Which Tremolo is right for your Stratocaster?

[@minkorrh]

What an excellent video. I ended up putting a Chinese 'Wilkinson' trem in a cheap Pacifica I bought specifically to upgrade. The string spacing that came on the bridge was 54mm but I had 52.5 on the old one. I ended up making the holes elliptical with a Dremel except the middle two. Aligns well, full steel block and modern saddles. $35. I wish I'd seen this video a month ago.

[@frankredux1417]

Hi there!. I'm in the same situation right now. I want to change the bridge on a pacifica 112 and I like the wilkinson wvp6. do the strings come out of the neck with the bridge change? I see the neck a little narrow ...

[@seanodonnell9826]

Thanks for addressing the Pacifica! I got a junk Pacifica that I found in the street, it was pretty torn up so perfect for modding. The stock trem is broken so this information on after market replacements is really useful!

[@che2335]

I went w a Wilkinson vintage bent steel saddle steel block trem ona 2 1/16" spaced Aria Pro2 Jet1 that wieghs twice as much as the pot steel shit it came with. And it stays in tune now.

[@nodayatthebeach]

Great video! This answers all the questions I couldn't get elsewhere and explains some of the issues I've run into making a parts caster. This will be saved for future reference. I'm handy enough to be able to fabricate a lot of things and even re route bodies, etc, but this helps in making that decision.

[@littlebritain64]

I really needed a video like this one. Thank You Sir.

[@littlerichieny]

Where is the info for a japanese Fender?

[@rowlandstraylight]

The coils in the pickups sense the string motion, the poles are there to provide inductive core material to boost the efficiency of the coil and to magnetise the strings so that they move a magnetic field through the coils.

[@Guitar_Fella]

When is going to dawn on someone at Wilkinson management, or design department that if they were to produce a trem system where the sustain block was just 4 or 5 mm shorter than their standard systems, potentially thousands of Affinity strat players (customers), just might consider upgrading their strats?

[@ue4058]

This is super annoying. Hard to believe a shorter block isn't offered, with all the millions of Squiers floating around with crummy stock trems.

[@rickytizzle123]

People with affordable guitars typically buy affordable replacement parts. People with premium guitars are more likely to buy premium upgraded parts. It’s a relatively sound business model.

[@ronnienose8608]

I've got several Wilkinson tremolos and they are better than a lot of the junk you get in affordable guitars. However, although the block is steel it's not cold rolled steel and over time the area around the grub screw can crumble away. This has happened on about three to me, making the tremolo useless because I can not longer stop the arm from flopping around. Or, no matter how much you tighten the screw the arm is still too loose, so then you either make the guitar a hardtail or use some tape around the bottom of the arm to make the arm stiffer. They aren't made consistently enough unfortunately; some you can tighten the grub screw just once and it'll hardly ever need adjusting again, yet others you have to tighten every other time you play the guitar. Plus, I've had a couple where it's such a battle to remove the arm, you really have to pull as hard as you can. The design isn't bad but there needs to be better sustain blocks (I got a guy to engineer me a couple in cold rolled steel or brass), and I think that I would prefer something sturdier than that very small grub screw, how about a collar like they have on Floyds, I've never had them go wrong? I have contacted Wilkinson before and heard nothing back, which is a shame because I won't buy anymore of their trems until the design is improved.

[@MercutioUK2006]

I'm in the middle of customising a Pacifica, and I intend on using the WVP6. If (when? :) ) the sustain block gives out, I'll just get a brass block - both from Northwest Guitars :)

[@alexgriffiths2873]

Do you know if there is a difference with earlier Squier's? I'm trying to find a replacement bridge for my Squier strat, it's a 1995 Yako (made in Taiwan) Strat, serial number YN5xxxx and I'd read that the thinner bodies were only made from 1996-7 onwards. I've measured mine and it's around 46mm wide. Does this mean that I can put a Wilkinson in there, or is there any other reason it wouldn't fit?

[@northwestguitarsUK]

Those 90s-era Squiers can be a minefield in terms of measurements but providing you've sized everything up we see no reason you couldn't fit a Wilkinson. You could always measure up your existing tremolo to be doubly sure!

