Re: Recessed VS. Non-Recessed Trems
Got both. Ordered a recessed on a Warmoth, and if I could do it again, I would have ordered non-recessed.
A non-recessed sits above and parallel to the body (ala my 80s Kramer Pacer, or a standard Fender Stratocaster bridge). You can pull up, but not as far as a recessed. It does give you the option of laying it back and resting against the body, which in turn gives you a fuller sound (you can only dive-bomb if you set it up that way). You do not have that option with a recessed bridge.
Personally, I don't think the increased range for pulling up is worth losing the option of resting the back of the trem against the top of the body.