What's The BEST Trem For Your Stratocaster? - Comparing 5 Aftermarket Trems!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

After I posting my individual demos, I constantly get asked to compare these trems! I hope you guys find this comparison helpful :)

[@ch4os82]

Hi, just putting this out there while searching for a review on Gotoh/Wilkinson VSVG and brass vs steel saddle on a strat. Would love your insight on these. Thanks

[@clarencetv6096]

Darell what's up can't you make video that include dff termelo put to the test?I want but if you don't that's okay 😆

[@acw2237]

I had a limited edition Jackson JRS-1... It had a Wilkinson trem and never went out of tune.. Loved it

[@spaceghost5026]

I got my Indo Classic today!

[@davidcaddell3770]

Thanks so much for more great information, Darrell. I'm sure you hear this a lot, but you have been an incredibly reliable source of information for many since you started your channel. I, for one, have benefitted greatly. I appreciate it.

[@BretAllenStudios]

I worked with the guy who invented the Super V when he was designing it. Got to play the very first prototype in the shop. Super nice guy and a superb luthier. Taught me a lot.

[@jsapi23]

Nunya Bizness I have a BR which I modded. Sounds good and better after the mods. The only thing with the BR is that it’s a bit more stiff. I wish they made a version a a floating non-fixed blade.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Well aren't you special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

[@BobaFettBountyHunter]

Sustain/Tone: Floyd Rose Rail Tail (1st), SuperVee Bladerunner (2nd) Tuning stability [systemic]: VegaTrem (1st), Sophia 2-22 w/ Dual Stabilizer (2nd) and Hipshot Contour (2nd) Smoothness/Feel: VegaTrem (1st), SuperVee Bladerunner (2nd), Sophia 2-22 w/ Dual Stabilizer (3rd) Arm attachment: Any (collar or set screw), but SuperVee Bladerunner has loose screw-on attachment like Fender guitars Travel: VegaTrem (1st), Floyd Rose Rail Tail dive-only (2nd), Sophia 2-22 w/ Dual Stabilizer (3rd) and SuperVee Bladerunner (3rd) and Hipshot Contour (3rd)

[@DH-fu7bx]

So the vegatrem is looking like a top contender!

[@louiscyfer6944]

it's based on a bunch of myths like tone transfer, contact area, heavy components, etc.

[@chrisvail6390]

@@louiscyfer6944 he says myths like density, mass, and physics in general are myths loool

[@bonerici]

@@louiscyfer6944 Have you seen Jim Lill's videos on sustain and tone (he shows tone is 99% the pickups and tone wood doesn't exist) and his one on sustain isn't conclusive but seems to indicate things like compression matter the most, while quiet notes have better sustain (they decay less which feels like more sustain)

[@louiscyfer6944]

@@bonerici i have seen them. the conclusions are not necessarily sound, but the tests are great.

[@MegaBrebis]

Clear and exhaustive explanation! IMO the most important feature of a trem is its tuning stability.

[@rayschoch5882]

I'm not in the market for a replacement trem, but this is good information, nonetheless, Darrell. Thorough, as usual.

[@rayschoch5882]

@Short For A Stormtrooper Big For Your Mom Yep, and it's 33 years old. Trem is original…

[@michaelcraig9449]

Then why say anything at all?

[@stewartross13]

@@michaelcraig9449dude’s inserting useless pieces of information, what’s new

[@Janosik5814]

I just put a Vegatrem in my American Strat and I love it! The tuning is much more stable and the way it's able to raise lower and flutter is amazing.

[@pacovl46]

A vegan trem? Wow! 🤪

[@Janosik5814]

Yea it's unbelievable what an improvement it is. And so simple. Installation is a breeze too. I had to do some fine tuning but once it was done the only maintenance is a little grease on the pivot points and the whammy bar O ring.

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

I bought a Floyd Rose Rail Tail because of this channel. It's a great trem...

[@OutstandingBill1]

How do you find the tuning stability? I've been eyeing a Rail Tail since Darrell posted his review on it about a year ago.

[@luisreneventura]

I would like to know that too.

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

@@luisreneventura , I bought it mainly for the stability. I'm not really thrilled by having to use the amount of lube that appears to be required, but the timing has been great. Super well made and very heavy. Easy to install and looks great.

