Installing the VegaTrem! - The Most EXPRESSIVE Trem For Your Strat!

The VegaTrem is a killer upgrade for Fender's vintage 6-screw trem - without permanently modding your guitar!
It's a really expressive floating system that holds tune!
If you found this video helpful, be sure to like and subscribe :)
VegaTrem:
vegatrem.com/g...
T-SHIRTS:
teespring.com/...
TAB STORE:
Songs, Lesson Worksheets, and Guitar Techniques!
www.etsy.com/c...
DARRELL'S GUITARS & GEAR LIST!
imp.i114863.ne...
MY AMPS:
H&K Grand Meister Deluxe 40 - imp.i114863.ne...
Mesa Boogie - imp.i114863.ne...
PATREON:
Become a Patron to be eligible for exclusive monthly Gear Give-Aways and lesson TABs!
www.patreon.com/DarrellBraunGuitar
ALBUM:
iTunes:
itunes.apple.c...
SONGS:
All riffs written by Darrell Braun
BACKING TRACK CREDIT:
Head over and show your support!
• Video
GEAR LIST:
Camera - Canon 80D,
Lenses - EFS 24mm prime, 50mm prime, EFS 18-200mm
Lights - 2 soft boxes + LED cold shoe light
AMP - Mesa Boogie Blue Angel + WGS G12A
Featured Guitars - Fender MIM Strat
Audio Interface - Tascam UH-7000
Mic - Earthworks SR25: earthworksaudi...
PEDALS:
Lawrence Petross Design Sixty 8 and Eighty 7
lawrencepetros...
Aleks K Honeymoon2 and Hot Ice
www.alekskprodu...
Ruach Amp Juice
ruach-music.com/
Enjoy!

[@jackconnor6172]

"It's small size enables you to go past the body" Me explaining how I broke all 6 strings at the same time

[@_-_Michael_-_]

KEKW!

[@dilanobando25]

What?

[@Stringbender666]

😂🎸

[@maslascher]

Maybe Fender should just do an "update" to a trem. Pop in trem arm should be as standard ages ago. Changes with player series were nice but some features are still missing.

[@fragtagninja1633]

The American strats have significantly better trems with pop in arms. I will say the block saddles on the elite / deluxe trem are much nicer than the bent saddles that come on the others though.

[@Omardottcom]

maslascher lol.. fender? Update? Yeah right. They’ve making the same guitar since the 50’s and every update model has basically no update. I mean how many damn re-issues are they gonna make? Lol

[@HarryGuit]

I have a G&L Strat with a pop in trem arm which needs to be fixed from time to time and a Fender Strat with a screw in trem arm and that little spring at the bottom which causes just enough friction to keep the arm where I want it to be. I prefer the latter.

[@HarryGuit]

Don‘t fix it if it ain‘t broke.

[@BryanRobledor]

I see fender as a traditional brand, wouldn't expect the to do a great change in most of the their series. Maybe in a modern series or something like that. The ultras goes a little but not totally.

[@carpoo]

I just wanna point that, this bridge was designed to not destroy vintage strats with routing. I played two of this trems on different strats and it's just amazing, as Darrell said, plays like butter. It would be really nice to get some of this to stores so people can try them. (Yeah, i know one of the guys behind that trem hahahaha)

[@musoseven8218]

As I wrote to the OP, it's a very cool trem. Can I ask, with a fairly decent set of standard machine heads, does it stay in tune? Or would fitting locking machine heads make it better and string fitting easier? Also if one string breaks does the whole guitar go out of tune or will it hold tune (Eg in a gig situation)? Many thanks 👍😊 I get on quite well with my System 1 Fender trem, the traditional trems on my other two Strats less so. The System 1 trem isn't perfect though. Is a Vega worth the extra money when compared to other known manufacturers? I think that it might be - but as I'm on a budget it'll take a lot of thought to buy two (or is it a case of value and quality are remembered long after the price is forgotten?).

[@dukenukembubblegum7311]

Tell them to make them a more reasonable price then maybe stores would carry them lol. I mean you spend 1500+ on the strat I don’t wanna spend another 300 for a trem block that’s only giving me up pull

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@dukenukembubblegum7311 Best replacement trem I ever bought. Can't say enough good things about it. Awesome product. Luv and Peace.

