Installation and demo of the excellent Vega-Trem VT1, 2 point tremolo, into my 1995 Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster. Demo, played through the "Gojira" plug in from Neural DSP.
Just been installing my vega trem, and let me just thank you A TON for this video! It is so much more helpful than anything else I've found online. You've really covered all the details I was hoping to learn about with a great level of simplicity. I appreciate the effort you've put into it my man. Cheers!
Very intriguing! Never knew about VegaTrem but I knew if you were using them they must be fantastic. So glad they use the heavy kind of whammy bars instead of the dinky, capped, factory type tremolo arms. I am pleased to see they offer a left-handed option as well. Cannot wait to try this tremolo. And wow your Fender Strat! 😳🤘
I WISH I COULD PLAY. I JUST DONT HAVE IT. IV GOT NO MUSIC ABILITIES. I WATCH EACH & EVERY VIDEO & I AM AMAZED EVER TIME ON HOW WELL YOU PLAY. TODAYS VIDEO WAS VERY IMPRESSIVE! GREAT CONTENT AS USUAL! 🙂👍✌
hey chris! got the venga-trem today, but was scared to install it without being sure how... found your clip on youtube, watched it carefully and boom: my guitar is updated as can be! great tremolo, guitar stays in tune and the bar works very soft. it took quite a while to get the stringheight right, but with a bit of patience it can be done. thanks for your clip🙂and greetings from switzerland!
I've been doing some research on trems for a new guitar build, which included watching MANY demo videos of the VegaTrem, and I must say this was by far the best - your playing really showed the capabilities, and I especially appreciate the tuning checks at regular intervals (many of the demos skip this crucial part!!). Now if I can just figure out how to do drop D tuning with it (according to VegaTrem, a Tremol-no won't fit on it :-( ) ...
Also considering this over traditional Floyd rise (like in Guthrie Govan signature) or a blade runner reel (does not pull up enough…), but if tremol no does not fit you can go with a tremmory, it should be compatible as it is set up as a spring ;) I have tested once a Vega trem and also I had to say it was the smoothest trem ! Even smoother than my Ibanez PIA !
Best demo! Wiggle stick mastery!!! 🤘🤘🤘 I found your video, because I was looking to see if spring set screws were in backwards on mine from factory. I was thinking they should be exactly as you had done...makes way more sense. Mine Vega-Trem had been sitting on shelf for several months waiting for time to install, until today. Entire time, tremolo arm stick out of box. How they fit it into box defies laws of physics. 😂😂 Thanks for spectacular demo and helpful tips, Chris Tompkins! 😈
Hey Chris, thanks for the great video which I found really helpful as I'm considering purchasing one of these for one of my strats. Quick suggestion though, a process I've used for over 20 years to set up all my floating trems on my strats. Use a wooden block installed from the rear trem cavity between the trem block and rear wall of trem cavity to put the trem level, and tighten the springs enough to keep the block in there, this will keep the trem stable. I make mine out of cedar door and window shims you can get at the hardware store, place two together and slide till you get correct thickness, trim to size, then super glue them together. With block in place, string up, tune, set saddle height and intonation. Once you are done, slowly loosen the trem claw springs until the block falls out. At this point, all strings will be flat a bit since you had to loosen enough to get the block out. Don't retune the strings, simply tighten the claw springs until the low and high e strings are in tune and you are good to go. The rest of the strings will be perfect. Saves an awful lot of time and headache I've found. I use the block when I change strings as well, makes short work of it.
Hi Chris, first of all, I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to make this video. I have a "Custom Strat" myself from 1999. It means the world to me. But as you know, guitar parts wear out a little. I just had new frets and Lollar pick-ups put in last yr. I've been on the fence about the bridge...but it's also time for a new one. I've been "eye-balling" this "Vega Trem" for awhile now. I wasn't sure about the installation. What was really throwing me was the two screws in the front of the original bridge. You know how ours have that opening in the front of the screw holes? I'm thinking "is this going to fit"? I had NO idea until...Wa-La...I came across your video and you explained everything that was troubling me. I can get one thru Amazon...unless you know somewhere better? Anyway, thanks for giving back brother. You really helped this fellow guitar player.