[@alexgriffiths2873]

@@northwestguitarsUK It did fit in the end, the only problem I'm having is getting the trem decked. I don't really want it floating. It's much more heavy duty than the stock Squier one so I have all 5 springs in it and the trem claw screwed almost all the way in and it's floating slightly, knocking itself out of tune whenever I use the trem arm. I'm going to take it to a professional soon and see what they can do!

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

I replaced every part of what was originally a Squier Bullet Strat, except the body. Of course I can't attach the backplate without creating a shim, but it hasn't been an issue. I just don't have a backplate; no problem.

[@nateheadley3352]

What do I do if I have a two post? It seems that it causes all sorts of problems.

[@northwestguitarsUK]

We'd recommend swapping like for like rather than trying a conversion. The two post is actually considered an upgrade on the 6-point tremolo. It's arguably more responsive and stable, but only when the guitar is well set up. If you're considering upgrading you might also want to change to locking tuners to increase the tuning stability - although this is true for any tremolo-equipped guitar.

[@nightkatlxx2748]

I have the Wilkinson WVP installed on a Affinity Squier with no issues, you just cant put the trem cover back on, most guitarists leave them off anyway

[@awangkuaiman]

cool i've been thinking of getting a wilkinson trem on my squier bullet

[@NintenDub]

I want that squier. Its the neckless model. And theyre gunna go up in price once ppl catch on to them

[@Spectt84]

I'm building a strat kit. I'm pretty sure I have the 52.5mm spacing, I think I understand.... The tremolo I need is the ones with the oval holes, and even though the trems spacing is 56mm it should fit my 52.5mm spacing because of the oblong holes...

[@mywaveinwoodswoodperfumes]

Spectt84 just measure the E-E distance and the thickness of the body then your ready to go for one of these options

[@catboyzee]

Great information. It vexes me to no end how Strats and all of their dopplegangers do not have standardized sizes for their tremolo bridges.

[@ramencurry6672]

It would be interesting to find out the reason behind it. That said I’m sure some people might prefer the slight variation even though the difference is small. But I see your point. It can be annoying

[@getenlightened]

I have a MIJ Strat and a Pacifica. I am installing a non-Gotoh Wilkinson 2 point trem in the Pacifica. Measuring the mounting holes, they are 1/8" further away from the nut than what Stew Mac says they should be. My Strat is spot on, the mounting holes are 25 1/4 inches away from the nut. 1/8" difference doesn't sound like much, but if I mounted the new bridge in the correct location, it will not be centered in the tremolo route. If I keep it the same, then there could be scale length issues, especially on the high E string. Not sure what I'll do yet, but I'll probably expand the top trem hole a little bit to allow me to mount it at the proper position from the nut.

[@yambo59]

You can get special shorter full size (solid steel) trem blocks to fit these strat and other type thinner bodies, they arent made of pot metal and have lots more mass giving noticeably better tone.

[@aaronransome3726]

Hi, I have a strat shape which I'm doing up as a project. The string spacing on the current trem is 50mm....I want to replace but don't think I can?

[@jcd13able]

This whole tremolo upgrade thing is a very complicated topic. Having said that what trem can you place in a full size squier body with 6 screws trem? Fender sells a big zinc block with bent steel saddles (fender stamped) for like $18 on amazon. Does not come with an arm or springs, etc. This trem is made to fit post 2006 fender mim strats. The pre 2006 mim strats used different smaller block. I have a fender chinese made starcaster strat that the mim big block fits into w/o modifying. It's 2 1/16 string and screw spacing. What about the trem arms? There are two different trem arms for the mim blocks. A pre and post 2006 trem arms. Both are 5mm thick but the shape is different. Fender American made trem arm is 10-32 and while it will fit into the mim block it's not recommended. You'll need one of the 5mm arms that fender makes for the mim trems. You can not fit a 5mm mim arm into usa made strat trem. The arm is only $10 shipped. What about the new 2021 and later squier affinity strats? They have thinner bodies and will need a shorter trem block. They also come with two point trem and there is only one trem made on the entire whole world that will work without mods I think. The post spacing is 63mm and not the 54mm like on usa or player strats. Because of the longer post spacing the only trem that will work with affinity is wilkinson wvs50K the first version with the screw in arm and big block. The second version of this trem is for 54 to 62mm post spacing, too short. However, the wvs50K has 10.8mm saddles and not the 10.5mm ones which means the strings will be placed out further than with the 52.5mm mim string spacing. It has 54mm string spacing instead. Oh well, nothing's perfect. Why didn't wilkinson made the second version of this trem with the post knife edge go completely to the end? I don't know, failed design thinking I guess. Check out the knife edges of the first and second trems to see what I mean. Anyways, like I've said this is a very complicated topic and if you want complete compatibility across all bodies and tremolos then you'll need a machine shop, at least a drill press and something to cut or shave off longer trem blocks.

