Non locking tremolo.

Dr.K

Formerly Active Member
What would you guys consider a great non locking trem? I'm considering doing a Warmoth build and have thought either a Wilkinson or Hipshot. What would be my best bet? Thanks very much!
 
Re: Non locking tremolo.

I've got a hipshot. Fine sounding term. Never got up the nerve to use it with the provided bushings. With the stock Fenders, tuning stability lacks something to be desired.

Gotoh 510 with the Steel Block is my favorite one.
 
Re: Non locking tremolo.

Love the gotoh/wilkinson VS100. Sounds nice and full.

I would happily get a hipshot also.

both trems enjoy quite a solid reputation.
 
Re: Non locking tremolo.

Thank you very much for the input! I respect your opinions a lot.

I couldn't think of the name when I made the OP, but what about the Blade Runner? It seems a bit more expensive, but is it worth it? Anyone heard or have any experience with them? Thanks!
 
Re: Non locking tremolo.

I have a Blade Runner and a Gotoh/Wilkinson VS-100.

Honestly, they're both good for different applications. The VS-100 is IMO unparalleled by any two point trems, but a two point is very different than a 6 screw strat bridge. Personally, if I could choose between the two it would be the VS-100 for multiple reasons - it's got a smoother feel, there's no slack in the bar (push in instead of screw in) and the saddles - but not the strings - lock via allen key so you only have to intonate it once for whatever string gauge you're using. It also feels MUCH better under the hand than the Bladerunner. The saddle screws on the bladerunner dig into my hand in the most uncomfortable fashion.
 
Re: Non locking tremolo.

I've got the Wilkinson VS100 (2 point) in my '84 Dean V. It came with a 6 point strat type trem which I removed and recessed for the Wilko but it also came with locking tuners. I switched the nut for a more solid one that doesn't wear like plastic, grease it with a bit of graphite each time and it never, ever goes out of tune. I can treat it like a locking trem. It probably helps that it has locking saddles so once you adjust the intonation they do not move.
 
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Re: Non locking tremolo.

I have been (ab)using an original Wilkinson VS100 - the one with the stoopid locking ferrule thing in the spring cavity cover plate - since 1996. Superb device.

My other go-to choice is the Kahler Pro flatmount.

In either case, I use locking 'heads rather than behind the nut clamping devices.
 
Re: Non locking tremolo.

Thank you very much for the input, I appreciate it!
 
Re: Non locking tremolo.

I think the way to go is a standard format 6-point, because then you have one mount that you can try with different trems that are all plain drop-in.

(Callaham, Fender AVRI, Fender MIJ RI, the GFS block, random other blocks).
 
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