Wilkinson Vs Callaham

[frankie5fingers]

Hello. New to the Forum. I have an American Vintage Hot Rod 62 Strat. I need some help to decide between the Callaham bridge/block setup and the Wilkinson - then between the Winkinson VSVG and Vs400P. Does anybody have experience with them? How do the trem block weights compare, which saddles are best, etc. I know all three are high quality items so I'm sure any of them is better than the Vintage Fender unit. BTW, I deck the tremolo so staying in tune isn't a problem, but I'm looking for the most sustain as well. I appreciate the info.
Thanks

[lusn]

Callaham all the way. You will feel the difference immediately.

[mattmccloskey]

as far as tone goes, you have a great sounding bridge already. I would only change it if 1) you use the trem a lot and need more tuning stability (which you seem to be saying you do not), or 2) the string spacing bothers you and you want something more narrow.
Otherwise keep it stock and enjoy! seriously the fender bridges are nice steel bridges and sound good.

[Mike9]

You have a good sounding trem, but I'd replace the plate on it with a Callaham. I have both Callaham & Wilky VSVG trems and like them both. The Wilky returns to pitch better IMO. I notch my mounting screws like the Mann trems so I can float them.

[GtrDr]

You dont float the bridge so tuning isnt an issue. The stock bridge really sustains well. You'll spend $150 or more & not notice much difference

[Boris Bubbanov]

Your bridge assembly is the same one in my '60 Time Machine CS Strat.

All did to mine was, install some 1/16th inch shorter 4-40 saddle height screws, went to 4 trem springs and put a new set of strings on her. The back of the bridge plate sits low on mine, maybe 3/32nds above being "decked" the last time I noticed.

Sure the Callaham product is great and totally mindblows on an MIM Standard (the block, saddles and shorter arm for an Am Se ain't shabby either) but..........

I would get acquainted over time with your Strat with the existing block and saddles. You can upgrade any time, later. You'll be guaranteed a "brand new" guitar that way - the result should be different, and may also be better. But how much?

[jazzandmetal?]

I have a wilkinson on my K-line and love it. Like Boris above said, it is a big difference on the MIMs and American mades but may or may not make a huge difference on yours since it is already a good trem. One thing I will add though is the Callaham Short bar is the best thing since sliced bread when it comes to trem arms.

[Eagle1]

For a start these are all good sounding bridges so don't expect huge differences.
The Callaham and the six screw Gotoh 510TS are the most bell like in character (due to the machined blocks cut from rolled stock (the best) then the rest are powder castings and the metallurgy is different resulting in a softer sound (you may like this to tame an overly bright guitar.)
The trem performance is another issue altogether,in this area the Wilkinsons are way better.

[frankie5fingers]

Thanks to all. I have no problems with the OE trem on the Vintage Hot Rod. My only concern was about the saddles and whether or not the threads would strip over time and figured if there was something more to be gained, why not switch the whole unit. It sounds like I wouldn't be gaining anything, so I'll let it be until (if ever) I need new saddles. Thanks again for all the responses.

[zombiwoof]

For a start these are all good sounding bridges so don't expect huge differences.
The Callaham and the six screw Gotoh 510TS are the most bell like in character (due to the machined blocks cut from rolled stock (the best) then the rest are powder castings and the metallurgy is different resulting in a softer sound (you may like this to tame an overly bright guitar.)
The trem performance is another issue altogether,in this area the Wilkinsons are way better.

The Fender Vintage trem is milled steel, too. Although Callaham claims it isn't the right type. I think the Fender is fine.

Al

[Eagle1]

The Fender Vintage trem is milled steel, too. Although Callaham claims it isn't the right type. I think the Fender is fine.

Al
As I said they all sound good but the Callaham and the Gotoh sound better.