Best bridge to float

[mwbjr13]

I want the best trem to float on a strat. I've got three trems in mind. 1) Floyd Rose 2) Super-Vee Super-Vee or 3) Super-Vee Bladerunner.  I set my trems up so I can get specific interals  when I use it. The standard that I use is ok but I feel like theres much better out there. The thing is I've never used any of the trems I'm thinking about so any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[m4rk0]

Wilkinson with recessed route

I haven't tried the hipshot, but that is next on my list.

 

[swarfrat]

Out of curiousity - Which specific string is tuned to this specific interval? I don't see the point unless you have a transtrem.

 

[mwbjr13]

I set my trems up so when I pull up I get a minor 3rd on the G, a whole step on the B and a half step on the high E.

 

[JazzX]

What about a jazzmaster tremolo, I got this quote from the Wikipedia page on vibratos, believe it if you want. Also there's no rear rout, which is a plus in my opinion.


"A larger, heavier and more complex vibrato mechanism than the synchronized tremolo, and promoted over it by Fender as their premium "tremolo arm" mechanism, it never achieved the same popularity, though if properly set up according to Fender's recommendations, it held tune as well as or better than the synchronized tremolo unit."

Quoted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whammy_bar

 

[mwbjr13]

I thought about that but I've never used one. Can you really pull up that much on them?

 

[Nightclub Dwight]

When I read the title of this thread I immediately thought about the Evergreen Point Bridge.

 

[Cagey]

I want the best trem to float on a strat. I've got three trems in mind. 1) Floyd Rose 2) Super-Vee Super-Vee or 3) Super-Vee Bladerunner.  I set my trems up so I can get specific interals  when I use it. The standard that I use is ok but I feel like theres much better out there. The thing is I've never used any of the trems I'm thinking about so any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

The Super-Vee products are designed more as retrofit upgrade parts for those who are stuck with an older Strat body that's been drilled/routed for the old 6-point vibratos. I wouldn't use one on a new build. The Floyd Rose is the best choice of the three you've mentioned.

However, I wouldn't use a Floyd, either. What you're really looking for is something with a 2-point blade fulcrum like the Floyd Rose, but without all the mechanical gimcrackery. In other words, a Wilkinson or one of the designs based on it, which is most modern vibratos. Schaller makes one, and Fender has gone to them as well although it's unlikely they make them - it's probably a Schaller or Gotoh part. Then, there are the white box versions from the likes of GFS et al whose pedigree is unknown.

Gotoh Wilkinson

Fender Standard

Schaller

Generic GFS​

The generic GFS costs the least, at $45. Everybody else is at least double that. The Schaller has roller saddles, which are a Good Thing. I generally use the Gotoh version, since the Schaller is a little tough to find and uses an unusual stud spacing.

They all set up to float very well, they all return reliably to neutral and they all have more range than you can effectively use. Also, you can adjust saddle heights individually so neck radius isn't an issue. Use a Graphtech or LSR nut and locking tuners and you don't need to wreck your neck with one of those locking nuts the Floyds and Kahlers call for. They all have heavier wang bars that don't flex, so the feel is very positive.

The Jaguar/Jazzmaster vibrato is a non-starter. I don't know who made that Wikipedia entry, but it sounds like it may have been Leo Fender's mother. Leo was a lot of things, but mechanical engineer wasn't one of them.

 

[pabloman]

Get a Mann-Made trem. They are effin awesome. Its basically the PRS trem. He has a few variations on it. I have a couple of the 6 point models and IMO they feel sooooo much better than a Wilkinson. I think its one of the best looking trems also.

 

[alterbridgefan]

You're doing a classic strat, right? gfs bridge, or two point fender aesthetically and functionally. It will look like a classic trem, but feel much smother than a six point.

Oh, and pabloman. Why you do 6 point when there be two point???

This looks good, though I have no experience with them.
http://stores.homestead.com/JohnMannsGuitarVault/-strse-81/2020-ClassicVibrato-Bridge-Assembly/Detail.bok

 

[Jim_H]

When I read the title of this thread I immediately thought about the Evergreen Point Bridge.

Me, too.  knowing nothing about floating guitar bridges, i thought this was going to be about 520 bridge   Also, the fact that I work about a half a mile from it, probably helped me go there

 

[pabloman]

Their screws have a recess and the holes are machined to and edge. So its like a 2 point only with 6. More contact area has to be good right? This design lends itself to minimal friction still. It does need to be setup properly though. The screws all need to be the same height. But yeah he offers 2 points as well. I think its the sexiest looking term out there. There's no ugly mismatched hardware finish like you get with a Wilky either.

 

[Jumble Jumble]

I'd use the Fender standard every time, although I don't think much of their saddles. Luckily because it's a very standard part, everyone who makes saddles makes them for that bridge.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Get a Mann-Made trem. They are effin awesome. Its basically the PRS trem. He has a few variations on it. I have a couple of the 6 point models and IMO they feel sooooo much better than a Wilkinson. I think its one of the best looking trems also.

+1
If $ isn't an object, this is one great feeling, great sounding, easily maintained trems.
Heck, if you can find one made in the late 80's/early 90's, that would be a great grab as the base plate and the trem block are machined from one solid billet, rather than 2 individual ones bolted together.  They sing for days.

