Author Topic: Bridge and nut for keeping a strat in tune (Read 4511 times)

_tom_ · « **on:** November 12, 2006, 03:17:01 PM »

I'm back, with a few questions regarding strat stuff :)

I'm saving up for a new strat bridge and nut (I have some wilkinson ez-lock tuners which I havent yet installed), so I can do the occasional divebomb and vibrato stuff without going out of tune. Basically need to know the following.

Nut
Graphtech? LSR roller nut would probably be better but expensive and would be harder to install.

Bridge
I was thinking about getting this Wilkinson VS100 - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=220047807435&rd=1&rd=1

Looks really good to me but as I've never used one I dont really know.

How do I know if it'll fit my guitar, and how do you go about installing em? I have a 6 bolt trem in right now..

Cheers for any help

ps- gh50l should be here on wednesday, no one will be at home except me so I'll get to test it out properly :twisted:

gingataff · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2006, 03:29:42 PM »

I don't know how you convert the 6 screw fender type to the wilkinson/fender 2 point style, but I do know that this is a good bridge. Apparently there are other wilkinson bridges that are direct replacements for the 6 screw type and as bridges do affect the tone the VS100 has a more modern tone but the others are more vintage, if that's your thing. The Suhr guitars website has some good info as does Warmoth.

_tom_ · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2006, 03:35:50 PM »

Edit - bollocks. Just measured the distance between the centres of the outer two screws on my current trem, its around 54mm so that VS100 wont fit :(

Are there any alternatives that will keep it in tune as well?

I saw this on WD which has the right specs - http://www.wdmusic.co.uk/shop/products.php?category=207&product=4197

Theres also this one on Axesrus (Hate that bloody site!) - http://www.axesrus.com/axehardware_files/wvpsbcr.jpg

"WILKINSON KNIFE EDGE MODERN STYLE TREM UNIT WITH STEEL BLOCK, MILLED STEEL SADDLES 2 1/8" STRING SPACING , PUSH IN DELUXE TREM ARM, IN A NUTSHELL,,EFFING A"

Says its universal fit, 55-60mm centre which sounds right.

Do 6 bolt hold tune as well? I know my mate has a 6 bolt stock MIM strat which holds tune well..

Bob Johnson · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2006, 04:30:33 PM »

Hi Tom,

I've used the WD deluxe trem; it isn't a bad piece of kit but you're still going to have to drill the post holes very accurately. This can be very difficult if you don't have a fairly large pillar drill.

I'd recommend this one http://www.wdmusic.co.uk/shop/products.php?category=207&product=187 I't's a very good trem!

It should be a straight swap with just a little tweak to the body routing to clear the trem arm boss but it's worth checking the hole spacing with WD. It's also a good idea to make the top of the six screw holes slightly oversize to the diameter of the plain shank of the screw to the same depth as the plain shank. This allows the screws to flex a little and reduces side loads on the six holes in the trem base plate thereby reducing friction. In fact it might be worth trying this with your existing trem first.

The VS100 is a slightly better trem but you'd really need to be able to clamp the body to the pillar drill table to accurately locate the post holes especially if the drill is going to break into existing holes with different centres.

Cheers,

_tom_ · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2006, 04:39:33 PM »

ah, I cant access a drill press easily so I think a 2 point may be hard to intall well! Didnt think of that for some reason :lol:

On the Axesrus site, theres a Wilkinson trem similar to that Gotoh one, but half the price.

I was actually thinking about modding my existing bridge by countersinking the holes slightly (I take it thats what you're talking about?). I remember seeing a forum page where some guy modded his 6 bolt to a 2 bolt trem and said it worked well, I cant find it anymore though :(

Crazy_Joe · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2006, 04:46:17 PM »

Just put a floyd rose on it, that will increase the coolness by loads!

_tom_ · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2006, 04:54:48 PM »

haha, way too expensive and I dont want one, plus I think the neck needs to be angled different for a floyd.

edit - just ordered a Graphtech Trem-nut :D Now I just need to decide on bridge if needed after installing the nut and tuners.

Siadern · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2006, 05:49:44 PM »

Good tip I was given was to rub the lead tip of a pencil in the grooves of the nut when you change your strings. Basically gives it a graphite coating without having to replace it.

Not as good as an actual graphite nut, and looks a little grubby, but it certainly works.

_tom_ · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2006, 06:26:33 PM »

Yeah I do that with my LP as the nut isnt that good. The strats nut needs replacing though, its old and worn.

Elliot · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2006, 06:37:49 PM »

I find that chapstick on the nut, the saddles and string retainers has a similar effect.

Afghan Dave · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2006, 06:50:16 PM »

I always keep this and some gaffa tape in my gig bag...

It's really useful if you're in a tight spot...