[@jerrylake6825]

I recently tried to put a new trem on a squier strat and bought the fender trem with the vintage saddles. It didnt line up on the top of the guitar body. It was not as wide as the one that came on the squier.

[@theWARMJET]

The MIM bridge fits on the Affinity Strat Squier

[@maks886]

Do the Squier tips apply to a Korean Squier?

[@richmeier]

What is best option you don’t use tremolo .. actually want hard tail (will hard tail to body ) but want quality?

[@bimmarvinlim3804]

this video helped me before deciding to replace the bridge of my strat, thanks

[@Group_Anonymous]

*tremolo

[@madgeniusmusic]

Great video, thanks.

[@sy84]

What about a Kramer Beretta special?

[@andrewsantos3283]

I wanted to change my trem on my MIM blacktop but it has 6 Screws i wanted to have a 2point trem. Can i do it ?

[@0Imtheslime0]

If you want a 2 Point, you need to drill holes for the two pivots. Mainly means both your upper and lower screws on the 6 Point layout will be gone. If you want back to 6Point after this, you need to fill in and drill them back.

[@andrewsantos3283]

@@crici.k great! Cheers

[@Amit-zk2jd]

How about a supervee bladerunner trem ?

[@generallee1959]

What would you recommend for the USA 2 point Stratocaster tremolo system?. Thanks

[@lensmusic98105]

This seems like the most under-explained subject in wammy bar videos.

[@0Imtheslime0]

I just ordered Gotoh 510. Many recommendations towards those.

[@thegloriouspotato6223]

I have a Wilkinson VS-100n and love it.

[@welcometohell1926]

What size allen wrench for a player series MIM Strat saddle adjustment?

[@ProducersVault]

You mentioned Japanese Fender Strats at the beginning of the Video but did no talk in your video at all about them so which Tremolos are compatible with Japanese Strats, I have a 1995 Fotoflame Fender Strat MIJ

[@rattleshakti]

How about a Tanglewood Nevada stratocaster?

[@northwestguitarsUK]

Best checking your post spacing and string spacing then looking for a trem that matches!

[@ironkiko]

I debating of putting one of these in my Squier Strat SE. The body thickness is the same as a regular strat so the block won't stick out. That or maybe a regular Fender trem.

[@WilliamAlfaroQuiros]

Hi, Frank. Did you do it already? I am thinking about doing this mod, but I would have to order it from Amazon, so I want to know for sure if if it will fit. My guitar is a Squier Vintage Modified, that as well comes with the full sized body thickness. Please let me know.

[@ironkiko]

@@WilliamAlfaroQuiros Yeah, it worked just fine. I went with the Fender tremolo system. I ordered it from Amazon, it washed about 21.00 before taxes and shipping.

[@WilliamAlfaroQuiros]

@@ironkiko Oh, nice, dude! Was this the MIM? can you email me the link of the product, please? Also I'd like to see how does it look like, so if you can send pictures, i will appreciate it. [e-mail]

[@ironkiko]

@@WilliamAlfaroQuiros Yeah, it's the one that fits in the MIM. Six screw mounting with, 2 1/16, e string to E string width. I'll send you the link.

[@davidgiralt3594]

I understand that I want to put one of the Wilkinson options in a Pacifica I have to expand in the hole for the block to fit is it correct?

[@Havanacuba1985]

Awesome video, very informative , thank you 👍🤘🏻🕶🤘🏻

[@northwestguitarsUK]

Thanks for the feedback :) !

[@pankajmarwaha9815]

Hi I have an encore e77 strat copy from the mid 90s. Any ideas what trem would work best as doing the measurements is somewhat tricky and probably inaccurate

[@AllenPinchloaf]

I have a road worn strat. Will a Wilkinson vsvg be a drop in replacement?

[@northwestguitarsUK]

Should do! It's designed to fit most 6-hole Strat bridges.

[@Spaceman-jo5mz]

Great video. What is procedure to fill and re-drill the old term screw holes?