[@luisreneventura]

@@onlyfromadistance7326 the "timing" or the tunning?

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

@@luisreneventura , tuning... Damn autocorrect.

[@greekfreak1980]

Get the Hipshot Contour,on top of beeing a great all-around trem it has another big advantage that no other system has. The Hipshot doesn´t have knife edges but uses a ball bearing system,which means there´s no wear like on a vintage or OFR tremolo. Theoretically,this thing can last forever,if you take care of it of course. There´s a reason why Mayones is using the Hipshot Contour as the standard trem system on their guitars.

[@StratMatt777]

The Super-Vee Bladerunner has no knife edge or any kind of hinge point with friction. It is a little strip of sheet metal that bends and then returns to its original (unbent) position.

[@chrisn.4136]

Does the Hipshot come in a 6 screw version?

[@greekfreak1980]

@@chrisn.4136 No, it's a 2 point screw unit.

[@kevinmcguinness1113]

Love the channel Darrell, thanks for all the insights. Just wanted to come back on this one ... I just put a GOTOH 510 bridge into a Partscaster and it's amazing. Looks good, feels really stable, tight, responsive and silky smooth, right up there as one of the best trems I've ever used. Have set it up for up a minor third and down to slack, used it with a Fender LSR roller nut and Schaller locking tuners, no string trees - absolutely bombproof, I can't put it out of tune no matter what I do. One third the price of an OFR here in the UK (UK£80 versus UK£240). Much as I've loved my Floyds and various Ibanez Edge models over the past 30 years, I'll now never again consider double-locking trems where this GOTOH bridge is an option to retrofit. For the price, it's amazing - I knew there must be a reason Guthrie Govan used to have them on his signature Suhrs.

[@austinthebeast33]

Does the 510 retro fit on a standard 2 post strat?

[@kevinmcguinness1113]

@@austinthebeast33 sorry, I have no idea. I got a cheap mass-produced body and had to drill the holes for the mounting posts myself and also had to route out part of the cavity to get the amount of travel needed for the above set up. At a guess, I would have to say it's not a drop-in replacement, but can't be certain. Maybe post on one of the Fender forums to see if someone has already done it ? PS. I've got a Majesty as well (2017 Majestic Purple with Sonic Ecstasys) and the 510 is easily as good as the EBMM bridge, without the piezo, obviously 👍🤟🤟

[@tintecobrizo]

@@kevinmcguinness1113 is the gotoh 510 a direct replacement for fender stratocaster floating tremolos?? how big is the block?? is the tremolo sturdy feeling??

[@DrJGang]

I like your style Darrell. Your arguments are clear, well presented, systematic and you stick your neck out and give your opinion. Good job on your comparison and review videos !

[@Tomislav_B.]

Wilkinson VSVG user here, no complaints, it's on my Strat for the last 7-8 years

[@josephgrant757]

The BladeRunner definetly caught my eye in terms of the look and how it holds sustain. One of the first mods i plan to do with my Player series Stratocaster would be to either 1. Upgrade the pickups or 2. Replace the Tremolo System preferbly a 2 point system like the stock one in my Strat just to be on the safe side. Good video Darrell! You definetly gave me some good ideas!

[@DirtyDavesDirt]

I've had my blade runner for many years now and it works great.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I have a Player Strat and the stock bridge is already great!

[@BretAllenStudios]

I was trained as a luthier by the guy who designed it. Got to play the first prototype in the shop back in 2007-2008 even before Howard Leese (guitarist from Heart) got the first production prototype of the full locking system. Superb product, you’ll love it!

[@christianmartin2644]

Thank you so much! Until I watched this I was going to get the vegatrem, now I'm getting the bladerunner because I don't need the crazy amount of movement, rather just better tone and feel over the stock fender 6 hole trem. Thanks!!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I just purchased a 2014 Suhr - with a Gotoh 510 and its Phenomenal. Really keeps in tune with Flutters and mild-Dive-bombs. Best I have ever used. Darrell you are Covering the Most Important Topics, that matter-most to me. Really Love your channel. oNe LovE from NYC

[@kaoe145]

I put a gotoh 1996t on my Jackson it’s a great trem at a really affordable price

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@kaoe145 I am Super-picky and Not easily impressed, and I absolutely Love my Gotoh. It's Phenomenal. I will Never use or need another. People are Amazed with my Tuning stability on my Suhr. Glad your are loving yours too.

