Whats is the Best Sounding strat trem?

[Big Steve]

I am putting a partscaster together and need to buy a tremelo bridge. Which one sounds the best? What saddles? What block? Again, most interested in tone.

 

[flapjack]

I think different materials and different designs give different results, but only you can determine what is "best." There are many makers of these parts and these parts are made with various materials such as brass, steel, zinc, and titanium. It really depends on what you want in terms of tone and function. There are lots of threads here and elsewhere that discuss Strat tremolo assemblies. Perhaps reading some of these will give you some direction. Also, you can go to web sites like Guitarfetish or Callaham to learn more. Hope this helps.

 

[bosstone]

Callaham for the best traditional sound.
Hip Shot for best sustain and stays in perfect tune.

 

[RodeoTex]

If you can find a Jimmie Vaughn Strat trem, you'll probably have about the best all around model there is. JMO of course.

 

[jmaul]

I'd seriously consider this one too:

(link removed)

 

[1962guitargeek]

Callaham for the best traditional sound.
Hip Shot for best sustain and stays in perfect tune.

+ 1 on the Hipshot. Super smooth....


I have an older, non contoured model.

I'm not saying it's the best, but it is very, very sweet!

 

[mellecaster]

I am putting a partscaster together and need to buy a tremelo bridge. Which one sounds the best? What saddles? What block? Again, most interested in tone.

What is the Body drilled for ?...call me Mr. Practical for the obvious question.

 

[shoalbilly]

If you have a body drilled for 2 3/16" mount screws,
I think it is Fender Part # 099-2049-000
Vintage Strat tremolo assembly with all mounting hardware included: bridge, trem arm & tip, trem claw, trem springs, mounting screws, string tree.
Steel block, 2 3/16" Mounting hole spacing and 2 1/16" string spacing.
This is used on USA 57/62 RI, Jimmy Vaughan, Bonnie Rait and custom shop strats.

 

[Old Cane]

Callaham or EJ. Not sure exactly if any other models are the same as the EJ but that one rocks but now usually sells for more than the Callaham. So.....Callaham.

 

[Big Steve]

What is the Body drilled for ?...call me Mr. Practical for the obvious question.

The body isn't drilled at all yet. It is just routed for the tradditional strat type trem so I have lots of flexibility. I have woodworking skills so I can make modifications to the routes within reason.

 

[Chrismeyer]

O.k.,I'll say it since nobody else would....Floyd Rose! I know I Know...it's non-traditional but man it adds weight and sustain like CRAZY!
I have two strats with the FR,one USA and one MIM and they're great and they stay in tune no matter what!
I know...I'm a freak

 

[graham232]

I recently upgraded to a Wilkinson VS100 - a Gotoh one and it is a big improvement on the cheaper version (VS50 II). Good tuning but better sustain than I expected.

If you are going for performance rather than a vintage look and feel it is a very good choice.

 

[rjhalsey]

Trem King and Super-Vee

 

[Telesavalis]

Trem King

 

[lreese]

Interesting the Floyd Rose was mentioned. I'll have to try again, but i remember the Fender vintage bridge being heavier when comparing the two (an early 90s Floyd original). I like the Floyd though, but I'd try a heavier block.

I got a Gotoh 510 6 screw with pop-in arm this week - debating which Strat it gets installed in.

 

[Carzee]

I got a new trem on impulse - priced the way it was I had to try it.

Its the Glendale chimemaster -brass block, brass saddles (and comes with steel saddles to try).

Warmer, more middle and low ends -less trebly highs is what I think should be the result...

quote from glendale: "My Chimemaster system gives your guitar an acoustical quality, enhancing the traditional Strat tone. This combination adds warmth & sustain, and gives you a smooth balance from top to bottom. You will achieve a fuller, rounder, richer thickness to each pickup. The bridge pickup will sing with new life. Using a five-way switch in the second position (bridge & middle pickup) you will be amazed with the chiming tone this combination makes."

Anyone here used one?

 

[chisa]

fender vintage trem

 

[boris bubbanov]

Its the Glendale chimemaster -brass block, brass saddles (and comes with steel saddles to try).

Warmer, more middle and low ends -less trebly highs is what I think should be the result...



Anyone here used one?

Yes, I've used both the original version and the second version pictured here:

I love it. It uses the wider 2 + 7/64ths 6 screw mount spacing. But you can manipulate the string going over the saddle and weasel the string spacing down to vintage Tele width, which I like.

 

[Carzee]

Wow, thx for the pix -worth 1000 words!

So now I'm in a panic about the HWY1 body i got for my strat project and whether Mr Chimemaster will match the holes for the HWY1 fender bridge.


I will also link to the earlier TDPRI thread mentioning brass trems I found:

 

[Rob DiStefano]

trem sound? geez.

the best functional non-locking trem i've ever used is the trem king - nothing comes even close.

trem sound? ..... oiy vey, here we go .......