Question about trm bridges and metal

[Ephman]

Is a trem bridge absolutely needed for metal? I am loving the trem I have on my dean vendetta xmt but it kicks out of tune. I keep hearing that floyd rose trem bridges are good for holding tune but you cant do like drop tunings without a lot of hassle. So I'd really like to know of a Trem Bridge that holds tuning well when used and the tuning of the strings can be changed easily with no problems. Does one exist?

I want a guitar with EMG 81/85 or SD Blackout pups and a good trem with 24 frets. and I'd like it under $800.. But if the trem isn't as important in metal as I think then I can get one for around $600. That would be this:http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guit...11000?src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=456494298

I would appreciate any help! Thanks!

 

[CTN]

Re: Question about trm bridges and metal

Hell no. Lots of guitarists play hardtail guitars or gibson style tune o matics/stop tailpieces.

Floyds are a real pain in the butt. Once they're set up to perfection, they usually hold tuning well, but then you can't change the tuning, doesn't matter what tuning you're changing to, without requiring (and yes, it is a requirement, not a suggestion) a fully new setup for that tuning. The strings are a pain in the butt to change as well, but if you change them (and tune them) one by one, you can get away with not doing a setup.

IMO, unless you absolutely need a floyd to do divebombs and pullups, stick with something like a wilkinson 2 point trem, a good nut, and some locking tuners. It holds tuning just as well, it's a bit easier to change strings, and while changing tunings is less of a nightmare, ideally you should be doing a setup for any floating trem like that.

Alternatively, just get something without a trem and you can do almost any amount of tuning changes and string changes with only minimal action and truss rod adjustments. Quick, easy, and painless.

The link you posted would make an excellent candidate.

EDIT: just for reference, when I played in a metal band, I had a guitar with a two point trem, non locking tuners, but was set up by me to perfection. I pretty much never used the trem, except for 2 songs where I had to do some divebombs during the solos. 95% of the time, it just sat there in the same position, as if it was a hardtail. And I was the lead guitarist. That said, if you need to do divebombs, you need a trem. You can kinda fake it with a Digitech Whammy pedal, but it really doesn't sound all that great.