[@burresseffects]

I bought a Vega Trem thanks to your videos on it. I appreciate you putting in the time.

[@pkeaton1]

I got a Blade Runner about 4 years ago, love it. Great video.🤘👍

[@meschadarc141]

always useful. darrell braun = subjectively objective + objectively subjective = universally informative + informatively universal = darrell braun. works around the world.

[@FlameBlue9016]

I’m glad I ran across this I have a strat project I’ve been working on for a long time.

[@IboxingkangerooI]

Man I'm really glad you made this, cuz I'm actually in the market for a trem unit. I have a strat that I'm upgrading everything on, mainly to learn everything I can about a guitar from wiring, replacing, properly setting up and fine tuning specific things like frets and intonating. Basically what I've learned from this is each option is great, they all just have a flaw or two

[@HockeyPop29]

I've put a number of Stetsbar tremolos on guitars -- first for my son's strat, then several people who tried it had me install them, a tele, a Les Paul, and a couple more strats. I can't speak for some you've shown, but the Stetsbar has incredible range, are easy for me to install, and very stable, the strings stay in tune. It is not the cheapest option, but worth a review! ( the trem travels on the same plane as the strings, something no other tremolo I've ever installed does)

[@jjdillon2007]

I put a Floyd Rose Rail Tail on my PRS CE 24 and I love it.

[@davidpomella6786]

This is a ambitious project evaluating all these tremolo systems. Kudos

[@eyetalic]

I took your advice from your Vegatrem video and bought one. It's amazing. You say here that you lose sustain with the lighter block, but compared to the MiM hardware I took off, the sustain is better. And it took 15 minutes to set up. Thanks!

[@READERSENPAII]

I figured that would be the case. Sustain is kind of one of those words people throw around in the guitar community without really providing any proof. I've been considering getting a vega trem for my mim strat, so I'm glad I saw this comment. Thanks!

[@READERSENPAII]

Do you have the 2 post trem? If so, did it install well? Thats what I have.

[@eyetalic]

@@READERSENPAII sorry for taking a few days. I haven’t looked on here for a bit. Mine is the one with six screws, but given that everything gets pulled off in favor of the fulcrum bar that the bridge part rests against, it’s probably just as easy to set up. I’m still amazed at how this thing stays in tune. I’ve been bending the hell out of it. And the overall sound is definitely better.

[@READERSENPAII]

@@eyetalic Thats awesome to hear. I really want one, but didn't want to spend the money on one if it wasn't going to fit right.

[@nazmoking3171]

My personal favorite is the Wilkinson 2-point trem as used in my Reverend and Danelectro. 2nd place for me is the very solid stock trem on my PRS S2. I'll never use a Floyd and see no reason for one (overkill unless you're an EVH type).

[@thomasgoff8330]

Got myself a vega trem, I love it. Working great on my stratocaster.

[@realtruenorth]

How is the sustain on it?

[@BenBreard]

Gotoh 510 with both modern 2 post + block saddles and the 6 screw + bent saddles are both incredible trems. There's a reason Suhr and Tom Anderson use flavors of those. ;)

[@CoolEndChannel]

I’m using Wilkinson and I think it’s perfect matched to me.

[@mightyV444]

I have a Wilkinson '5+1' model on my Strat; 6-screw vintage-style system but with the action of a 2-pivot set-up, and inexpensive, too. Works really well, especially together with locking tuners :-)

[@CoolEndChannel]

@@mightyV444 I am also looking for locking tuners as well. Any recommend, sir ?

[@mightyV444]

@@CoolEndChannel - You'd probably want a set that would fit the same screw holes, so maybe check if there's a locking version of your current ones. I did the same with the Fender ones on my Strat :-)

[@stevemiller1203]

Hey Darrell after watching this video I purchased a Hipshot Contour bridge for my MIM Strat. It completely transformed my guitar, way better sustain and a trem that is so smooth and easy to use, better than my Bigsby, similar to a good Jazzmaster trem but maybe even better.