[@charlie-obrien]

Widen the drill hole to 1/8 in. and put in a dowel w/ wood glue and then drill a thin pilot for a new screw.

[@bluwng]

For 6 screw bridge will the scews on a 54 mm line up with the 52mm?

[@0Imtheslime0]

depends for the manufacturer of the tremolo. Some are made universal with 1 standard and 5 slotted holes. Some manufacture for both spacings. like VSVG Wilkinson Gotoh .

[@Echo3_]

aren't the squier and fender 6 point bridges different measurement for the screws as well?

[@markburgess6466]

Hi I have same question as below really I have a 60th anniversary thats already been reliced but is the 2 point system but i HATE screw in arms !! is there a good quality replcement you do for the two point and does it need much work in terms of posts for fitting etc.

[@topherrrr92]

A little late but Wilkinson has a wonderful 2-point trem available as well as a 6 to 2 conversion trem.

[@officialWWM]

The best option is the Vibra Trem VT2. Don’t waste your time with the others, I’ve tried them all and its return to pitch is better than anything else on the market! Their Tele version is great tooo!

[@gmg2979]

Agreed, but (as we say in the South when something is pricey) they sure are proud of those things!

[@briankierans2926]

What is the best possible trem replacement for a squire classic vibe 60's strat?

[@briankierans2926]

@MarkKiddGuitar I still have no information. I wish someone could help.

[@briankierans2926]

@MarkKiddGuitar Yeah, I think the best option is to replace with the fender vintage style standard series trem bridge with 2 1/16 spacing. A few people have done it and say its drop in replacement. It's less than $30 and the quality is better than GFS or Wilkinson.

[@youhavenothingifyoudonthav9895]

What size I need for a sx strat ?

[@vassiliosmatragos5148]

If i decide to upgrade a yamaha pacifica with the wilkinson WVP6 tremolo system, should i need to redrill any holes? What about the string spacing? Will it be a problem the 10.8 spacing of the wilkinson tremolo, comparing with the stock 10.5 spacing?

[@frankredux1417]

Hi there!. I am in the same situation right now. Did you make the change? fit well? thanks

[@moretrio]

Do you guys know what are the specs for sx guitars?

[@overkill2006]

Can you replace a Floyd rose with one of these?

[@davidcastellanos881]

No, you will need to drill the body

[@garyjohnson627]

I have a 1987 Japanese Strat. What options do I have.

[@0Imtheslime0]

Many options. Do you want to keep 6 Point or go 2Point. For continuing 6 Point you need to measure what you have first and go from there., Standard on Am. Strats are 54mm. On Fender import Strats they usually are 52mm. if you want 2 point, that means you need to drill 2 deep and wide cavities for the pivot mounts. That means 2 of your 6 screws for 6-point will be gone.

[@rfs2540]

I want to upgrade my yamaha eg 112. What type of wilkinson should i use?

[@dickysoeliantoro5576]

I'm also question this. Did you get you answer already? Mind sharing with me?

[@RuudSchouten55]

I put a Schaller (made in Germany) vintage tremelo C on my custom strat. Very good sustain and very good grip on the bar. Gotoh 510 is also good Japanese craftmenship.

[@mercigoku]

Hey dude, can I put a 510T-BS2 on a fender american special please?

[@jerbear1601]

Vegatrem seems the best to me.

[@fitnessfanatics8011]

Sir what is the size of tremolo arm for Pacifica 112?

[@faautobahna9416]

Thanka

[@tajolariffin6147]

hi there, thanks for the info..may i ask, about the wvp6 has the pops in tremolo right? but does it comes with the tremolo arm/handle? because wv6 uses the screw in tremolo arm right

[@rintothumewah5455]

Hallo...what do you think about gotoh tremolo?do you think that there is one of them could fit in yamaha pacifica 012? I really need your opinion n maybe you have suggestion for that...thanks

[@0Imtheslime0]

Gotoh are great trems. Should fit it i think.

[@rintothumewah5455]

@@0Imtheslime0 thx

[@newedtv]

Can you put a screw in tremelo bar into a push in bridge?

[@bendangzulupongen2408]

Vegatrem suits better for strat.