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@musoseven8218 I bought a Harley Benton Strat for £75 and replaced the pickups with a set of Lace Sensors. My goal was to go after an early 90s Strat Ultra feel. I put a Tusq nut and String trees on it and locking Ratio Tuners and I fitted a Vega trem. The trem is the standout mod after the pickups. It is crazy stable and feels buttery smooth to use. You can approach Jeff Beck solos with this thing. I've been messing about with Where Were You and I can just about pull it off. Best Trem I've ever used. Heartily recommend. Luv and Peace.

[@ianedmonds9191]

Anyone in Scotland or the UK hit me up and you can visit and try it out. It really is a gamechanger.

[@adrieldiaz6402]

Thanks a lot Darrell you got my bank account in the negatives

[@jameskrys5286]

Dude cost me $179 for a Blade Runner.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Well worth it! 😁

[@777sicilia]

Darrell Braun Guitar did u like the FR better or no, or equally??

[@DBSG1976]

Now it's official, I'm going to have to alter my beautiful Daphne Blue 50's Mexican Strat. You are a great salesman Darrell... another very well made video!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

This one is REALLY expressive! Very fun to use :)

[@jcoulter43]

Love it! Looks like I'm ordering one of these for my MIM Strat. Great video as usual Darrell. God bless 🎸👍

[@edwardmonsariste4050]

Will this fit my Squier Affinity Strat?

[@dzines65]

This trem alone costs MORE than your Affinity Strat lol @@edwardmonsariste4050

[@edwardmonsariste4050]

ynot ________ . I was just joking. I don’t actually own an Affinity Strat. But I have seen people throw $200 pickups in Squier Strats, thinking that it would be a great upgrade. Kind of liking putting a Hemi in a Geo Metro - just a little bit of overkill.

[@sleonse]

I’m buying it. No wonder why it’s been a successful product being SO GOOD.

[@xmasta105]

Idk why i even watch these. i have my trem blocked off lol

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😄 Hard core guitar nerd like me! 😎🤘

[@robertclarkguitar]

Same here. But I want it unblocked. Lol. Perhaps this or the rail tail is the key. Lol

[@ryanteacher8134]

Blocking a strat trem is akin to blasphemy if you ask me!

[@ryanloh6260]

i dont even have a guitar

[@edgeyt1]

KingP3T3 I don't even have a guitar.

[@srobert1838]

My strat never stayed in tune with the stock trem. I blocked it for years , deciding to live without it. I bought and installed the Vega trem , and I am amazed this thing really works .My strat now stays in perfect tune when using this trem. It’s an incredible work of engineering. Worth every penny.highly recommended.

[@garethpoole1645]

Looks good and pretty well engineered. Personally, it's just too expensive for the amount of whammy bar shenanigans I use.

[@ianedmonds9191]

Believe me you'd use more if you had a silky smooth working trem. Luv and Peace.

[@davidmiller1218]

Thanks for this! Phil McKnight just installed one of these on a $200 Strat-type and didn't go into much detail on its added improvement-he was adding several mods at once-and I remembered seeing this video of you changing just this trem. You did a good job of checking the unit out and, except for the price, I want one of these.

[@SBeckerDTD]

I love how thought out the design of this is. It's really impressive.

[@blueheron5232]

I love how FACT ORIENTED your clips are, man. Congrats on maintaining a healthy Sales-Smoke-Free Zone. That two grooves per saddle thing is also used by Mr. Trevor Wilkinson in some of his newest Tremolos... It's a good feature that works well with locking the saddles down onto the base plate to minimize kinetic energy loss in the vibrating strings. Wilkinson already does that too. In a well-designed bridge, vibrating is all the strings have to do, not work part-time holding floppy, energy sucking saddles in place. This Vega Trem looks like a great idea for guitars with that wretched 6 screw system with its high friction losses. Where the Vega seems to truly excel is in offering extremely good trem bar elevation due to the base plate's small size. That is their competitive edge.

[@wilsonminogue8282]

Darrel: “little bit of vibrato will do it” Me: “DIVE BOMB FOR DAYS BRA”

[@Omardottcom]

Wilson Minogue ..lol.... I was thinking the same thing. Like, dammit, abuse that thing and let’s see if it’ll really stay in tune.

[@SeanOHanlon]

This is the best demo of the Vega Trem I have seen. 👍

[@pcbullets8726]

I am amazed it stays in tune as well as it does! Thanks Darrell!

[@jamesallen7093]

Absolutely the best addition I've seen yet ! Got to get one of these !

