VegaTrem Upgrade For My Kramer Baretta Special

#addictedtogear #Vegatrem
As I promised today I will attempt to install a Vega-Trem into my Kramer Baretta Special WITHOUT reading the instructions or watching the installation videos. "I like to live on the edge."
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[@DennisL-n6i]

This is awesome. Needs a roller nut 😊 Hey I want to change out the fretboard on a Kramer I am hoping to get. Can you show us or can a luthier show us so we know what is involved. I am have a custom 27 fret board to go on it, shall leave an overhang but this is super strong, plus gluing to thin laminate that is perminately bonded to fretboard so it can be steamed off if it ever must. Love your mods and channel and Kramer's.

[@moralesj84]

Amazing video. Best video so far. All other videos only show a floyd rose replacement. I loved that this video shows a less invasive trem. No cutting needed. Thank you!!

[@kylezakk]

Great video! I've been eyeing this bridge for my Kramer

[@addictedtogear]

I love it!

[@JohnnyBeane]

Love these guitars and i am going to install a Vega Trem on mine too. Looking forward to it!!!

[@warrioroflight2781]

Thank youverymuch for this great vid 🙏 I was not confident I would be able to install the Vega Trem on my Kramer Baretta - with YOUR HELP I made it 😊👍 Again, thank you & love from 🇨🇭 Stefan

[@LeBoun64]

Best test I've seen on this trem !

[@freightdawg6762]

just ordered a purple one, be here on 10/13 cant wait

[@croslowj]

I added a evh low friction pot, all new wiring and duncan custom pickup to mine. Totally changed the guitar, I definitely wanna do the bridge next. I basically bought a neck And body lol.

[@addictedtogear]

Rock on!

[@bluwng]

Kramer’s are high performing and under rated

[@addictedtogear]

Indeed they are!

[@BOBANDVEG]

Kramer, Yamaha, Mitchell All looked over

[@danielhawkins985]

@@BOBANDVEG peavey as well.

[@BOBANDVEG]

@@danielhawkins985 I'll check them out

[@rickroldan2728]

Under rated is a good thing...it keeps the price LOW

[@jackkramer1553]

Clip strings at the 12th fret, it's half way between the bridge and nut. Makes it easy to stack the old strings like 12 inch straws and bend them and wrap them into a circle before tossing them into the trash.

[@dallasokelly2951]

No

[@calebproductions5970]

If personally love my trem on these...I put only two springs on the outside of the claw, and loosened the screws holding the claw to the body. Also I lubricated it with ptfe ( graphite) lubes on the springs, it is really smooth now. If I was gonna put a trem in it, it would be a dusenberg.

[@robertthomas7239]

PTFE is teflon not graphite.

[@tdalb8985]

I've been thinking of picking up a Kramer Beretta Special. They look cool and cheap. I can smooth fret ends, if the capacitor sucks, those are cheap, if the stock pickup sucks, an upgrade wouldn't be too hard.

[@Idan_the_guitarist2603]

I’ve been playing guitar for 2 years and I highly recommend the guitar. It’s a great guitar for the money and it’s one of my favourite guitars. Yes even more then my standard beretta!

[@freshyz2963]

@@Idan_the_guitarist2603 do they stay in tune good?

[@TaylorWilliamWright]

@@freshyz2963 no

[@iamabuilding4747]

@@freshyz2963 alright if you do some simple setup

[@Thompsongs]

3:13 "up poop's creek". I love it.

[@caileanhunt8679]

Really helpful video. Great trem and easy to install. Love the baretta's too!

[@addictedtogear]

Great to hear!

[@satchrules101]

Thank you ! Does it stay in tune after whammy abuse?

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

I think I'd install a locking nut just for aesthetics. I'd just leave it loose to tune. The bar requires a nut, especially on a SuperStrat type guitar. I suspect that bridge is about the same as a Floyd.

[@shanewalton8888]

That trem looks so cool.