[@DavidGatto]

I'm partial to the Wilkinson - I bought the same one Paul Gilbert uses - found it at a Guitar Maker supply store, only place that carried this model. When I want a more precise tone - I block it off, Trem block to body with Computer Gap Pad - perfect machined even cushioning - Try it, you'll like it☺

[@Stratblooz]

I´ve had the Bladerunner on my Strat for about a year and it is superb !

[@greggsteven1028]

wilkinson works great always comes back in tune.

[@lautaromarcoporleylopo8349]

Which model?

[@sayhuhhhh]

Great Comparison! The only disagreement I have is on the sustain with the SuperVee, which I found to be terrible with the stock, aluminum block (they call it Sustainium). You have to pay an extra $80 for the steel block... also, the stock arm tensioner doesn’t work well, so you have to pay $20 to upgrade to their redesign. So, it’s really a $280 comparable tremolo to the others

[@Torus1Knot1]

How do you think SuperVee sustain in comparison with Vegatrem?

[@Igornopolis]

True

[@gary8411]

THANK YOU for doing this Darrell. The info was great. I was wrestling with which system I would go with. The Floyd Rose Rail Tail sounds like what I am looking for. Thanks again.

[@ADIANDREI6]

Hey Darrell, you should check out the Duesenberg Tremolo for guitars with Tune-o-matic bridges. I think it's a very interesting tremolo due to the fact that you don't have to modify your guitar and its design is so sutil that it doesn't look horrible in a Les Paul or an SG. Oh, and it's very affordable too!

[@sharonlee4773]

I totally agree-actually theres nothing comes near them for value for money!

[@The_Macaroon]

Shame you didn't include a Wilkinson?

[@blackfender100]

The 2 point Wilkie Is a great trem at it's price point.Can't beat it.

[@drummer4hire12]

I love how they offset the E and G holes in the block....GENIUS!

[@j_freed]

Another reasonable upgrade is the Callaham or just ordering select Callaham parts (like the block and the short arm.)

[@ResoBridge]

The Wilkinson brand offers a range of trems at very reasonable prices. Wilkinson has licensed these designs so you aren't always sure of quality, depending on which company actually made them. Generally these bridges come with a choice of zinc alloy or 'steel' inertia blocks. The 'steel' blocks are actually sintered steel and weigh less than the zinc blocks. Neither Wilkinson block weighs as much as the original Fender 10oz machined cold rolled steel block.

[@poseidon3032]

@@ResoBridge Could a Fender block be mounted to the Wilkinson tremelo?

[@lueysixty-six7300]

Ohhh so cool! I was just rewatching some of these old alternative strat trem videos last night. Your floyd rail tail video was the first video of yours I ever saw - last Christmas. Yeah, no s#$+!, I was just watching them again last night : the floyd and the vegatrem. I just love the look of the floyd, looks like top quality. Onya Darrell, Rock on from Down Under😎👍

[@drummer4hire12]

I like how Wilkinson offsets the high 'E' and 'G' holes in their trem block......seems to hold tune better for my Strat.

[@Snabelskorna]

I bought my first Strat the other day, and someone had used a whammy with more girth than intended, so the trem is messed up. This video is a great aid, thanks!

[@NotAuxell]

Great comparison! also great topic to discuss, a lot of people tend to look for replacement trems because of the poor performance of a traditional 6 screw tremolo. In my personal opinion every two-point trem is king, they keep in tune and don't require a lot of time to setup like a floyd rose. Usually the brand doesn't matter that much as long as it has one but I'd recommend Hipshot, Wilkinson and Gotoh. Also If you have a two-point trem that doesn't keep in tune I'd take a look at the nut instead of new whole trem.

[@jameshill2015]

Darrel.. I love your video comparrison.. Watched some of these bridge trems as you did them.. I have yet to see you review a Babicz system. My compound radius LP Standard needed individual string height adjustment to benefit Gibsons compound radius. It was so nice I bought just the saddles for my Elite Strat "18" and LOVE them. Full contact to base plate, the saddles are not just sitting in 2 set screw pins therefore allowing a far superior passing of resonance to the body. Please do a review on this very unique and high quality cam lock system for both the LP and Strat.. They have been out for years and little has been said about them. My Gibson SG HPII also has a Babicz bridge, it allows the bridge to sit flush on the body for transfer of tone to the body more efficiently. Yes..its pricey.. Yes, its very high quality and it is VERY innovative. My only issue is "BABICZ" being stamped or laser etched so large on his product which is why I bought the saddles and not the complete trem system for the strat.. His base plate compresses and locks the saddles in position once set. I went with saddles alone ($100!) that sit on base plate free floating as the traditional saddles. Please give people a complete run down on this product. Thanks Darrell!!

