Any V-Trem Experts Out There?

[Matt_B]

I've got 2 Charvels with stock V-Trems and I'm thinking about swapping them out for a similar quality black bridge. Best candidate I've round so far has been the Gotoh 510T-FE2. It looks similar to the V-Trem, it's good quality and I can get a brass block for it. To be clear, I don't use the V-Trem so tuning stability is not part of the equation.

The question I have for the V-Trem experts is are the dimensions compatible? Note that the dimensions for the bridge are on the page I linked to above.

I'm not definitely going to do this because tone comes first and looks come second. It's just something I'm thinking about.

[sully]

Is there a reason you want to swap them? The brass NOS trems are pretty nice and I don't know that going to the Gotoh would necessarily be an upgrade. Not sure of the post spacing on the NOS ones, so I can't say if they'll line up.

BTW, should you decide to swap them, lemme know if you decide to get rid of the old ones.

Sully

[Matt_B]

Hey Sully. Love your Facebook posts.

I'm not looking to upgrade per say. A lateral move would be fine. It's more a matter of easily getting and swapping in a black bridge. The brass color doesn't necessarily jibe with the color scheme I'm going for. Assuming it's a simple swap I won't be getting rid of the original bridge.

[DonP]

I try to avoid V-Trems but a lot of people swear on Callaham steel trems. They might be able to custom make one in black. Quality should be good.

[Matt_B]

I try to avoid V-Trems but a lot of people swear on Callaham steel trems. They might be able to custom make one in black. Quality should be good.

I've read of Callaham bridges but if their stock Strat trem runs $230, I can't see paying even more for a black one that still won't look the same. Thanks for bringing them up though.

[sully]

Hey Sully. Love you Facebook posts.

I'm not looking to upgrade per say. A lateral move would be fine. It's more a matter of easily getting and swapping in a black bridge. The brass color doesn't necessarily jibe with the color scheme I'm going for. Assuming it's a simple swap I won't be getting rid of the original bridge.

Thanks man!

Why not have it plated black? I did that to a hardtail bridge that ~K~ made for me and it looks awesome.

Sully

[Matt_B]

Thanks man!

Why not have it plated black? I did that to a hardtail bridge that ~K~ made for me and it looks awesome.

Sully

To be blunt, I don't even know where to start to find someone to do that. I'd hate to have someone mess it up so if you have ah recommendations, I'm all ears.

[straycat]

Deff get in touch with ~K~ on that one.

[j2379]

the NOS ones have 2 different string spacings. if it was used on the 21 fret strathead they are the closer spacing.

[Matt_B]

Deff get in touch with ~K~ on that one.

Will do. That's easy.

[ulijdavid]

To be blunt, I don't even know where to start to find someone to do that. I'd hate to have someone mess it up so if you have ah recommendations, I'm all ears.

If its brass, its easy to put black chrome or black nickel. Look around your area for any machine shops. They will know where to get the proper plating. It is easier if you are in colder states. The "baths" for plating prefer the cold weather. The draw back is that it will probably cost around $90-$150 depending on location.

Otherwise you may want to check out the Wilkinson trem that has 1 location hole and 5 slots (obrounds). I have found the Wilkinsons to be great trems, but don't have the nice blocky v-trem saddles.

[sully]

To be blunt, I don't even know where to start to find someone to do that. I'd hate to have someone mess it up so if you have ah recommendations, I'm all ears.

I might be doing another one in black, so I'll letcha know. I got a screamin deal on the first one I had black plated.

[Matt_B]

I might be doing another one in black, so I'll letcha know. I got a screamin deal on the first one I had black plated.

Yes please let me know if you do. Thanks.

[ulijdavid]

Sully and Matt B - usually the cost on the plating is a batch charge. Most likely the cost to do both won't be much or any more than two.

[Matt_B]

I just got reply from OCC Guitars and they sell black V-Trems for $150. I'm going to ask if I can see a pic of one but if they look like the brass version on their website, they seem good to go.

Considering I have modified the guitars these bridges are on, I don't know if it's worth keeping the stock V-Trem as-is or just getting the existing ones plated.