[@jye_24]

Thankyou so much man saving up for one now instead of an actual berretta with a Floyd lol

[@SnifferCustoms]

Excellent and most comprehensive video about Vega-Trem! I have one in box, ready to install on Squier strat, and this was helpful. Main complaint I've read from people on internet, is sharp saddle height screws. In this case, we must try this crazy idea: replace with shorter screw. 😉 Virtually every bridge with saddles like this I have owned have screws that are too long. If manufacturer installed shorter screws, many people would complain they are not long enough, haha. I haven't measured Vega-Trem saddle height screws, but a quick look, and I will make guess of 3mm diameter x 8mm length. It's conceivable that they could be 4-48 or 4-40 like some American strats, but considering Spanish origin of Vega-Trem, I will guess 3mm. You may buy packages of screws, called grub screws, set screws, cup point screws, etc, very cheap on eBay. One of my favorite sellers, Monster Bolts (on eBay and their own website), even sells them under name of "guitar saddle height screws" in various lengths and combo packs...specifically market toward guitar people. I keep all various sizes in my kit for different guitars. My guess is 3mm x 6mm length would be perfect replacement for Vega-Trem, in stainless steel...but measure first...or just buy lots of all sizes, haha, they are good to have on hand. Besides, you'll then want to replace them on all applicable guitar and bass bridge. No more scratches on hand! 😁 Thanks again for great video...I'm now even more anxious to install mine!! 😈

[@addictedtogear]

Yes I agree. You can't win!

[@stalkedillegally1896]

I've seen lots of people complain about saddle screws like they are razor blades,lol. I don't get that. Been playing on and off for almost 50 years,and never had a problem.

[@ThePedroDB]

All Vega Trem had to do was include a couple of sets of different length saddle screws as part of the package. Same as the different tension strings. Absolute pennies in comparison to the cost of the unit

[@PittPenguin]

Floating bridge. That was a surprise.

[@Troubledplum7]

I ended up going with gotoh on mine . It's on the way. But I was asking every guitar store around here about these and no ones heard of it or knew anything about it. Mostly long n McQuade stores. Almost makes me wish I went this route so I could show them

[@addictedtogear]

You can order them on prospecstrings.com next time tell Wayne I sent you..cheers!

[@mahdiyussuf9804]

Awesome! Looking to cop one of these 4 my baretta...or perhaps a wilkinson...or maybe a FR...

[@lprb302]

I’ve got a VegaTrem and frickin love it! Use graphite in your nut and it’s just like playing a Floyd! 🤟🏻

[@PabloRomero1991]

It probably even sounds better than a floyd maybe?

[@michaelmarquis1824]

Thanks ..im seriously considering this system for 2 of my guitars

[@cecilmusick8629]

VegaTrem is a great design!

[@VegaTrem]

Thank you!

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

No string lock at the nut?

[@dukeofhazard1142]

No for this bridge style no it still is a traditional two point bridge I think

[@davespin9034]

Nicely done. I own 4 Baretta's. How well does it stay in tune? Seems the strings can move around in the string holes in the block. In fact it appears the balls of the strings would be visible at the back of the block when tipping the trem. Would be interesting to see if the heavier strings or G slide around in the string holes with a deep dive.

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

After I saw this vid was the first time I'd ever seen the FR available without the FTs. I know Brad Gillis still has his original on his red Strat. Don't see many originals.

[@dylanvogel7124]

Just preordered the candy blue one someone on face book said to get one of these terms I completely forgot all about them

[@shreddykrueger3776]

I purchased a blue one the other day. Doesn't stay in tune worth a damn.

[@van1977]

Did you replace the nut or is that the original nut?

[@lehmusic2675]

If you shim the neck, have to raise the saddles up and screws will be almost flush to the saddles

[@Guttalaser]

In my area can't find a Baretta Special with the rosewood fretboard - that i want for my "Theatre of Pain" mod project - instead the maple one!

[@zipchtkdn7804]

Got to put a tusk nut and some locking tuners

[@eddiejr540]

WOW...you just turned that cheap guitar into a fantastic gigging guitar...btw... I’ve been using D’addario NYXL’s for my floyd guitars and they are the best I have ever used...just a couple of stretches and they fall right into place...great strings!!!

[@addictedtogear]

I'll give them a try next time around! Thanks.

[@joeyserrapede]

The NYXL’s are insane, I got about 100 hours of very rough playing out of the last set I put on my new strat, great stability and durability, game changer for me.

[@AlphaLionOfLight]

@@addictedtogear I second his comment. I've been using NYXL's for over a year now, and they are always easy to break in, they stay in tune well, bend far, and last long!

[@AmericaReal3onXOFFICIAL]

I need to try those strings... What gauge do you use? Light?

[@joeyserrapede]

@@AmericaReal3onXOFFICIAL I use 09’s

[@cardfightbrawls8231]

been eyeing the Vegatrem. I have a jackson js22 dinky I wonder if this is compatible with the vegatrem Vt1?

[@MarkAnthony5150]

Heck why not found 1 cheap 200 shipped might as well try I sure can't find anyone around my area do a floyd, let's give her a try...