[@cameronmoore7675]

Thanks so much for this video, and the devoted one to the Vegatrem! Looking for an upgrade to my six-point strat, and I'm all about expressive trems, so the VegaTrem is a no-brainer. Who knows if I would've ever figured that out without your videos? Well done!

[@deanladue3151]

Great info Darrell! am currently using two Strat guitars, one equipped with a Wilkinson with Schaller locking tuners. The second has a rebuilt Floyd Rose vintage with a large brass inertia block installed and Sperzel locking tuners. But its great to see that there are other options out there. 👍👍

[@drewbarries]

Darrell didn’t included my favorite but I found the absolute best Strat tremolo is the Callaham because it’s essentially the same as the original but with better grade of metal and absolutely no slop on the tremolo arm.

[@TrevBec]

I fitted a Callaham block and virtual pop in arm to my American Standard yesterday. Very impressed. It feels super smooth and solid.

[@nazmoking3171]

Sounds impressive to me - Callaham makes great stuff.

[@BeefNEggs057]

Yeah it’s better for traditional blues playing which doesn’t need any deep dives. Darrel plays mostly distorted metal higher gain sounds so his choices aren’t good for bluesy tones I don’t think. Callaham is solid I’ve heard. Be nice to get rid of the arm wiggle. Annoying that fender hasn’t fixed that after all this time. They made a 5 way switch but can’t make a trem arm that doesn’t suck on $1200 Am Std.

[@atonofspiders]

Drew Barries I've always thought the term tremolo arm was incorrect because it's vibrato, not tremolo therefore your statement is invalid

[@jameskrys5286]

I have a Peavey Predator with Calaham Mexican Strat saddles, block and arm. Just kept the 4 screw plate, The tone is so much better, it's scary.

[@offdutyjie]

Darrel, you should really give the Wilkinson Trems a try! Would love to see you review those ones! I have a few and think that they are simply amazing and really affordable!

[@j.a.s.1416]

@@0megalul309 Some have an Allen screw that can be tightened, it's under the tremolo. Gives you desired play on the tremolo arm. I have 2 Wilkinson tremolos both have the screw. Even my Fender American Elite Strat has the same.

[@monkeypoo47]

Love my Wilkinson trem on my strat. Nice thick block.

[@nazmoking3171]

DARRELL has reviewed guitars with Wilkinson trems and he likes them. As noted here, all the ones I've seen have the adjustment screw for the arm - no flop.

[@mightyV444]

@@j.a.s.1416 - Yeah! It had taken me a while before I discovered that screw on mine! ;-))

[@ChrisEllington-y3d]

I went for the hipshot contour bridge after watching this video (and many others, arguably ALL of the videos 😂). My lord, it’s a dream, silky smooth and very precise. Highly recommend!

[@jerbear1601]

Just installed the Vegatrem. I really like it but I'm thinking I might have to use the heavy springs with 10 to 46 strings as the mediums seem too wimpy. What did you use Darrel?

[@starttherebellion9146]

Great, well done, comprehensive video! I wish all youtube creators were this clear and informative.

[@nazmoking3171]

DARRELL talks about trems here that improve your sustain, improve your tone, and improve your smoothness. I would suggest to you if those are your goals, before you buy a new tremolo, buy the Raw Vintage tremolo springs for around $20 a set that everybody raves about. Gear page forums and users claim just changing the springs will make that exact same difference - and for far less money and effort!

[@P_Ezi]

Sustain and tone should be two separate categories. I keep my trem floating on my American Standard because I really like the way it sounds that way. People tell me I should block it for dive only to get more sustain, but to me the tuning hassles of floating the trem are worth it to get that tone.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

agreed! I always crank my comp anyway, why should I make my trem more limited in usability for that?

[@simolucketts9092]

In theory, notes are subjected to a decay which goes like ( 1 / Frequency ), almost regardless of the bridge-trem system used... The material of the bridge and tremolo influence the tone though, as it can be seen as a mechanical impedance matcher between the body of the guitar and its strings...