 

[DangerousR6]

I want the best trem to float on a strat. I've got three trems in mind. 1) Floyd Rose 2) Super-Vee Super-Vee or 3) Super-Vee Bladerunner.  I set my trems up so I can get specific interals  when I use it. The standard that I use is ok but I feel like theres much better out there. The thing is I've never used any of the trems I'm thinking about so any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

The Super-Vee products are designed more as retrofit upgrade parts for those who are stuck with an older Strat body that's been drilled/routed for the old 6-point vibratos. I wouldn't use one on a new build. The Floyd Rose is the best choice of the three you've mentioned.

However, I wouldn't use a Floyd, either. What you're really looking for is something with a 2-point blade fulcrum like the Floyd Rose, but without all the mechanical gimcrackery. In other words, a Wilkinson or one of the designs based on it, which is most modern vibratos. Schaller makes one, and Fender has gone to them as well although it's unlikely they make them - it's probably a Schaller or Gotoh part. Then, there are the white box versions from the likes of GFS et al whose pedigree is unknown.

Gotoh Wilkinson

Fender Standard

Schaller

Generic GFS​

The generic GFS costs the least, at $45. Everybody else is at least double that. The Schaller has roller saddles, which are a Good Thing. I generally use the Gotoh version, since the Schaller is a little tough to find and uses an unusual stud spacing.

They all set up to float very well, they all return reliably to neutral and they all have more range than you can effectively use. Also, you can adjust saddle heights individually so neck radius isn't an issue. Use a Graphtech or LSR nut and locking tuners and you don't need to wreck your neck with one of those locking nuts the Floyds and Kahlers call for. They all have heavier wang bars that don't flex, so the feel is very positive.

The Jaguar/Jazzmaster vibrato is a non-starter. I don't know who made that Wikipedia entry, but it sounds like it may have been Leo Fender's mother. Leo was a lot of things, but mechanical engineer wasn't one of them.

The Schaller you've depicted doesn't fit standard fender 2 point mount which is 2.2" between centers. The Schaller is standard Floyd 2.910"...

 

[Cagey]

The Schaller you've depicted doesn't fit standard fender 2 point mount which is 2.2" between centers. The Schaller is standard Floyd 2.910"...

I know that. I have one on my candy tangerine Strat. It's a nice part; highly recommended, albeit difficult to source in the US. I was under the impression he was building a new guitar. If that's the case, you simply have it routed for the bridge you intend to use, or do it yourself. In either event, it's not an issue. The question was which bridge floats best, and all the ones I pointed out float equally well.

It's probably good you bring it up, though. Schaller calls it a "vintage replacement" bridge, but the only thing it would replace as a "drop-in" might be a flush-mount Floyd, which is far from any kind of "vintage" part, and I'm not certain about that. So, if one wasn't careful about checking specs, one might ask for Fender routing and be in trouble.

The more I think about it, even the surface-mount Floyd routing from Warmoth doesn't work, which is why I had trouble with it. The mounting post holes are on center properly but are the wrong diameter. I had to drill the holes out a touch, then bury them with dowel and re-drill to get that part to work.

 

[bagman67]

When someone mentions a floating bridge, I always think of this sort of thing:

Combat engineers are badass.

 

[Cagey]

Those Army COE bridge builders had to have nerves of steel. May as well go up in a spotlighted neon pink balloon over a battle site to see how long you'd escape enemy attention.

 

[DangerousR6]

The Schaller you've depicted doesn't fit standard fender 2 point mount which is 2.2" between centers. The Schaller is standard Floyd 2.910"...

I know that. I have one on my candy tangerine Strat. It's a nice part; highly recommended, albeit difficult to source in the US. I was under the impression he was building a new guitar. If that's the case, you simply have it routed for the bridge you intend to use, or do it yourself. In either event, it's not an issue. The question was which bridge floats best, and all the ones I pointed out float equally well.

It's probably good you bring it up, though. Schaller calls it a "vintage replacement" bridge, but the only thing it would replace as a "drop-in" might be a flush-mount Floyd, which is far from any kind of "vintage" part, and I'm not certain about that. So, if one wasn't careful about checking specs, one might ask for Fender routing and be in trouble.

The more I think about it, even the surface-mount Floyd routing from Warmoth doesn't work, which is why I had trouble with it. The mounting post holes are on center properly but are the wrong diameter. I had to drill the holes out a touch, then bury them with dowel and re-drill to get that part to work.

I guess I was "assuming" he already had the Fender set up and was looking for something different. But the Warmoth top mount should work just fine with that bridge. I'm also 'assuming" the inserts that came with the bridge would have been the issue. Schaller may have their own size inserts and not actual Floyd inserts. I've ran across this problem before with inserts. I'd have just gotten the right size inserts rather than plug and re-drill, the screw in posts usually are all threaded the same pitch.

And you're right about finding them in the US, allparts is the only place I've found them. Imma get one, I kinda like the old skool style without the fine tuners. I have one on a Kramer I bought in '84, just no roller saddles..

 

[Cagey]

I did some serious digging for stud mounting bushings that would fit the holes in this Strat body and have the thread the posts wanted, but no joy. As I recall, some others here were joined in the search. I would have much preferred that solution to burying and re-drilling the holes, which I considered a last-ditch effort. As it worked out, it's acceptable. If I didn't point out what I did, I doubt many would notice it.