I dropped a Vega in my Malmsteen and absolutely love it. I was wanting to put one in my Nick Johnston Schecter as well but was a bit confused about how the 2 point version worked. Your video was really good at filling in the details. Thanks
What a Fab colour 😍 I think the Vega term is like the cherry on top, it's a pity that manufacturers don't have other trem options in their ranges. Instead of the bog standard old originals. John.
dude, that color is amazing! i don't think ive seen one like that but no wonder, its from 95. you dont see a lot of 90s fenders around for sale. Theres a custom shop strat, its a one off with a finish modeled after a pint of Guinness, its got a unique pickguard too, sort off thinline tele, it looks awesome
Everything I need to know except the process of setting the string height and setting the intonation. Another video showing showing this procedure would be cool, in order of strings that go first to last if that matters. Thanks
Sweet vid man. I just bought one of these. and also a Hot Rail Bridge as well funnily enough. looking forward to getting it all and giving it the full shwang
convinced... will check one out on the next build. Dig the playing and tone too!!! Nice work... Probably shouldn't say this, but, I think you could be nicked named Chubby Van Halen.
Christopher, thank you for the best install video of the best trem! Just installed my first Vega-Trem on one of my Strats a couple of weeks ago. Would have been nice if I had your video for my install, as you have some good tips. Wish you would have shown a little of the process for action and intonation adjustment, but in hindsight, it's pretty easy. Have to agree, it's hands down the best trem out there - easy setup, incredible tuning stability, amazingly smooth and sensitive. Leo Fender would approve! I've also installed an AxLab Tone Claw locking spring claw on mine, which I think kicks the sustain up a notch. How about a review on that combo?
Love that you give it some abuse in a more rock context vs this super sweet melodic style playing. I am considering one of these to replace my wilkinson VS100. I've got it installed well but the block is bigger which is great for sound but totally cuts it range bottoming out. Have guitars with floyds but hate the locking nut. PITA. It's costly but seems like it might be the best solution.
Unlock those saddle locking screws anytime you adjust the saddles, up or down, or for intonation. You are absolutely right! I know what happens if you don't. Wish I would have understood how important that advice was before installing my VT. SMH
Best floating trem with no damaging mods to the guitar. BTW, that HOT RAILS is my favorite Duncan unfortunately he does not make a full size humbucker version of it.
dude! you have a very serious mice problem! I can even hear them talking over in some parts of the video!, on a serious note, nice job with this install demo!
You have explained everything beautifully I just can't find such adapters Where did you manage to buy Could you give us the contact details of this shop?
Great demo! Having installed 5 others, you’ve suffered the trial & error for us. How about bridges with screws instead of post? Is there a different model?
Hey, thanks for this video! I really enjoy your playing and phrasing. Do you know what the string spacing is? is it vintage wide, or narrow like the Mexican ones? I'm debating getting one of these but cant find that info anywhere.
Really enjoy your videos Chris! I got a problem with my vegatrem, while I pull off it keeps coming out from the tremolo bar side. I reinstalled it again but it's been the same case. Please help.
Are you sure the the knife edges are set in the grooves of the mounting block? It's easy for them to not be aligned if there's no tension from the strings. Also, make sure the tension between the springs and the strings are balanced (when in tune), so that the tremolo top is perpendicular to the top of the guitar body.
That's a very handsome guitar. I love metal flake finishes or whatever they call it these days. I'm not a big fan of single coils and I like the bridge pickup. What brand is it? Do you have the option of splitting the coils?
Great video! Your guitar is a beast and a beauty, I LOVE the color of the body. I saw the same guitar on sale on an famous english site several years ago... Maybe this is that guitar. BTW, I'd like to upgrade a nice Fender Player (in Ferrari Yellow). I think I'm going to buy a Vega Trem but I'm struggling for the choice of the tuners (Fender locking? Hipshot? Gotoh?)... Any advice for me? Are you using locking tuners also? Cheers from Belgium!
I got one. I only reccomend getting one though... As tempting as it is to have this on all of my guitars or at least most of them... That's a lot of money lol. And let's get real... 99% of the time you don't use the bar. That being said... This product is amazing. Floyde rose but looks sharp.
Your opinion. But if your a touring pro. You need top notch gear and this hands down secures any problems on the road for you. Last thing you need is crappy tremolos even from custom shop strats that go out of tune. Like most things. Quality is expensive but lasts a lifetime
Thanks for the video, but I have a question, how do you go about changing the strings?, there’s no video on RU-vid about this, hopefully you can make a video on how to do this, thanks
Can you set up the trem to not go sharp (decked)? And, do you have any control over the arm tension? I had another makers version with no way to loosen the arm tension -
Hey Chris, very useful video! Are you using staggered locking tuners here? Wondering if it's worth switching to staggered while my strat is disassembled or if the roller trees will be fine. Thanks!
Yes. Staggered Locking tuners. I'm a big fan! String trees just add another friction point for the string to get hung up on... Any time I can get rid of string trees, I will.
I'm completely stuck on this installation. The little tiny screws on the bottom to lock the springs in place just aren't turning. I'm just not seeing a FAQ or tutorial with this issue.