[@MrLaurizio]

indeed!

[@markinthemix6055]

I am absolutely blown away thank you for the video this is freaking awesome!

[@paulpugh5315]

That trem design has got to be a winner Darrel.....does everything a player could want and it looks a quality piece of gear.

[@stkbkr1]

An engineering masterpiece, it's amazing. Rock on!!!

[@joshuahauser9050]

I like it. Seems perfect for getting the pop in trem arm and letting it float. Truly impressed. As usual.

[@leeoffender8406]

Maybe I'm missing something, but unlike a floyd, you're still gonna have the problems associated w/ binding and sawing in the nut. The floyd rose locking nut was key to its stability. Essentially, you're right where the first gen of floyd started, before the locking nut and fine tuners perfected it. Also, the most annoying aspect of any free floating trem still haunts it: The looming live performance quick guitar switch, as unlike a traditional strat trem resting against the body, the guitar is rendered useless when ya break a string. And although I never had one, f.r. eventually developed a counter tensioning sys which purportedly rectified that issue too. Naw, while I've since gravitated away from much trem, if or when I do wanna revisit it, I think I'll just opt for a floyd rose.

[@guyfawkes8873]

So… get good locking tuners and a roller bridge? Or perhaps just low friction like graphtech?

[@leeoffender8406]

@@guyfawkes8873 It's what I do too, and it's pretty stable and a whole lot less fuss than a floyd, but it will never match the absolute stability of a locking nut system.

[@Black_pink380]

your sound check was just awesome! its feels like keep listening and listening.

[@FrankDoorhof]

A Floyd rose mini? Looks great

[@DRChevalier]

Thanks for the video sir. My specialty dealer just started carrying these. I have an old Mex Strat that I really enjoy that's about 25 years old. This looks like the solution to an issue that I have been looking to solve.

[@cosmonautwilly]

darrell, king of trems

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

If you've got demo requests, I'll take 'em 😁

[@stevethebeeline44]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar I'd love to see a shoot out of all the higher end bridge upgrades for Strats. VegaTrem / Floyd Rose Rail Tail / Callaham Bridge / Super Vee Blade Runner etc... Cheers & thanks for the great demo's!

[@Eiende]

Thank you for this review. I purchased it after watching your review. I love my Vega Trem. I’ve played a strat for 41 years, this trem is by far my favorite. Ive used babicz schaller floyds and all Fender versions. 🙏

[@nazmoking3171]

Darrell, like yourself, I am a huge fan of the floating tremolo and have it on most of my guitars. I love the innovations of this new tremolo design and hope to try out this cool bridge sometime in the not too distant future. Nice video as always! Although my first car was a Vega so that makes me a little skeptical😭

[@warriorseagull]

Have one of these on a rebuilt squire strat. Best trem system I’ve ever used. Locking tuners are always a good idea

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

The Mexi-Strat gets a new trem! Check my Instagram for a HUGE torture test! instagram.com/darrellbraunguitar The VegaTrem has a range close to that of a locking system, but without all the hassles :)

[@kmatax9237]

I'm happy you got a vega after my comment on your Sophia trem video! This one makes more sense on a strat. What's next? Did you check out wudtone trem yet?

[@thatjacksondude858]

I like that it incorporates great features from other trem systems into one very nice package. It's like a Bladerunner/Wilkinson/Floyd Rose hybrid.

Which pickups do you use with this mexico strat? I'm about to change my Fat 50's. Don't like them so much.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Hopefully I'll have time to try out a few more after Christmas!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Hi! Just the stock pickups :)

[@NegdoshaManido]

Darrell, thanks so much for info on this trem! I just installed the Vega-Trem on my Korean Squier Strat, and the results are impressive! I finally have a useable trem system on my Strat, and I did not even do any work to the nut or add locking tuners. Just a bit of Nut Sauce at the nut and under the hold-down posts on the headstock (yes, I left them on) and it works fantastic! Great product!!

[@cgr88m]

Cool design i like the minimalistic look of it and the flush fit

[@parrosa]

at 7:30 there is a noise that intrigued me, until i noticed your palm squeazing the low e string to the pickup ;) nice playing, great tones!! It seems like grade a tremolo!!

[@jltrem]

Was going to ask about return to tune but, WOW,...that's great.

[@chasmenear7130]

Thanks Darrell! This is actually one of three products that I was considering for my strat, and this is by far the most stable.