[@snwbrdr65]

The plates on those first 2 terms are very different

[@WilliamAlfaroQuiros]

Hi, man! Hope you are doing fine! I have done some research on this matter, and have found that you can fit the MIM bridge on certain models of Squier. For instance, the Vintage Modified, Special Edition and de Classic Vibe. Also, since the last mentioned models have full sized bodies, you can fit them bigger blocks, like the ones used on american standards. Thus, the issue is when you own a thinner sized body strat, like the affinity series or the bullet where you are not able to fit them without it sticking out the body. I own a 70s Vintage Modified Squier (from 2014), and I am going to upgrade its zinc bridge. I hope this works because ordering from Amazon is kind of a shoot in the dark. What do you think? I would like to know if you have done something like this recently! Greetings

[@sheerioyang7024]

How is your result ? I also own a 70's Squier Vintage modified strat ,did the trem of fit right in the body without drilling ?

[@dienamx6696]

Is there a way to convert a 2 point system into a 6 point?

[@Guitarest17]

Probably not without filling the holes the studs are in and drilling new holes for the six screws. Not worth it because 2 point is way better

[@davidlara105]

Squier Strat whatever the series (bullet, affinity) is really spread across the globe. Sadly part builders don't take seriously that most players that have Squier Strats at some point will want to update their hardware. The tremolo system for the Squier Strat is OK, zinc block? Why did not you put steel instead of zinc? This is why is so frustrating trying to improve and Squier guitar without feeling discouraged because of the low quality of material (just for offering cheap prices). I'd pay higher quantities if the material used in what I want would be offered. For example BS005 Replacement Squier Tremolo System - Chrome with a STEEL block instead of zinc.

[@theWARMJET]

GFS and MIM bridge trems work on the Affinity Strat

[@Havanacuba1985]

Would the roller saddles you sell fit the wsv6p? Thanks

[@northwestguitarsUK]

You shouldn't have any issues but it is always worth double checking measurements first. All relevant specs can be found on our website :)

[@rowlandstraylight]

You don't need roller saddles on the Wilkinson bridges, particularly the modern stainless saddles. I have a few of these and I can abuse the hell out of them and not have tuning issues. It helps to not have a soft plastic nut, and locking tuners are really helpful if you go really wild.

[@Dave-nh8iv]

This video is a bit out of date now. Fender Player Stratocaster takes a Wilkinson WVS 50 II K.

[@bluwng]

There are more narrow string spaced strats then there are Americans, why doesn’t Wilkinson just make a 10.5 mm string spaced model? I know they exist many Strat copies have one.

[@jackbaumun1605]

How to tell my Strats country of origin ?

[@soulmanid1406]

I HAVE A BRAND NEW STRAT USA PRO 2 WITH A PUSH IN TREM ARM. SHOULD YOU USE A SPRING WITH THIS TYPE OF ARM. MANY THANKS.

[@elfieborimera3178]

I think U got it wrong it's wvp6. Not wv6p

[@joselitofrancisco6357]

I watched it twice but I can’t see the japanese fender strat.

[@northwestguitarsUK]

Unfortunately we didn't have a Japanese Strat on hand to demonstrate with! Give us an excuse to make another video though ;)

[@tibortruba]

6 screws tremolo was developed in 1956. This tremolo is very good if you put piece of wood behind tremolo block.

[@IvanXman]

"Great tuning stability" for a non-double-locking sounds like a joke to me. I have NEVER EVER had any positive experience with the non-locking systems on Strat style guitars. All of those get your guitar out of tune immediately even if you don't do dive bombs (in latter case the tuning just goes completely wrong). Strat overall is a very whimsy instrument which is almost all the time a bit out-a-tune due to it's quite a long scale and non-locking tremolo. If you use the whammy bar, you can make Strat reliable ONLY by adding double locking tremolo. No other way.

[@Carlvincent100]

Vega Trem is the best strat trem bar none..

[@somekindofmonkeyapprentice8697]

Vintage all the way

[@ashbasswood7301]

Spoiler: any trem. It's a strat

[@elfieborimera3178]

Don't buy 2 point trem if U have 6 pin trem cos they don't line up unless U no what U are doing U will stuff your guitar

[@RC-gg1ib]

Its a vibrato!!!!!!! Not tremolo

[@officialWWM]

Yep, it’s so annoying, lol!

[@marvinstorm9153]

Good stuff. But the Hipshot is all over these. Tuning stability, smoothness .... And no flat note on double stop bends.