Gibson type vibrato/trems - how do they feel?

[Philly Q]

I'm almost convinced that I wouldn't stick it on the SG - which simplifies matters somewhat, I'd need a short-tail V5 vibramate for that, and most of the methods of ordering on line that I found don't seem to be aware of that possibility...

You can order direct from the link on the Vibramate website, so that's eliminated that excuse for you! 

I'm considering the Short Tail version myself, in a way I think it looks neater.  But I assume they put that little "tongue" at the front of the standard version for a reason.... I guess it supports the Bigsby a little better.

[AndyR]

... But I assume they put that little "tongue" at the front of the standard version for a reason.... I guess it supports the Bigsby a little better.

I was wondering that as well... but on the other hand, I'm guessing they wouldn't be marketing a short tail version if they thought it was unstable??

[Philly Q]

Unless.... it's one of those cases where they come up with a refinement but they're reluctant to drop the original model out of nostalgia or sheer stubbornness?

Like when DiMarzio had the Super Distortion, then introduced the Dual Sound, which was just a Super Distortion with four-conductor wiring.  After a few years, they were offering four-conductor wiring on all their models but they still had both the SD and DS in their catalogue!  :lol:

(I think now they just make the SD - but with four-conductor wiring)

[jerry]

I have a 65 SG Junior with a vibrola . I think it looks cool but , in my experience , there is less down pressure on the bridge than if the strings were simply wrapped around , and the sound is less firm as a result . Also , I get unwanted overtones from the B string , a pinging sound , at the bridge when using the tremolo . However , for gentle shimmers these units do have there own thing going . Finally , if mounted on Gibsons with the shallower headstock angle i.e .late sixties into the eighties , that and the lack of pressure on the bridge can cause the plain strings to pop out of the bridge saddles when bending - especially on SG juniors and Specials - I've owned several .

[Philly Q]

... But I assume they put that little "tongue" at the front of the standard version for a reason.... I guess it supports the Bigsby a little better.

I was wondering that as well... but on the other hand, I'm guessing they wouldn't be marketing a short tail version if they thought it was unstable??

I emailed them to ask about the difference between the two, and here's what they said:

Hi Phil,

Thank you for your note and interest in Vibramate systems.

In most cases we would recommend the Standard Vibramate V5 mounting kit for the additional balance and stabilization however depending on what model guitar you have the Short-Tail is likely more then adequate for mounting and support.

I think I'll go for the Standard version!  :D

[AndyR]

Interesting...

And have you noticed they're in the process, right at the moment, of launching a telecaster version?!

http://www.vibramate.com/vibramate-v5te-install.html

[Ratrod]

Nice Tele sollution. I still think you should shim the neck.

They should do one for Strats too.

[Philly Q]

And have you noticed they're in the process, right at the moment, of launching a telecaster version?!

http://www.vibramate.com/vibramate-v5te-install.html

Yes, I read that website from "cover to cover" last week!

It looks quite neat, I like the way they've used the 4 mounting screws and the strap button to hold it in place.  Not sure about the three little tabs that are left to hold the saddles though, they look a bit flimsy but they'd probably work well enough.

I ordered a standard Vibramate last night, and the roller bridge is on the way.  Now I just need the Bigsby!  :)