[@dougsadler5496]

After watching your video and doing some further research, I bought and installed the Super Vee Blade Runner on my 1985 MIJ Fender. Loving it! Installation was easy, and it’s pretty good (but not 100% perfect) at staying in tune. So I’m a happy camper.

[@z8121]

If yours isn’t 100% returning to zero point you need to check your nut. There’s physically nothing to stop the spring steel from returning to the same point. Yes I have one.

[@dangeorge809]

I bought a Hipshot Traditional for my Mex Strat when I did a bunch of upgrades to it a few years back. I cannot complain, it has great sustain and more than enough movement range and consistency for my style of vibrato. Definitely worth the money.

[@jrcvideosb1804]

i bought the supervee. It saved one of my guitars from bad friction damage. It works great . after 4 years with it . i havent needed to take it off or anything i can push it as far as i want without damaging the guitar body . Its frictonless which perfect.

[@kevinsullivanTCR]

I’m so glad you mentioned PRS for Trem, I put a PRS Trem in my Mexican Strat and it’s perfect! But all really good options for sure! I just wish Fender’s stock trems were a bit better all around 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@egalitarianvegan8806]

I have been using the Super Vee Blade Runner for several years now. It is my favorite tremolo system of all my guitars. I really like the arm position, shape, and feel it provides. I was disappointed with the cheap saddles the Super Vee came with. I up graded to carbon saddles, and the tone really improved. The screw in arm does not bother me as it works so well at staying exactly where I need it to be. It is easy enough to remove for travel. I have locking tuners, and with this combination my guitar returns to tune perfectly. Sustain is amazing. I have the 4 point mounting system. It was easy to install and has been trouble free from day one. I was interested in hearing how it compared for you to the other tremolos.

[@tomas.villablanca]

Hey, does the Blade Runner goes both directions when you use the tremolo bar? or it only goes down? I'm thinking on buying the new with contoured saddles for the vintage look.

[@egalitarianvegan8806]

@@tomas.villablanca both directions if you set it up that way.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Tremolo Bars are definitely something I, and every guitarist who doesn't have one, needs to look into. They are really fun to mess around with once you get the hang of them, especially when you start using Ibanez or Charvels for the tricks haha! Strat Trems are indeed amazing!

[@davidmorrison803]

Thank you for the dedicated hard work, Darrell. It is very much appreciated!

[@davgilmore6858]

I installed a vegatrem vt1 on my American elite, and I can say it's a really good Tremolo, I use it as a Floyd rose. On my American standard I will try a schaller. It's seems good too.

[@DT-tq8ku]

Same. I love it so much. I just bought a second, and will eventually buy two more for a total of four. It’s what I’ve always wanted in a strat bridge.

[@SsWargazmSs]

Great video. I would recommend an Ibanez with a locking nut if you're simply after a great tremolo system with rock solid tuning stability. The ball bearing one on my 2010 S5470 Red Viking is amazing. ✌

[@jordanlucasthemusician]

ahh i knew darrell would have a solid break down on this, was just thinking about upgrading my kit strat... big fan here!

[@NaomiAnastasia2022]

Hipshot Contour bridge is by far the best.

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

Who works for who in the comments LOL ?

[@realtruenorth]

Funny. But I wanna buy the best tremelo for my strat and I wish to find out before I buy one. Hard to know who to trust for opinion.

[@richardwilliams1310]

I would like to see Darrell review the Wudtone, Babicz, Kahler, Floyd Rose FRX, Super-Vee Maverick & Super-Vee Locking Kit ... Top video, keep up the good work

[@ResoBridge]