[@Johnmannish]

Did you changed the tuners so it does'nt go out of tune dive bombing with the Vega trem?

[@skipbass2771]

when you do double stops does the one string go out of tune?

[@jackcollins5818]

I'll be there Sunday Tony probably the first one

[@joellane7438]

Vega trem = ❤️ Great video, thanks 👍👍

[@seankullman4356]

Great video. I love my Kramer Baretta Special and I want to install a Vega-Trem and I saw several models, so which model do I want to buy... the VT1 Ultra Trem standard or the VT1 Ultra Trem 2-points? I assume I want to buy the VT1 Ultra Trem standard, but I just want to make sure.

[@fatjack834]

Great video. Thanks. BTW where did you get those fabulous guitar posters from?

[@addictedtogear]

Online. I don't remember where exactly..

[@Rico_B]

Another great video. I'm not a fan of the trem design, free floating, and esp the screws for intonation/adjusting. I like to remove all the strings and clean the frets/board on a string chg. Seems that might be a problem with this trem? Thanks again.

[@zoomosis]

You could use masking tape to hold the bridge down temporarily so it doesn't fall off.

[@Smudger654]

Hi Tony, excellent pair of videos on this system - TYVM. As regards the scratchy height adjustment grub screws, couldn't you adjust the saddles to near full height (so the screws didn't protrude) and adjust the neck tilt to compensate for the higher action? Alternatively, try sourcing a shorter set of grub screws from Vegatrem or elsewhere (more expense, of course)? Also, I have my Strat bridge set to float (i.e. raised about 1/8" - 3/16" off the body at the back) and have not found resting my palm lightly on the bridge to be a problem.

[@addictedtogear]

I am sure I can get shorter screws and eventually install them. That would be the simplest solution.

[@TonyMouawad]

Excellent! This is very well done. I subscribed. I'm in the market for a floating bridge for my Strat and I like what you demonstrated here. You used the light springs for the trem, I want to ask, what gauge of string did you use to go with the light springs? I imagine the heavier the gauge of string, the stronger the spring needs to be. Is my thinking wrong?

[@addictedtogear]

I used 9's for strings and you are correct. the higher the gauge of strings the tighter the stings would need to be in the back of the guitar. You want to aim for a perfectly flat and level bridge when done.

[@JoE-hv7rg]

The hockey stick style head stock looks very cool. How does this thing sound playing clean? Could a guy play some country music on it, and still sound good?

[@addictedtogear]

Yes it’s a great all around guitar.

[@JoE-hv7rg]

@@addictedtogear awesome.

[@JayGoreGuitar]

What brand of Submariner are you wearing? It’s very nice!

[@Callmenobody174]

Anybody had any experience/thoughts/suggestions between this VegaTrem and a Floyd Rose Rail Tail, especially on a Baretta Special? Can't decide which one I wanna install on my Kramer BS. I use mine mainly for Dave years VH music. I know Eddie kept his trem decked and really only did dives. Rail Tail only dives, so I'm leaning more toward it. Just wondering if there's any particular reason for choosing the Vega over the Floyd?

[@themilkman4585]

This is perfect it's not exactly at tremolo and it's kinda like a floyd without the pain of setups I want one

[@kitoyobeni1]

The balancing to float is just like a Floyd and you lose the fine tuners.

[@AdamManley7]

@@kitoyobeni1 does that mean it has to tune like a Floyd and take forever or tune fast like a hardtail

[@picpouille]

I can't find the actual string spacing of the vegatrem. The original tremolo of the Kramer is 51mm. I am affraid that the strings will be too close to the edge of the fretboard.

[@watchingthecrazyworld7761]

Did your string height change from the original to the Vegatrem ?

[@countzero5150]

What is the benefit of this trem beyond being floating? I mean, it doesn't use a locking nut so isn't tuning stability still an issue? Does it have better tone and sustain? Not intending this to be rude, just genuinely curious. I actually like the strat style trem because it's pretty easy to set up and pretty stable but mine always goes sharp if I'm using it a lot. My ideal trem set up are the floyd's that are dive only but I would install this bridge in a heartbeat and block it to dive only if it stays in tune better.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

You don't need a locking nut. All the magic happens at the bridge.

[@tonypirulli571]

great job..i also have the kramer bar..spec...mines purple.i am really thinking of gettin the Vega Trem.It seems you have an accent..what country u from??

[@theneigh]

Nice install.

