Trem design change ?

[wolf]

I'm not sure if I'm seeing correctly but the trem posts on most of the NAMM guitars look different.

Has there been a change ?

[tom]

yes, for the past year we have been switching over to a new trem. the bridge is only slightly different, we were happy with the old gotoh one but there were a few things we wanted to change a bit.

the new studs are a larger diameter with larger body inserts which i think over time is a nice addition. they would also allow for off the body floating if someone so desired.

the block is still steel, but has a an angle cut making it a bit lighter.

logo is laser etched in, it just looks cleaner.

arm does have a retaining screw so that even if you have it floppy loose, it will not fall out. arm still has a plastic tip.

over the next few months we will also be adding the hipshot saddles. you all know i have been a fan of the Ti saddles, but it is mostly because of the string path geometry more than the material itself. these hipshot saddles accomplish the nice path and are a bit warmer sounding that the Ti.

[BFC]

I was just admiring the new bridge on my new arrival. The logo looks great.

[wolf]

New posts would be the only thing I'd change on my bridge, can the new unit be installed in an older model ?
I'd love to see a close up shot of the new bridge.

[tom]

stud holes would have to be enlarged, and kept completely concentric. a little harder than it sounds.

between the studs and bridge footprint, we did give ourselves a little extra room on the new pickguards, so retro on a pg guitar would require a little pg work. rear rout guitars are no problem other than the hole enlarging.

will wait till we get the new saddles before a new pic.

[wolf]

I guess I'll have to wait and just buy the new saddles for this guitar while I keep saving for a new one.

Any pics of the new saddles ?

[tom]

not yet still waiting for the ones we are going to use. they sent us the round end version before namm and i prefer the square end version.

[wolf]

I'd love to try a gold set if they're available.
Will it be possible to buy a set ?

[tom]

yes, am waiting to hear pricing on the gold ones.

[kevin h]

not yet still waiting for the ones we are going to use. they sent us the round end version before namm and i prefer the square end version.

tom, is there any difference in the round vs square other than cosmetic?

[tom]

No I don't think so. They do have a machined and powered metal version. I like the string path of the powdered metal version better. Both are the same metal.

[wolf]

Any news on the new saddles ?

I'm really curious about this new trem.
I've spoken to Charlie Chandler who's the UK's most respected tech and he's assured me that he could mod mine for the new posts.

I've just collected mine from having new Anderson pickups and I'm so impressed that I'm planning to start gigging the guitar again... starting tonight.

[tom]

Our first shipment of saddles will be in 2 weeks.

[wolf]

Any update ?

[tom]

we finally got our first shipment on the saddles today. still waiting on the gold ones. they said a couple more weeks for those.

[wolf]

What are the chrome ones like ?
Are you happy ?

[BFC]

What do these look like? Anyone got a link?

[brokenvail]

they would also allow for off the body floating if someone so desired.

I just picked up an 05 classics. Does this statement mean I wouldn't be able to set up that guitar to have a small float to the bridge?

[tom]

any trem we have ever used can be set up to float the traditional way, tipping forward. for those who like the bridge off the body float, like floyd, the new bridge with larger studs could do that. keep in mind the guitar does sound different when the bridge does not make any body contact. not better or worse, just different.

[wolf]

Any updates Tom ?
Did you get the new saddes ?

I'm still seriously considering the merits of upgrading to the new trem over my old one with the small posts.

[tom]

have gotten and are using the stainless. but have still not gotten the gold.

[wolf]

Would like to see the saddles while we wait to see gold.

I've refitted my gold Graphtechs to try but quickly remembered why i removed them, there's lateral movement of the high E saddle.

I might try Gotoh stainless gold saddles.

[tom]

Lateral movement? Which bridge do you have?

[wolf]

I've got the last version before your latest one.

The saddles are the ones that came with it but the High E keeps moving.

[wolf]

Have you had the gold version of the new trem yet Tom ?

[tom]

yes we got them. for whatever reason they make the gold saddles out of brass instead of stainless. I feel like they sound a little darker than the stainless, but have only used a few of them.

[wolf]

I've taken the plunge and ordered a new trem from Tom with the new posts.

I've finally found a great luthier in the UK who I trust to perform the install and I'll update my impression and a few pics when it's done. :D :D :D :D

[wolf]

The new trem has arrived and the posts are a real improvement over the old ones.
I removed the old ones myself easily and dropped it off to the tech to install the new posts yesterday.
I'll be collecting it on Tues and can't wait !!!!

Does anyone want my old trem ? I offered to return it to Tom but he declined.
Its Gold and is just the plate, block and arm.
There's no wear on the knife edges at all.

I must admit the lack of wear surprised me, all the wear was on the posts.

[wolf]

I've just collected my Anderson and the new trem is a big improvement.
I can feel the body resonating for the first time and the trem is much smoother in use.
I'd highly recommend this upgrade to any owner.
I can't wait to gig it this weekend !!!