw tightly into the original tremolo posts? Because on my guitar (Harley Benton Fusion HSH), they sank into the posts without needing additional screwing. I noticed that another KZbinr (Jon is just TOO LouD!!) showcased the same "installation issue" but said he didn't bother as it didn't give him significant issues. In the last two days, the fulcrum has risen. Two days ago, it was flush on the guitar top, now there is a gap of 0.5mm circa, and this thing is starting to concern me. I've written to VegaTrem's Customer Support, but they have yet to reply and a week has gone by!

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Ooh. That's not good. The threaded insert is supposed to screw into the the existing posts. If not, the thing can come out and even damage your guitar. Did you try the Asian inserts? They're slightly larger than the American inserts. If neither fit, you need to replace the inserts that are in your guitar, with a set of fender posts. Your guitar is not safe as is.

[@rayfromvegas]

So I got one of these and I’m having an issue with intonation. My strings keep reading flat and I cannot move forward enough to get a proper intonation. Anyone else have this issue?

[@burresseffects]

Hey Chris! I’m about to perform this same install on a body with no holes drilled for trem placement. I have the two point Vegatrem and a drill press, but I’m not sure where to install the American studs for the Vega screws. Any ideas? Thanks!

[@burresseffects]

I figured it out, but not without some trial and error. I think I ended up drilling and dowel plugging the damn holes 7 or 8 times. Got there in the end though, and the Vega Trem works a treat. Too bad I lost one of the intonation screws somewhere in the install. Not sure how that happened, but time to fire off an email to their support staff.

[@illegallystalked3119]

What happened if you decide to drop D ? Does the tuning go funky?

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

Yes. It is a floating tremolo.

[@illegallystalked3119]

@@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear thanks.

[@davidlacroix6769]

By the way. They sent it to you for the video only. Now they want it back.

[@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear]

LOL!! Imagine...