I had several problems with the Blade Runner. The saddle height grub screw threads were stripped on two of the saddles on mine (yes it was a brand new bridge in a factory sealed package). The distributors sent me replacements. The Blade runner does not have the same feel as a traditional Fender bridge. The spring steel blade itself provides some resistance to bending, so I fitted two springs. I bought the version with their special alloy sustain / inertia block and I found that with two springs it sounded awful. I swapped it out for another more conventional bridge which solved the sound and feel problem on that guitar. Later I fitted the Blade Runner to another guitar where the 6 bridge screw holes had been poorly spaced, so it just wouldn't stay in tune with a conventional bridge. On this guitar I fitted the Blade Runner with three springs and although it is a little stiffer than I would like, it works just fine and sounds good. The arm tensioning design is not great. It provides loading to the bottom of the arm with a nylon screw. So it really sets a stop point where the arm wont rotate any further, rather than increasing rotational friction. What I didn't understand right away is that there is also a hard to see hollow metal hex collar or screw that locks the nylon screw in place once set. If you try to move the nylon screw without unlocking the hex collar you will probably damage the slot in the nylon screw. The Vega trem is beautifully machined from surgical grade stainless steel and it does work very well. The tricky thing I found was that there is nothing other than string and spring tension holding the very sharp knife edges against the bearing slots in the completely separate pivot bar. It is a bit of a juggling act to get the bridge up to tension with the knife edges safely located on the pivot grooves without damaging them.

[@ericvalverderosado2046]

8:39 really love that guitar, would be amazing for the chugging

[@sergioserramusic]

I think the best option is the hipshot one. Price is fair, if you're upgrading a bridge you don't want to spend more on the bridge than what you payed for the whole guitar 😂 Anyway, greta video as always!

[@satchrules101]

If the guitar plays Amazing it’s worth it For me!

[@STRATSAFIRE]

Vega with brass claw is amazing and sustaining notes just sings forever.

[@richardwilliams1310]

A look at other systems like Bigsby, Stetsbar, Duesenberg Les Trem, etc would be cool too

[@itsnotzuraitskatsura5247]

Damn haven't even seen the vid but I know it's gonna put a smile on my face

[@felixmartinez5792]

PRS Wilkinson Fulcrum Strat Ultra / USA early 90's

[@cobowe]

Ever watch J Beck? He prefers the plus trem to the Ultra

[@DirkRadloff]

Nobody seems to use it anymore, but I am still happy with my Wilkinson VS100

[@stevelucas1978]

Great video Darrell. Really well explained. I'll need to think some more about which trem to put in my 1990 Fenix Strat.

[@lancecass8997]

I wish there were a few more on the list, but, this is the kind of do we need, there aren't any out there, and no where to try em out, so this is great? Super stoked the SuperV is here though, very impressive 6screw replacement for your strat

[@z8121]

It’s the best 6 screw upgrade if that’s what you’re stuck with. It’s also the most forgiving for amateur builders drilling their own holes. You can adjust it sideways before screwing down.

[@davespin9034]

I have a locking block which functions like a Floyd Rose bridge for tuning stability TremDoctor channel. Works with most any bridges, including PRS. I can send you one Darrel.

[@RichMancuso-q8i]

I’m thinking about getting the rail trail for my Mexican fender, but it is a bit pricey

[@neckcheese1356]

Planning on upgrading the trem on my old guitar soon, so this video is quite helpful. It's still going to be hard to decide though since all 5 are great options.

[@Carsonsaurus]

Would love to see a video where you upgrade the term on a super squier and see how you solve the slimmer body width solution.

[@stephendixon8575]

Hi Darrell, Haven't watched all the individual videos you did for each of these trems but one issue I didn't notice you cover was whether any of them keep the other strings in tune whilst you do a double or triple fret bend - particularly where you play another note on the guitar besides the string you're bending (double stop bends, tandem bends etc) as this can be an issue you then have to compensate for; I used to have an amazing Floyd Rose locking trem system on an Ibanez years ago but you had to learn to also slightly bend the second note to bring it up to pitch as a result of the drop in tension caused by the first string bend (if that makes sense?). These days I have a 1990's Strat Plus with the HipShot Tremsetter which automatically compensates well for this but, as many people find, it really spoils the feel of the trem action. I see that even the HipShot Contour trem doesn't include any mechanism like on their Tremsetter to make sure it comes back to exact pitch. The only one you mentioned with a comparable mechanism was the Sophia. So can you tell me if any of them keep all the other strings in tune whilst you bend one string, or does it mean going back to having to compensate as you're playing? Hope this question makes sense (kinda hard to explain). Thanks, Steve

[@officialWWM]

Wow, that Strat you have there is beautiful!

[@sonnylost2179]

I'd love to see you try that Floyd Rose model used by Guthrie Govan, a non locking system with two poles.