[@CarlyonProduction]

What others were you considering? Did you go for this one in the end?

[@chasmenear7130]

@@CarlyonProduction Hello David! I actually own an 80's vintage Fernandez (Fujigen factory built) strat- which are in effect identical to Fender japanese strats of the same era. It has a two point bridge system, and yes- I got the Vega Trem two point model. It works flawlessly, but it's not your Floyd style 'dive bomber'... which is fine. It is really the silkyest drop in I have tried. I would say that Wilkinson builds the dive bomber- if that's your ticket. I was seeking 'smooth wobble'- which this does incredibly well!

[@CarlyonProduction]

@@chasmenear7130 ah thanks for the info! Have you ever tried a Sophia trem? They look mind blowing also.

[@chasmenear7130]

@@CarlyonProduction Nope, but that was one of my considerations! I was chasing a vocal quality for the guitar, and the Vega delivered...I would importantly add that I also swapped into a set of locking Sperzel tuners- which suited both aesthetic, and stability issues! String trees are (for me) a no go!

[@chasmenear7130]

I'd have to add here that I am not (by definition) a 'strat guy'- rather a player who loves a dishy strat tone for certain applications! I find a great trem to be a large part of the equation!

[@spotmfd9431]

Might have to get one of these for my modified MIM. Last thing it needs is a new bridge. Thanks for video never would have heard of them if not for video.

[@spotmfd9431]

Never mind looks great and probably amazing but $300 for it is a bit high.

[@lloydblakley1923]

Great sound from a well-thought-out premium product made of stainless steel and brass saddles. The price for happiness is out of my reach.

[@deltawhiskey1398]

Ok Darrell...the Floyd Rail Tail vs The Vega....you've played both...which do you prefer? which one had the best tuning stability. My Mexican strat needs answers!

[@drhiramsuarez]

I'd like to throw the Sophia trem into the comparison.

[@kuzWich]

Delta Whiskey, well both of these keep me thinking... none of either have proper bridge height adjustment imho. Using saddle height to set the overall distance seems rather awkward, unlike with 2-point pivot trems, where you set the outer saddles flush with the plate for ‘more sustain’ and follow your fretboard radius with the other. Then you get to set the overall height, and get to choose whether you want it dive only or 2-way floating. Btw, shots of ‘front tipped’ trems in this video is a total disaster for tuning stability of a 2-point floating trem. According to Newton’s 3rd law you gotta balance the tension of the strings to the opposite directional force applied to the springs. Therefore the trem baseplate has to be as much parallel to the guitar body as possible.

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

How about that traditional 6 screw bridge with some upgrades with a brass block etc from floyd rose upgrades? They make those trems with their upgrades too.... wonder how they are?

[@jamesha175]

oh for god's sake. just ask yourselfs, what would jeff beck do?

[@billdyke9745]

Floyd only divebombs, so useless for me. This one only marginally better than the original. 250 bucks for a 10% improvement. (I stopped using whammy years ago, I play those pedal steel licks which need a hard tail, so don't take my word for it)...

[@metalhead_1996]

Nice watching a how to vid from Darrell! This helped so much thanks Darrell

[@casperboo5465]

now thats one nice bit of kit Darrell, really looks and sounds awesome, thank you for sharing with us, Cheers,

[@lewisbeeman]

Another great video from the one and only DB!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Lewis!!

[@tiggerdyret]

I'm just waiting for your top 5 trem-system video.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

You just know it's coming! 😁😁😁

[@Preston_M.]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar Hello Darrell, We're waiting!!!

[@VIP-Guitar]

Hi Darrell, thank you for all the great videos you produce. Awesome work. Regarding this trem unit it would have been also very cool and important to hear the tonal difference between the Vintage Style Trem and this unit. Especially because of the small block compared to the massive blocks of a Fender Vintage Trems or a Callaham Steel Blocks. Does the tone thin out, or does it get thicker/bigger, that would be very important information for every player. It's not only the functionality that matters most, at the end of the day if it doesn't sound at least as good or better it remains a nice product for whammy enthusiasts but not for sound/tone improvement. Thanks a lot and keep up the great work. Cheers Horst Keller

[@musoseven8218]

Very cool trem. Can I ask, with a fairly decent set of standard machine heads, does it stay in tune? Or would fitting locking machine heads make it better and string fitting easier? Also if one string breaks does the whole guitar go out of tune or will it hold tune (Eg in a gig situation)? Many thanks 👍😊

[@Jakeistoocool143]

It will if you also have a quality nut that is properly lubricated with broken in strings. If a string breaks, all other strings will go out of tune since this is still a floating tremolo.