How far down do you lock the saddles? When locking the saddles should the back of them be flush with the body or down so the front of the saddles are pointing up a little ?
Hi, nice Job. What is the distance from the center of one pivot to the other? I have a two point wilkinson trem bridge which is 57 mm, and I want to replace it for a Vegatrem. Just to make sure if it fits.
Hi Chris, I have a question: did the threaded tubes screw tightly into the original tremolo posts? Because on my guitar (Harley Benton Fusion HSH), they sank into the posts without needing additional screwing. I noticed that another RU-vidr (Jon is just TOO LouD!!) showcased the same "installation issue" but said he didn't bother as it didn't give him significant issues. In the last two days, the fulcrum has risen. Two days ago, it was flush on the guitar top, now there is a gap of 0.5mm circa, and this thing is starting to concern me. I've written to VegaTrem's Customer Support, but they have yet to reply and a week has gone by!
Ooh. That's not good. The threaded insert is supposed to screw into the the existing posts. If not, the thing can come out and even damage your guitar. Did you try the Asian inserts? They're slightly larger than the American inserts. If neither fit, you need to replace the inserts that are in your guitar, with a set of fender posts. Your guitar is not safe as is.
So I got one of these and I’m having an issue with intonation. My strings keep reading flat and I cannot move forward enough to get a proper intonation. Anyone else have this issue?
Too bad the saddle height screws stick up so high. so much for ergonomics. that would drive me nuts. for what they're charging, you'd think they'd offer some optional shorter screws.
these look great, but was wondering if it's possible to adjust them from side to side, to get the string alignment perfect? I'm guessing so, as it sits on a blade!
I just installed one of these on my American Standard Strat and noticed when I put the breast plate back on in the back it covers the holes of the block where the strings go. So when restringing that won’t work unless you use the whammy bar to move the holes in place. But that’s kind of a pain. What do you do about this issue? I also had an issue trying to get my string action up high enough. I unscrewed bolts in the back first and had to screw down the little Allen screws quite a lot and my action still isn’t where I usually have it. Which is a little high. Any suggestions?
I'm not exactly sure what you're experiencing... I have installed these tremolo's in 5 guitars now, without a single issue. Without a visual representation of what you're experiencing, I'm afraid I can't help you figure out the problem you're having...
I had a Vega trem installed in my strat just yesterday and since watching your video I see my bridge sits back from the body it is not sitting flush. Should I use a lighter spring and if so dose this mean I need to have the intenation reset?
The trem looks like an after thought with fitment. There are trems that fit much better and work just as well.... Sophia, Gotoh, hipshot, Rail Tail. For a trem to work and stay in tune depends on other things too like straight string pull thru the nut, nut slots headstock break angle.
I can assure you, these fit absolutely perfectly, by design. Having owned guitars equipped with, Gotoh, Hipshot, Fender, Trem-king, Kahler, Floyd Rose, Schaller, Babics, Wilkinson and countless OEM tremolo's, I can attest that not one other Tremolo I've experienced, comes close to the amount of travel or smoothness of operation, as the Vega-Trem. You'd be doing yourself a great dis-service if you don't try one yourself. I'm quite confident that if you are a fan of floating tremolo's, you will not experience one that's better. Peace!
Hey Chris ! Thank you for the video and review! And yes it’s a fact this is the best trem on the market ! Do you know if this can be mounted in Charvel DK24 instead of gotoh 510 ? I’m really considering buying one for a charvel.. if it does not fit I will probably go for a luthier guitar. Thanks a lot in advance for your feedback !
@@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear non problem ! Thanks for your answer dude. I believe it is not compatible due to the recessed area for the gotoh 510 vibrato
@@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear another question, does it has any impact to have the spring claw straight or angled ? To have the trem parallel it is only a matter of balance between springs/strings tension, so I guess it has no impact does it ? Thanks for the answer in advance !
Hey Chris! I’m about to perform this same install on a body with no holes drilled for trem placement. I have the two point Vegatrem and a drill press, but I’m not sure where to install the American studs for the Vega screws. Any ideas? Thanks!
I figured it out, but not without some trial and error. I think I ended up drilling and dowel plugging the damn holes 7 or 8 times. Got there in the end though, and the Vega Trem works a treat. Too bad I lost one of the intonation screws somewhere in the install. Not sure how that happened, but time to fire off an email to their support staff.
I love the Vega trem, but it is just way too expensive. They need to license the design to Gotoh like Wilkinson did for their VS-100N bridge so that I can get an even higher quality bridge for like $115-$150.
Hey, I'm a big guy and was wondering if you have any recommendations for larger chairs, I'm setting up a new studio desk and not really able to get out and try some. Thanks.