[@magicgryszun9216]

Did you changed nut in your Baretta? If so please share which one as I have bit of a issue with my. Will put Vega in but first wish to change tuners to locking one and sort out nut.

[@MarkAnthony5150]

Is that bridge 300 usa? !😳

[@addictedtogear]

Yes

[@MarkAnthony5150]

@@addictedtogear wow 👏 ok just checking... that kind of money all due respect original floyd.. ty.....

[@addictedtogear]

@@MarkAnthony5150 Sure many people will feel the same way as you do. Not saying one or the other just more choice! Thanks for watching...

[@MarkAnthony5150]

@@addictedtogear im going for it why not, 200 shipped looks like I can install sure can't find anyone in good ole dayt. Bea.

[@MetalDoraemon6]

If I want to upgrade the pickup. Can i place any 500K push/pull pot to switch between single and humbucker ? What about the treble bleeder?

[@smithfield06]

Do you need locking tuners on the Kramer baretta? Before installing the vega trem

[@addictedtogear]

No you don’t

[@aleksandrnestrato]

10:32 Oh, nooo! You should have read the manual...🤦‍♂ The springs must go into two outer slots, there are holding screws that clamp the springs so they cannot pop out of the trem.

[@destinyreturns4885]

Nice video. Did you make any change to the stock tuners or to the nut?

[@ThePedroDB]

A Tusq nut and a decent set of locking tuners would've completed this upgrade perfectly...

[@MarkAnthony5150]

Again thank you for the Install video, I forgot to say thxs, was overwhelmed by price sorry friend. Did you change nut as well? Sorry if this has been asked.

[@addictedtogear]

No I did not change the nut!

[@davekell36]

But what is the string spacing?! 2 1/6? Im buying Babicz Full Contact Strat Tremolo for my special. and cant find the spec for the OME bridge. argh!

[@frankhall7005]

Anybody know which Graph tech nut fits on these? Is it the Stratocaster or something else?

[@whitedime]

Epiphone tusq nut is a direct replacement

[@joeyfarley9916]

I'm not much on a trem, but that looks like a very solid system. I bet it is a huge improvement over the 6 screw that was on it to start with. Another great video, I'm gona try to make the live show tomorrow on time for once if its possible.

[@addictedtogear]

Hi Joey, yes it is a very big improvement. I wish I could put one on every one of my guitars now!

[@5150pearl]

awesome thank you im getting one

[@DeGroove]

Hi, Just got my hands on one of these Kramer gems as well! For all my modding cravings... I'm a bit on the fence on changing the bridge to the vegatrem or a kahler tremolo... . Not a fan of floyd rose hassle, otherwise I would have opted for the more expensive baretta vintage. The Kahler would imply a bit more work, like routing etc... So, don't know if you have any experience with Kahler, but I'd appreciate your opinion on how this vegatrem would compare to a locking trem. Could it benefit from a locking nut? Thanks for your time. Take care. Gert

[@addictedtogear]

I would not use the Kahler System personally because I feel it would be more of a challenge to install. The Vega trem On the other hand is quite simple to do. I don’t think the Vega trim comes with a locking nut. Thanks for watching!

[@DeGroove]

@@addictedtogear I think you are probably right. Thanks for your fast reply and great content on your channel!

[@cecilmusick8629]

You forgot to put a little lube on the pivot point groove's. That's always a good thing to do on these types.

[@addictedtogear]

I usually do that but I was too excited!

[@cecilmusick8629]

@@addictedtogear Cool, it's a great design!

[@bradford4570]

Where did you get one with that fretboard?

[@addictedtogear]

They are quite common.

[@whitedime]

is the vega trem the only one that fits?

[@loouuni]

Hey guys I got a Baretta Special too! I wanna replace the nut. Anyone knows which graph tech would be the right one? Is there any nut which fits perfectly?

[@warrickjones625]

Really looked like you used one of the old springs with one of the new springs.

[@addictedtogear]

could be...

[@rayf7821]

thanks, nice check out different systems but that was a easy easy out i think I'll get one just to have laying around just incase i don't like what the guitar came with.i would rather play before buying but that's not always the option in today's world.not very many music stores around now most everything is internet shopping like sweetwater. anyways cool and thanks again.

[@addictedtogear]

Thanks

[@catch_this_mirage6564]

Hello. Thank you vers much. That was really interesting 😃👍

[@addictedtogear]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@XGCPolaris]

A link to the screwdriver?

[@EricCPOP]

I did this and got a whole load of deadfrets 🤔...can anyone help on this? The Vegatrem is flush balanced as well.

