Hi Folks!

I'm on my first building project, and I'm considering (among others) three models of Wilkinson Gotoh trems. They are:

VS-100
VS-300
VS-400 (or 401, I'm not sure which number is right)

What are the differences (besides price)? What would be the deciding factors in choosing one or another?

My guitar body is a Strat top routed HSH and milled for a two-point trem.

Thanks.

Smokey

Hi Smokey: well, I've several times used the Wilkinson VS100 and I like it very much indeed. Recently I also used a VS401 for the first time. Here's a comparison - the 401 is the shiny one:





(In fact, in this instance the satin one is a VS50, but it is the same as a VS100 in all but a couple of tiny details.)

As you see, the excellently designed saddles are essentially the same on both models, though they have been very slightly re-designed on the VS401 so that the height adjustment screws don't emerge from the tops even a tiny bit. Kind on the palm. The screw at the rear controls the forward/backward movement with complete precision and the bigger screw in the middle locks each saddle firmly in place once your intonation is set, giving maximum stability and sound transference through to the block - for ultimate sustain. Very good.



Underneath you see that the VS401 has a significantly bigger steel block which many will feel better for tone. Also staggered string holes which just makes the whole thing work that little bit better. That's classic Trev Wilkinson attention to detail.

From the point of view of installing in a guitar there are crucial differences between the bushings and their posts. VS401 on the left:



The depth and design of those bushings is significantly different which is very important when it comes to drilling the post holes. Rather than go into what that means at length here, just refer to my post halfway down this page on how to install the earlier model Wilkinson bridge:

http://www.fender.com/community/forums/ ... &start=480

And for an insight into how the differences between those bushings are so vitally different, have a look at a mistake I made and how it had to be fixed on the long post on this page, much later on the same thread:

http://www.fender.com/community/forums/ ... start=1275

Extracting bushings like that really is a tiresome issue and one you need to avoid if at all possible. So measure, measure and measure again before drilling your holes!

Still. Everything's fixable - as that entire thread was there to demonstrate...

Good luck - C

EDIT: typo...

Hi Ceri

Wow! That is without a doubt the most detailed and well-crafted response I've ever seen. Obviously, you've done your homework. Thanks so much for the info, the links and the pics. This is going to make my job so much easier!

Thanks and Rock On!

Smokey

My pleasure!

Cheers - C