Strat trem alternative

[ToastyMagician]

Hey guys I'm thinking of upgrading the trem in my strat?

I was wondering if there's any alternative trems that won't need routing...

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[metalchurch79]

Re: Strat trem alternative

Wilkinson VS-100 is a drop in replacement, aside from that I always floyded my Strats upon arrival.
Do you have a 2pt trem or 6screw?

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Strat trem alternative

Pics?

What type of bridge is on it?

 

[AlexR]

Re: Strat trem alternative

And why do you want to upgrade??

 

[ToastyMagician]

Re: Strat trem alternative

Barely any sustain or range, a bit more context is that it's a 2010 blacktop hh strat with emg 81 85, I'll send a pic when I'm home but it's the stock trem

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[AlexR]

Re: Strat trem alternative

Whats the setup like??
Not enough relief, too low action, some high frets or poorly cut nut can reduce sustain significantly.

Unless the bridge has poorly setup saddles I would not be pointing at that as the most likely culprit for sustain loss. As an example I had a squier body+trem which had nice pickups and neck on it for a while - no issue with it having noticably less sustain than my top-end strats with Callaham or Fender USA bridges.

What are you calling 'range'....amount that you can move it??? A quick manipulation of the arm angle ( a VERY common mod) and you're good to go

 

[greekdude]

Re: Strat trem alternative

A trem wont give you back any sustain stolen by bad guitar, bad construction, but montage, but woods.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Strat trem alternative

Has the sustain gotten worse or has it always been poor with this guitar?

When was the last time it was setup?

By range, do you mean movement of the tremolo (vibrato) arm?

I would get a setup first then upgrade the nut, saddles and trem block before completely changing the trem, but that is just me.

 

[Synapsys]

Re: Strat trem alternative

My advice would be the Wilkinson WVPCSBCR. A cheap but absolutely awesome 6-screw trem with modern looks and features. Really increased sustain and warmth on my ash ESP LTD Strat clone.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Strat trem alternative

On my seafoam squire I used a Wilkerson six screw trem with a pull out bar
As opposed to the screw in one

Just cause I could pull it outhttp://www.guitarfetish.com/Black-Wilkinson-Vintage-Tremolo-Pop-In-Arm-Steel-Block_p_139.html

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Strat trem alternative

^ Thats an awesome guitar, I'm thinking P-Rails for it.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Strat trem alternative

Wilkies are good, however of note, they are a bit narrower spaced than your stock vintage Fender trems.
I bought a couple of really 'spensive drop in replacement trems for my Stratoblasters from the UK called a "Wudtone". Supposed to offer a more stable return to neutral...I rather doubt it, but WTH. 'Callaham" is my go-to replaement for Strat trems, and you can find them on most of my many Strats.I also love the KGC ( Killer Guitar Components) offerings.