I'm getting conflicting information from various sources. Is a Wilkinson trem a floating trem or not? Some say it is, others say it isn't. I don't want the headaches associated with a Floyd, but I'd like something nice and stable with good sustain for blues and rock style playing.

Would Wilkinson be a good route to go, or should I stick with a high end standard Fender trem?

Thanks lads and lasses, and Happy Holidays to all.

With a properly setup and lubricated guitar Fender trems will stay in tune even through the heaviest of usage.

_________________
Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cafeathers


I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

I just put a wilkinson retrofit trem on my partsocaster. It sounds divine, better than the old fender one with the callaham sustain block. The fender trem is a floating trem, its all about how their setup floating or flush to the body. Personaly i find a well set up trem with a accurately balanced 1/8" float, holds tuning better than any flush to the body setup when you use the trem. Not that it could ever deal with divebombs or harmonic squeals however its set.

The hard part is balancing the trem by angling the tremclaw. I aim to get the open G to pull up to Bb, and for a Aminor11th on the 5th fret to dip to Ab minor 11th. when the trems pressed down. Add some lubricant to the saddles, nut and stringtree and it should be fine.

_________________
No no and no

+1

Why not try it both ways and see what you like the best.

Personally, I am a floater.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Without question, I'd stick with a high end standard Fender tremolo. Set up properly for your defined purposes, the Fender will perform faithfully. I use it myself under the same conditions with zero problems.

Of note: I've seen metal fatigue on many of the Wilkinsons' bridge parts in less than a year under extremely light usage. I've never seen this with high end Fenders.

Happy Holidays to you too!!

_________________
You dig?

Really! What was the nature of the problem?

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

" Personaly i find a well set up trem with a accurately balanced 1/8" float, holds tuning better than any flush to the body setup when you use the trem. Not that it could ever deal with divebombs or harmonic squeals however its set."

I can set mine up floating like this and it never goes out of tune, but does anyone know how any tricks to set it up flush to the body so it will stay in tune? I just like to be able to bend the strings (alot) and have the open strings ring out when I am doing this and stay at the same note. I like the feel of 4 springs on the tremolo. When I set it up flush to the body, it doesn't want to stay in tune. I have an LSR nut too.

All the intonation screws started to bend (buckle) to varying degrees, the bridge plate began to warp and the strings were starting to saw into their respective saddle slots.

_________________
You dig?

The only way your going to get that is with a hipshot tremsetter or by developing the very difficult technique os stabilizing the trem with your right hand whilst you play.

I'd go with the tremsetter

_________________
No no and no

Actually, I tried it even flush and found it couldn't work because the tremolo must float in order for the strings and the springs to have equal pulling tension. Consequently, if the plate sat firmly on the body, the springs would have to have more pulling tension than the strings (with or without the assistance of the pivot screws). So, even with a perfect balance, all the plate could really do is to ever so slightly rest on the body. The problem was, it then rattled with the vibration of the strings.

_________________
You dig?

If it floats at all, any open strings that are playing will go out of pitch when you play other strings...which is why I want it flush. Fender states you can set it up floating or flush, but their instructions on setup don't mention anything different you have to do when setting it up flush. A quick bend, or pull up of the strings will put it right again...but there must be a setup trick to avoid that somehow. The fact that the locking tuner and LSR nut will keep it perfectly in tune with agressive tremolo when floating means it does the job it was designed to do. I have a Floyd Rose on another guitar and it doesn;t make any difference whether it is floating or not. The principle is a little different of course, as both ends are locked on the Floyd...but since the top is locked with the locking tuners on the Fender and the LSR nut stops binding on the Fender tremolo now...why would floating and flush make such a difference?

This is all great information, and thanks to all who answered.

I still have my original question though, unless I missed it somewhere in the shuffle...is the Wilk a floating trem or no? I've heard it both ways.

Thanks again.

+2

_________________
"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

[quote="69smokey69"]

From another point of view: find yourself a properly set up Jeff Beck Signature Series Stratocaster. That trem is designed to perform differently. You might find that it suits your needs and playing style.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"