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Yes it's probably been done to death but I am currently finishing off my Strat build. The last two parts of the jigsaw are some pickups from Ash and choosing a tremolo but I keep going in circles on choosing which one. What do people recommend?
Price isn't an issue in the sense I don't want to cheap out for the sake of it but equally I don't want to overpay. This is further complicated by a lot of online comparisons raving about the Callaham BUT saying that the Wilko stays in tune better. I am a big trem user ala Mr Beck.
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Seriously it's the best available. When I'm a bit more flush, I shall be fitting them to both my other strats.
@impmann - Thanks for that. It is currently the front runner and cost wise sits between the lot pricewise. A couple of questions which you might not be able to answer -
a.) I know it's subjective but is the a noticeable difference with it compared to your others?
b.) Do you know what the difference is between the standard and holy grail versions?
In terms of sound, it's subjective - when I slotted this into Mother Earth, the treble became clearer (not harsh), the mids more focussed and it generally sounded louder (acoustically and electrically). However, bear in mind I have no way of measuring this, so make of it what you will.
And in use, it's the smoothest trem I've ever had - it has all the best bits of a two post (smooth operation etc) without the negatives (too soft/chirping, slightly plunky sound etc).
mine is the holy grail. It has a greater mass in the top plate and if you compare behind the saddles to a standard Strat trem it has a much thicker 'bar' that retains them. The vintage is more like the original with the back of the assembly bent up in a 90 degree fold. In terms of tone/operation, I can't comment as I've not used the vintage.
Hope that helps - talk to @Andypwudtone if you want any details. It's fair to say he can talk for England (or Wales) in the subject - I mean that in a good way! :-)
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/12504/wudtone-tremolo-fitted-and-reviewed#latest
Like I say I have two guitars here that I have earmarked for Wudtone trems - one has a Wilkinson (very good for the money but not a patch on the Wudtone) and a U.S. Standard two post (sorry but I hate those trems!!). Sadly being unemployed *still* means it will have to wait til that situation improves.
Both are excellent - they take the classic design and tweak it to make it easier to set up. Really nice units.
I can't compare tonally exactly as one is in a slimline (reduced thickness) swamp ash prs build with glued in neck and the other is a very lightweight full thickness strat. The swamp ash one doesn't have tons of room as the block hits the back of the route. It won't stay in tune because of the nut, birthday money will let feline fix that
However, the PRS alike has a much thicker, thuddier tone. It's not an especially resonant body, it great for heavy palm mutes and lead lines (as intended). It's hard to say what the bridge adds, but for a 6 point trem it sustains well. The strat is much brighter unplugged and very resonant, less sustain. It still has a good amount of sustain though, which I reckon is the bridge assembly helping - contrary to what some have found, I've often found heavier, deader sounding bodies to sustain forever and ultra light ones less so, but hae a more lively tone.
No idea if that helps...
Trem systems all work - it's about the set up. For me, nothing beats the feel of a 6 screw vintage one. THe Callaham has a tool steel block too, whioch makes a massive diff.
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
Formerly TheGuitarWeasel ... Oil City Pickups ... Oil City Blog 7 String.org profile and message
@TheGuitarWeasel - Thanks for that, Ash. It puts it in the kind of perspective I needed. There is obviously a large price jump between the Wilko and the Wudtone and I didn't want to pay that 'just because' it must be better because it's more, by the same token It's a key part to me so wanted the best.
I'm waiting on a guy picking something up this afternoon and giving me a wad of cash and then I'll shoot you an undoubtedly confusing pickup order over.
Formerly TheGuitarWeasel ... Oil City Pickups ... Oil City Blog 7 String.org profile and message
Thanks @andywudtone. I'm set on one of your trems and it'll most probably me the HG as making the assumption is a slightly better option but will give that a read. One final thing if you get the chance - What is the tremolo arm fitting? Is it push in or screw? Is it made to a standard size?
(formerly miserneil)