[@isaacjohnson.]

Loved seeing the install in addition to the demo. Thanks!

[@anilyazar_]

I think 228 euros is little too high for the bridge! Jeff beck would like this!

[@kirkpono5951]

All to many guitars, amp, and parts are over priced these days! I'ts getting to be a rip off!

[@anilyazar_]

@@kirkpono5951 this one is probably a small start up that they cant lower the production cost yet. I really like the design tho.

[@MrEvilWasp]

Since you made your comment 2 weeks ago it's gone up to 240 euros exluding tax... its a nice trem but way too pricey and the price hike seems to be for no reason other than greed. Peace

[@gurumajuindonesia]

Agree .. too pricey :(

[@jubjub905]

MrEvilWasp oh yes you’ve figured it was greed based on what? Its probably due to more demand since this video dropped

[@wipperwil]

Great review Darrell - Thanks so much for this. I'm considering it for my 1999 CIJ Strat and am looking forward to your long term review. I suspect it will stand the test of time though. Keep up the great work.

[@geetarislife2843]

awesome trem I love how you can actually pull up to those Steve via harmonic notes where it sounds like a dying horse but in a cool way :)

[@hobbyknight9962]

Tasty playing on this one. Thank you for all of the various vibrato bridge reviews, showing options for my Stratocasters.

[@gordonrudd]

So, you think you're an "average guitarist"... Not in this lifetime! You're way above average in mechanical acumen and your musicality is off the charts.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words Gordon, I really appreciate it :)

[@the-creech4790]

Thanks Darrell! Got my new shirts today, love the print on them.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Sweet!! I can't believe you got yours before me! Joys of living way up in Canada lol Take a pic and tag me in instagram if you want. I'll come by and say "hi" 🙂

[@fivethumbs6118]

I would like to see some string bends combined with dive bombs to check the tuning stability of this trem.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Nice-looking trem system and a good demo of it. Thanks, Darrell.

[@johne1599]

This is why we love Strats and why they're the most copied guitar design. They encourage experimentation and creativity.

[@rayvandragon]

Totally agree!! I did in my strat... rosewood mmmm ok back to..maple...doble rails...ok....blocking tremolo.. back to...desblocking! Changing pickguards..etc 😎

[@DarianG98]

I can tell you're very Gilmour Influenced. Incredible man. Good choice:)

[@wipperwils2111]

I’d love to see a comparison video between Vegatrem, Floyd Rail Tail, and the Coherent Sound in Light... of the three, which is best for a 6-hole upgrade? Keep up the great videos Darrell! You’re awesome at it.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I'm pretty sure the Vegatrem is the best option

[@infectionsman]

floyd rose NFT owns all

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@infectionsman that's also a very good option

[@infectionsman]

But i mean, a 6-screw strat bridge has a stronger tone because of better connection to the body than the NFT.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@infectionsman I floated the 6 screw on my Yamaha and it didn't make a difference in the tone. And the trem was blocked recently

[@rocknutters52]

Dam I'm going to have to add this to my other upgrades to my player strat, love your vids Darrell always look forward to them.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks man!

[@peterharoldjanakjr2078]

I think VegaTrem should include some chrome trim to cover the hole whilst not interfering with the tremolo.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

That could be a really cool idea! I wouldn't want to drill any holes to install it, but maybe it could clip to the 4 screw rail somehow.

[@frownonline]

Or make it a tad bigger to allow longer intonation range. That gap is the only flaw I see so far in this design.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Hi! It's designed to perfectly fit a vintage Strat route. If they made it bigger it wouldn't work there. The cavity route on my MIM Strat is a little bigger than a vintage one :)

[@jimmyheathmusic3779]

Are the tuners stock in that Mexican strat? Thanks for this video. I love that you showed the installation.

[@TheMJGChannel]

Wow that sounded absolutely amazing and so smooth!!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

It really is 👍👍👍

[@barrybjerke9353]

...hey! ..i reached for a Phillips....and you had that installed AND tuned already!!😮

[@AllenPinchloaf]

The questions i have are are the strings easier or harder to bend with the Vega(stiff?) and sustain and volume difference from the original?weight difference? Any tonal change?

