Three Quick Q's regarding options: Output jack size/Wilkensen Tremelo/Studs etc.

[DustyCat]

So I always forget...What is the "standard size" output jack on a (vip) body?

Like if I were to get one second hand, what size most likely would it be? is it 3/4" (19mm) that's what I'm leaning towards if I had to take a guess.

Wilkinsen bridge/tremelo any good? I thought I remember reading someone describing it like melted butter. Personally, I'm a huge fan of hard tail and would go 2TEK if possible...but only tremelo options are available....so basically, which is the best tremelo/bridge?

Finally Stud install? what? argh, I CAN'T BE BOTHERED WITH THESE LITTLE DETAILS, I have an addiction to feed!

(Thanks)

 

[Cagey]

I don't think there's a "standard size" output jack for that body, although there should be, and it should be 7/8". Why they even offer any other size has always been a mystery to me. You can stuff a 1/4" switchcraft jack into a 3/4" hole, but you'll fight with it every inch of the way, and a 1/2" hole is out of the question except for panel jacks, which only fit certain bodies and shouldn't be used even if they do fit. They're impossible to fix in a pinch and not easy to get if they need replacement.

Wilkinson vibrato bridges are great and are what I use and recommend more than any others, but most bridges of that basic style (two-point knife-edge fulcrum w/ height-adjustable saddles) will work fine as long as you have locking tuners and a well-cut nut. The ones to avoid are: everything else.

Stud install is something Warmoth will do for $10, and it's for those guys who are just a little too light in the loafers to play hardcore rock and roll pressing in the bridge pivot post mounting bushings. As simple as it looks, it's remarkably easy to screw up so letting them do it is a good way to get it done cheap and proper. Plus, if they screw it up, they have to make you a new body. If you screw it up, you have to buy a new body. The bushings have to come from somewhere, so you either need to buy the bridge from them to get the bushings that come with it, or you have to send them the bushings from the bridge you bought elsewhere.

 

[DustyCat]

And Cagey swoops in to carry the team...

Its the same reason why I was originally turned off by Carvin long ago, too many options that I just did not know about. Leave it to me, and I will screw it up.

It might be helpful to add a blurb on the website, something like "this size is the most common" or if thats too subjective, perhaps another set of pictures.

I still don't know what the answer is, maybe its better that way.
Thanks.

 

[Cagey]

It might be easier to understand their lack of recommendation or direction through the realization that Warmoth is a parts supplier. As such, they have no opinion or recommendation. They simply make parts available in various configurations, and rely on their customers to know how and why they want them and what to do with them. It also would explain why this site exists, so that those who aren't as familiar with some of the finer details of guitar design/construction have a place to go for opinions/recommendations/expertise/etc.

I'm allowed to have an opinion, since I don't have a horse in that race. I can say that most of Fender's bridges suck and give you reasons to not use them because I don't sell them. But, if I were in the parts retailing business and made arguments or judgement calls like that, I might not be in business for long.

Warmoth provides output jack holes in several sizes including not at all, but since they have no idea what you're going to do with the body once you get it, how can they make any recommendation as to which you should use? I can almost guarantee you if they did, somebody would follow their recommendation and not be able to install the output jack because it doesn't fit the hole. Then, who has to make it good? Yup. those idiots at Warmoth.

On they other hand, if you choose to trust me, you will have them provide you with a 7/8" hole and it'll work out just fine. If it doesn't, whaddaya gonna do? Can't blame Warmoth.

Neat trick, eh?  :laughing7: