Which trem is best if you plan to block it?

[Disco Scottie]

I know, sounds like a stupid question, just get a hardtail. Unfortunately there are always nice bodies in the Showcase that are already routed for trems. I can live with that and just install a trem and block it. So my question is, out all the ones available, which is the nicest/best/most comfortable just functioning as a bridge? I'm leaning toward Wilkinson, but I'd like to hear your opinons.

 

[Funky Phil]

IMO the Callaham vintage trem is best.
You may want to consider what sort of string spacing you want at the bridge...
The vintage Strat trem has the widest...the USA std Strat trem is narrower, also the Wilkinson is narrow (I think...)

 

[Alfang]

I like the standard 6 screw fender ( or other compatible ) trems.

But to be honest, if you see a guitar body you want that is already routed for a cetain trem, you can flat mount or "Block" them all.  So if you like hardtails but will accept whatever, go with whatever.

 

[Jusatele]

I prefer Hardtails, but it seems the last 2 strats I have owned had AM Std Trems, I just had them set up and forgot they were on there, My PRS is also a trem, same thing. I know I know the point is, but I find that with modern trems not using it does not really effect anything, and I get down right brutal with a body. A old style trem, ok needs blocking but the modern stuff is just fine (depending on quality of the trem).
So I would not let it bother me that much, get a AM Std trem and those block easy, or just go with it.

 

[Rickgrxbass]

It's like the cream dot conundrum in the showcase.  But I'd agree with Jusatele, if you're not, um, whammy-ing, it shouldn't affect anything.  The only issue I can imagine is it would take slightly longer to tune, and complex bending may be harder.

Realistically, though, it wouldn't be that big of a chore to install a flat-mount bridge on your own, I would imagine there's still plenty of wood to hold it down.

 

[Steve_Karl]

I'm very impressed with the Wilkinson VS-100 saddles and the precision of the adjustments for height and intonation.
I wish they'd make a hard tail that mounts in a strat ( humbucker spacing ) routing.

 

[swarfrat]

Perhaps the hazard in taking too long to complete a build is all the 2nd guessing yourself. So your words about the VS100 are reassuring. But this thread has got me thinking about VSVG in the future.

Alfang, are you talking about blocking a fully functional 6 scew trem, or do you mean removing the trem block from a 6 screw and flat mounting the trem minus block and minus the through slot for the block?

I'd have to look at it to see if that would work, but if it did, it sounds like the best answer of all for hardtailing a showcase body that already has half a trem route.