[@michaelgibbs252]

Hi Darrell, I just installed one of these on my strat after watching your review and a few other's as well. It certainly appears to be a great trem design, but I'm not really happy with the particular unit I got. When using the bar in both the up and down directions the treble side knife edge does not stay in place in the fulcrum slot, it moves up and down slightly in the slot which is easily felt and a popping noise that can be heard both acoustically and through the amp. This issue makes an otherwise nicely designed and built trem feel cheap and poorly made. I can definitely feel the thing moving when I use the trem. I have seen many You Tube videos with people using the bar quite aggressively and they aren't mentioning this issue so I think there is just something off with my unit. I have my unit adjusted flat and am using EB 9-42 Super Slinky's, and the Medium tension springs. I tried the recommended Low tension springs but the claw was almost touching the front edge of the trem cavity so I swapped them out for the Medium tension springs. Just curious if you noticed the same thing with the one you installed Darrell.

[@a.khaosnarine9118]

That thing looks crazy kool. I love it ❤

[@redmoon4694]

Mine arrived today! Thanks Darrell

[@hartmusicph]

Mateus would love to use that!

[@cliffingram270]

Great video. The engineering behind this inspired me to modify my bullet six screw trem to emulate the vega trem. The results are fantastic and cost me 3 new grub screws. Keeps better tune, very smooth, very light and lots of dive. Would show you pics if I knew how to send them. Again, thanks gor the vids, I'm a great fan.

[@wsplatinum]

so what exactly did you do?

[@cliffingram270]

@@wsplatinum I cut the front of the bridge off, about 8 mm, enough to eliminate the six holes. Then ground a chamfer on the underside so that the neck end of the bridge was sharpened to a blade like a butter knife. I then fashioned a bar of aluminium about 8 mm x 10 mm, drilled six countersunk holes and filed a groove along the back edge, so that when the ally bar was attached to the body with the six original screws and tightened down, the bridge slotted into the groove, fully floating. At this point the bridge was about 2 mm proud of the body compared to original, so I had to lower the action by lowering the saddles by a corresponding 2 mm via the grub screws. Effectively I had moved the pivot point between the string tension and spring tension, closer to the strings. This meant that I had to use only 2 springs instead of 3, resulting in a beautifully light and smooth action with a very broad dynamic range which always returned to tune, but hampered only by the neck trees (and nut). To eliminate the neck trees I modified the neck from the iconic straight six tuners to a 4:2 system (like musicman guitars) using the original tuners. This increased the angle of the number 1 and 2 strings obviating the need for trees. With new elixir nickel plated strings, it works very well indeed and is now a much, much better instrument, though to some I may have adulterated an icon.

[@wsplatinum]

@@cliffingram270 wow, thanks for the thorough answer. you should do a vid about this project. i wonder if the aluminium turns out to be to soft a material for this.

[@backspin6698]

Nice video Darrel. Looks like a great product. But pricey. Well, I guess that you have to pay for quality 🤔

[@gangrenousprod]

that's like the smoothest tremolo i've ever seen-

[@VashStarwind]

I cant believe how expensive trems are. They literally cost more than my whole guitar, that crazy.

[@michaelcarey9359]

Floyd ROse Non Fine Tuner, less than $150.

[@vladimirerfan7721]

@@michaelcarey9359 It's great, but you'll have to drill 2 extra holes and most of the people wont do that to their expensive strats.

[@christianbouchard7136]

Absolutely ridiculous pricing, honestly getting ready to pay 10 times the price of a Wilkinson or an original fender with a big block is beyond me, not to mention that you will not completely fixed tuning stability issues with these because part of the stability problems are at the nut and at the tuning pegs.

[@stevemeadows]

not worth it at all

[@johnnygb2930]

Sadly it just did not work for me. A couple of points... 1: Faulty spring twisted so badly it would not stay on the claw. 2: No response from Vega Trem. I had no choice but to return to Thomann as the support was not there. When I did try the Vega trem I have to say that it was very smooth but never stayed in tune. It became a real pain. Eventually I changed the nut for a Tusq XL self lubricating and it improved the tuning. However, my standard Fender two point trem is perfect since the Nut change and better as far as tuning goes. The only difference is that the Vega trem is smoother on the downward plunge. The price tag can never be justified. My advice is to keep your fender trem and work from that point...look at the nut, saddles rough edges on the block etc and you will be pleasantly surprised at the results. Vega Trem really need to respond to customers. If there is no support, then there is no product worth pursuing or buying.

[@romanmgelman]

Finally bought one to put on my ‘96 Mexican. Wish me luck!!!

[@dushk0]

What Fender actually recommends is setting the 6-screw floating (lifted 3mm from body). Everything improves. I guess there is no routed cavity on traditional Fender for 3 reasons: 1. versatility, which has seemed to had been Leo's thing - so you can set it fixed, 2. Leo was like Bill Gates - no one will need more than a semitone of sharp bend. Ever!, 3. It would be hard to do with that design as the cavity must have a recessing slope triangular profile, so that there's nuff wood to take each screw, at least that's what she said.

[@BURTBROWN]

The VegaTrem is certainly very nice and playable, but I must compliment you on the distortion and delay you are using for the recording - just out of site... VERY NICE!!! I'm checking out the details that you kindly listed for the pedals!!! Thanks - very enjoyable!!!1

[@jorgegvb]

Looks like a good alternative trem system. The name sounds like a vegan diet though. 😂

[@DreamMachineX]

I was looking at other bridges and the fact that it sounded vegan brought me here haha and it ends up being a quality bridge. I’m vegan so it fits my bill 😎

[@lincolnlee6042]

Love the videos Darrel! Please keep them coming!

[@HansBaumeister]

Looks like a well-built trem. But at 250$ a pop, I don't think I'll splurge. Schaller trems do an excellent job and cost half of that!

[@derfreischutz4380]

Schaller have half possibilities than Vega-Trem, totally different technologies. Vega-Trem is the best tremolo system for a Stratocaster by far, in my opinion. Fender Co. itself tried to buy Vega-Trem patent.

[@ferramirez4570]

@@derfreischutz4380 really?

[@Dreamdancer11]

I think its relatively cheap considering what it does....and what it does is giving you floyd rose capabilities in a strat style format and non destructively at that...meaning you can go back to your original bridge from the vega trem without drilling a single new hole...no other strat type bridge can do the above schaller included....

[@conrad98gtp]

I believe this is the coolest and innovative non-locking tremolo systems on the market. It has a different "Arc" in the bend than a locking Floyd Rose type of trem. In a Floyd type of system, there is a little bit more clarity in the note as you dive-bomb till it falls out of its frequency and the string goes slack. Maybe the difference in how the strings slacken, and the tonal character between a locking and non-locking systems. The physics of the designs. Another option that I believe that Vega Trem could offer, and this might attract a wider range of interest to their selling market, is to offer, maybe a different bar length as an option. Something more in the length and bend as a Wilkinson Trem. They are quite a bit shorter, and fit in the palm of your hand when your hand is positioned more in the "center" of the guitars picking area, rather than over the neck pickup, which is much more "Natural" feeling, and also more aesthetically pleasing to look at, in my opinion. We can dream, can't we? The Vega Trem system is definitely revolutionary in its simplicity, and is also an attractive piece of machinery that won't make you alter your instrument to install it.

[@dyanetti]

I'm not sure why luthiers these days feel like they need to pander to the vegans and vegetarians. We meat eating guitar owners should get our own tremolos too. What about the SteakaTrem, or maybe the PorkoTrem review next!?!

[@spotmfd9431]

It’s made in Spain and Vega is a Spanish surname so I doubt it has anything to do with being a vegetarian. Instead of ranting what about learning some geography.

[@dyanetti]

spot mfd (psst: it.was.a.joke)

[@saida3508]

@@spotmfd9431 woooosh

[@arando4359]

spot mfd r/whoooosh

[@meytecc8601]

PorkoTrem - I like that.

[@ws90ninety]

What a beautiful tone!

[@whatskraken3886]

now which one is better, the floyd rose or this?

[@Miguel3104]

In my opinion the vegatrem is better than the Floyd cuz you dont need to modify your guitar and it is easy to use and install

[@VladThanatos]

@@Miguel3104 Maybe the reference was to the Rail Tail that Floyd makes.

[@keslutes]

Just got one! INCREDIBLE‼️ 💪🏼🤘🏼

[@draganm7823]

🤨 very expensive. Definately something for highly experienced guitarists. Still an informative video.👍

[@ymelfilm]

U wont win much with this trem. Lubricate ur nut or put a rolling nut on and stick with ur old trem. Good enough

[@ymelfilm]

Also add the price of ur old tremolo that u may not sell..