[@MickeyP91]

Just curious how’s your tuning stability with it installed and usage of it?

[@addictedtogear]

So far it seems to be pretty good!

[@shanewalton8888]

How do you think it compares to an Ibanez edge zero II?

[@addictedtogear]

It’s a much simpler bridge in my opinion but it works great. Loving it so far!

[@VegaTrem]

Great video!!

[@alexgaroufalidis-music3315]

Thank you so much. Very well done.

[@addictedtogear]

Glad it was helpful!

[@redmuun519]

I have a White Baretta with Gotoh Locking tuners. Will I be able to dive and make horse squeal noises if I keep the nut lubricated?

[@addictedtogear]

Yes you can make all the horse noises you want!

[@duaneraymond4252]

So without the locks, it doesn't go out of tune???

[@maxmustardman298]

as long as you don't snap a string

[@tommyturner6923]

That thing stays in tune without a locknut or locking tuners?

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

yes.

[@han36solo]

No.

[@Victorgutten1]

Did the guitar loose any sustain with the vega trem setup??

[@addictedtogear]

none that I could tell.

[@Scott__C]

Good info. The screws sticking up isn't good to me. I hate it on old Fender bridges and actively avoid anything with that type of screw. Looks like too much to just shim the neck and raise them.

[@davespin9034]

Button head cap screws would have helped. They're half the height of the normal cap screws. But those have a smaller Allen wrench size and can strip more easily. Torx screws could solve that issue. I'd say there is a legitimate reason to have your palms on your bridge, MUTING.

[@Scott__C]

@@davespin9034 Yeah, just hate that the design is to have it stick up too far.

[@davespin9034]

@@Scott__C I'm considering buying one to test on my channel TremDoctor. Need the good, bad and the ugly. I want to see how well it stays in tune. I have Floyd Rose's, Gotoh 1996T, PRS, Schaller, and my own locking block which locks strings under the bridge plate. Not for use with Floyd Rose's but fits everything else. Locks strings at the bridge like a Floyd Does.

[@Rooster762x51]

If only they didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Rather drill for posts and install the best locking trem ever created, the GE1996T, which I can get brand-spankin’-new for only $125

[@gokhanersan8561]

How does vegatrem compare to Floyd Rose?

[@addictedtogear]

I think it's easier to install on most guitars and less hassle.

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@addictedtogear How about the range of sounds one could achieve with this; and tuning stability?

[@TheSavagederek]

The actual block, is thinner than the one that came out 🤔

[@Fernos005]

Great video 📸📸📸📸

[@adamwatson6473]

I was talking to a guitar Lutheran about a year ago about wanting a old kramer. He was like why? Well they are like got cakes now lol

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

I Googled the Vega Trem and the Floyd popped up.

[@zyxwfish]

If you shim the neck you could raise the saddles and those pegs would be lower.

[@addictedtogear]

You can also just grind down the screws a little.

[@MarkAnthony5150]

Is that a jb in the bridge??

[@addictedtogear]

Yes it is.

[@MarkAnthony5150]

@@addictedtogear it sounded muddy to me thats a mahogany body try duncan 59 best of both worlds imho

[@melonhusk-kt5ys]

that guitar will probably sound 10x better yeah. I almost destroyed my finger when a 15 gauge guitar string just barely missed the joint on my fretting hand the doctor said the part of that joint is called a capsule just be careful

[@09201986PGM]

does it flutter?

[@addictedtogear]

Yup

[@hangman960]

Does it hold tune well?

[@addictedtogear]

Yes, as long as the nut is properly cut you should not have any issues.

[@NEBUERMIL]

Pagani Submariner homage? lol i think i'm the only guy that is interested in the watch

[@jeremy_se7en]

NEVER pull your springs out like that people. Loosen the claw up top to avoid damaging guitar from release of pressure. Takes two seconds.

[@PabloRomero1991]

How?

[@waylong25]

@@PabloRomero1991 Two screws go into the guitar body to mount the spring claw and adjust the spring tension. Take a Phillip's head screwdriver and back those screws off by a few turns.

[@APK-pn4qh]

Which model VegaTrem is that - the Standard?

[@addictedtogear]

Yes

[@APK-pn4qh]

@@addictedtogear thanks! Think I'm gonna try one in my Baretta.

[@christiancordaway2181]

Little did anyone know, it was the string itself that was the one bleeding!

[@whitedime]

Is this the new $179 one?

[@addictedtogear]

yes