[@BigCleverName]

I believe that it's just a modern Floyd but without fine tuners

[@CameySaurusRex]

Personally, I think that Sophia model is just ideal in every way especially with that wheel in the middle of the sustain block. I do plan on installing their 2:92 trem on my Schecter Avenger once I have the money.

[@MFachrizalR]

Nice video, Darrell! How about more comparisons on various bridges? like comparison between hardtails/stoptails, between 2-point tremolos, or between floyd rose alternatives? I think it would be interesting!

[@j11smith]

Stetsbar check it out

[@henrygerwien186]

@MFach: You get such a comfortable review of fine trems and gain for more? Another example that mankind is insatiable. Shame on you, sorry!!!

[@larlluiz5902]

I have one strat with no modifications, and then a strat with a floyd rose, a locking nut, dimarzio hss pickups for the bridge and neck and a evolution (vai) for the middle, custom finish, and 24 frets, a guita that I build with a local luthier for years !

[@jlarquero]

the new ultratrem by vega its just incredible!!

[@RLeem7b5]

I would 100% recommend MannMade bridges by John Mann, who was the original bridge designer for PRS guitars back in the late 70's

[@ricklewis5804]

Robin Lee I thought PRS started in 1985.

[@RLeem7b5]

@@ricklewis5804 Every product has an R&D period

[@gingerbeer914]

That's nonsense, PRS Guitars was founded in 1985, so it must have been later.

[@BAMozzy69]

@@ricklewis5804 ​ @Ginger Beer - PRS as a company started in 1985 but Paul Reed Smith was making guitars long before he opened his factory in 1985. Santana for example was playing a Paul Reed Smith built guitar from the late 70's onwards. He made his first guitar in 1975 and was making a guitar a month until he raised money to open a small factory in 1985.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@BAMozzy69 LOL! SOME people huh?

[@HangsLopsided]

Great video! I’ve been looking for an aftermarket strat bridge and your video helped me to decide. Watched the individual model video which was also helpful. Thanks.

[@doctoribanez]

Good video man. It just popped up in my feed 2 years later 😆

[@troyl200]

FR railtail! I still have mine in my strat! Love it!

[@toneydavis9802]

You cost me $$$$ bucks . I bought the Vega...and it is the best money I have spent on a guitar upgrade. Thank you!

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

The fine tuning screw fell out from my factory installed tremolo bridge on my 1986 Fender Strat, and it won't screw back in because the threads are worn out on the bridge. Now I can't fine tune one of my strings. How do I fix that?

[@barryw86]

John Mann designed the PRS fulcrum trem. He makes a direct drop in 6 screw trem for Strats. I just put one in my Strat. It's just amazing. My Strat is as nice as my PRS now.

[@johnathanhurd3561]

I think it's the Mann Made trem.

[@timogrgic3693]

All my guitars either have a Strat deluxe trem with the pop in arm or an original Floyd Rose locking trem. You can find a deluxe Srat trem on eBay or reverb for around $60 add locking tuners and you'll have a tired and true great trem..works for me.

[@gabewilliams7462]

About to build a partscaster from MJT so this is a super valuable video. Thanks man!

[@montanaorr6937]

Seriously, thank you so much for making this video!!!

[@ElectricNimPedalsPhilippines]

Vegatrem + Fender LSR roller nut + Locking tuners = Really really stable intonation

[@countblue]

Very helpful video. I am still thinking about locking the pull function on my trem. I like to dive but I rarely use the pull of it. I will most likely give it up for some more tuning stabilty.

[@ehsanhaq155]

As someone who's watched this video and went and bought a few....lemme just say.... It's the Vega. No debate. Tried em all. USA fender two point. Six point. Wilkinson. Gotoh. Hipshot... Floyd too... No debate.

[@57stratkat]

Check out the Trem King. Easy to install. Holds tune well. Other strings don't de-tune when bending strings. Reasonable price. I have them on two of my guitars.

[@minhpham4198]

Hey Darrel, great video, we need more videos like this ;) maybe hardtail or Floyd Rose style

[@ericvalverderosado2046]

Evertune gonna have to give some solution to tremolo bridges 😏

[@gandalfilgrigio97]

guess evertune is going in the opposite direction

[@Mr.Goldbar]

never

[@joycesanders4898]

..now that funny .

[@TheSaxAppeal]

You're like the paul's hardware of guitars dude. Great content