[@oklive4021]

@@ymelfilm I thought so as well , till I bought and installed one - it is incredible for tuning stability and expression - if they were cheaper I would install them on all my guitars.

[@jessd1952]

You can bend back in the tremolo now but now the bridge doesn't cover the hole. Good video.

[@alanoffer]

The block seems very thin . We’ve always been told a heavier block is essential for tone . Although I’ve always felt a lot of the tone is from the neck This looks a good design though would be interested to try it A bit pricey tho

[@robertrraineyjr967]

Darrell, Long-time watcher; love your presentations. I have a Wilkinson trem on my '96 Strat Ultra, and I've never been able to balance the thing so pressing or lifting the arm didn't take a lot of effort. I've tried reducing the # of springs, bought softer ones and adjusted the claw to balance out string gauge tension,used heavier and lighter gauges of strings...all to no avail. Could you tell us how the VegaTrem is on pressure required to move it both ways? I'm out of options on the Wilkinson. Thank you for these vids; even fascinates this 79 year-old.

[@MindsetMastery75]

Too expensive and they don't make one for us lefty's.

[@jordanmayer5932]

Wow, I love the consistency with your reviews, I'm glad I subscribed, as others are saying, your becoming the trem' king! Keep up the good work, also just out of curiosity are you interested in the new floyd rose frx? (The frontloaded replacement trem for tune-o-matic's) would love to see it on a V

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Jordan! Yeah, I'd love to try out the FRX 👍

[@artamussumatra6286]

That’s pretty cool! The only thing I don’t like is the bar doesn’t have the plastic tip, which imho, is an iconic look for the Strat.

[@Ky_fan]

Another great demo my friend!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@onlythis1with]

Top 10 Vibrato systems please. With close ups and same tunes. Get aggressive with what you do or do not like. Your efforts with videos are much better than most. Thanks

[@zerevarmusic1479]

I was looking for a replacement tremolo for my strat anyways! This is definitely the one!

[@toneydavis9802]

Have this trim installed in my Aerodyne Strat now.......dang. This Vega Trim is awesome...expensive...but awesome.

[@MaxCarton]

Man, those are some tasty tones in the demo at the end! Had to say it!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Max!

[@sunnys3325]

Great!!! Now im not sure if i should go with this or the super vee!! Thank Darrel for Fkn me up AGAIN!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😂 Sorry! You really can't go wrong with either. VegaTrem has the most dive and up-pull range by a large margin, but the BladeRunner has a bigger contact area that makes it sound really great. Both are really well made and hold tune well :)

[@sunnys3325]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar 😁 yeah, I got sum deciding to do lol. Thanks for all u do brutha!

[@kostartphotography]

Two comments on this one: 1: I personaly don't think its the best way to align the Vega Trem System in relation to the Pickguard especial not out for aesthetic reasons. Better to leave the screws slightly loose, apply sting 1 and 6 and then align the Trem system so the strings sit perfectly centered (or what position you personally prefer) over the fret board, then tighten the screws, add the rest of the strings and adjust everything to your preferences. 2: Your other Trem Systems you've showed are not setup as I was tought how to set a floating Tremolo. It looks like you just raised the back of the Trem System via the spring tension to make it floating while the screws are still setup as it would be on a deck or non-floating setup. To my understanding and experiences you gain much better results in lifting the mounting screws so the ground plate comes up 0.8 - 1.5mm. So you keep your saddles perfectly flat leveled and just lower the saddle high for preferred string height. If you still need more back movement you can still loosen the springs a bit to get the back of the Trem slightly up but it will still avoid that massive angle you've showed in this video on some of your guitars.

[@becknader2337]

Looks pretty good and sounds very good! I liked that.

[@frantisca]

Man, the trems are flooding the market !!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

👍 We are definitely in a golden age for after-market Strat parts!

[@schrenk]

Very informative. Thank you Darrell.

[@bubuguaiguai]

No more cutting springs with cutter? LOL! Nice video! Love it!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😂👍

[@thomaskolb8293]

Really nice playing.

[@haileysmemories1576]

I used to own a mexican Strat in the same color with rosewood fret board. I replaced the pick guard with a red pearl one and changed the covers and knobs to black. I loved that guitar! That Floyd rose is absolutely awesome. That would be a great bridge for a kit build.