Trem-King tremolos

Started by ( . )( . ), June 30, 2016, 06:42:41 PM

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That linear tremolo. looks pretty awesome. How does it compare with  a Trem King: http://www.tremking.com/

Elantric

#1
My discovery for candidate "best GK-3A hex PU Tremolo" is the Trem-King  - Ive owned one for a few years, but was hesitant to install as the strings sit low in the recessed bridge saddles and  it requires a fair amount of wood routing 

But then I had the opportunity to play Dweezil Zappa's Strat  - and the Trem King provides rock solid "stays in tune" and palm muting - yet smooth tremolo action  - but no change in string height ( like a Linear Tremolo or Kahler) 


More Trem-King details here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=20892.msg150368#msg150368

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http://www.tremking.net/products

http://www.tremking.net/videos
I obtained a Trem King Tremolo  4 years ago , but its been sitting on my shelf, never installed.
(requires specific body routing unique for TremKing

I ordered one because this unique tremolo system maintains the same string height above the GK-3 PU during whammy bar use
 

I had never tried one on a guitar until recently

I was fortunate to see Dweezil Zappa's show in LA and got backstage with Thomas Nordegg

Dweezil uses a custom Strat with Trem King Tremolo  - it allows Palm muting too, and Trem arm feels a bit like a cross between a Floyd and Kahler.
(^^ Observe removal of the "always in the way" Strat Vol knob on Dweezils Strat) 
The big discovery with Trem King is than despite the design where the strings sit on Bridge rollers below the height of the saddles  - my fear was  Palm Muting might be precarious or require learning new playing skills, but in actuality the Trem-King felt natural and very impressive. Used with locking tuners the guitar stayed in tune.


I located a Buzz Feiten Custom neck with '52 Tele profile, that can bolt on on the Fender Mexico body used on the FTP Strat         

I intend to install a trem king on one of my Fishman Tripleplay Strats.

The Trem -King Tremolo might be the best type for GK Strats or guitars with mag hex pickup  - because unlike a stock strat or floyd tremolo, with the Trem-King the string saddles do not move, so the  strings  remains at same 1mm height above the Gk PU.

   
http://www.tremking.net/videos






GuitarBuilder

It does require additional routing.......
"There's no-one left alive, it must be a draw"  Peter Gabriel 1973

Guido81

#3
The concept sounds amazing, the routing part is what scares me. I found interesting info,
they sell the templates for cutting too

Description

TREM KING TKS-3 "Fixed Bridge Vibrato", CHROME. The TKS-3 is designed for other style solid body guitars with no existing cavity route and having the correct neck angle to accept a body mounted bridge. Professional installation recommended.



The newly patented TREM KING is a vibrato system for guitar that uses a fixed bridge concept. The bridge plate is fixed to the body of the guitar. The saddles are fixed to the bridge and do not move. The intonation point and string height never change as with many other designs. All the action happens inside the guitar. And the best part is NOTHING happens until you touch the vibrato bar.



The bar inserts directly into the tone block for the best leverage. The tone block pivots back and forth to provide the vibrato action. The TREM KING is able to act as a fixed bridge because the critical balance of string tension versus spring pressure combined with the patented Tension Bar. The tone block only moves when the vibrato bar is moved. When you use the vibrato bar, the tension bar brings the tone block back to the same Zero Point time after time. Two springs are normally all that are necessary to provide this balance. This allows for very light (2 lbs.) pressure to actuate the vibrato. The feel is precise and smooth.



Along with the exclusive Grip Tip Vibrato Bar that has an adjustable rubber tip, the TREM KING is a joy to play. There is no locking nut necessary on the TREM KING. You can drop tune and not have to re-tune all the other strings. If you break a string while playing, your guitar will stay in tune and you can finish the song. The strings are easily and quickly replaced by loading through the bottom of the tone block with no cutting or special tools necessary.





*Installation instructions and a template design showing the necessary cutout is provided with each unit.***Routing is necessary on EVERY guitar when retrofitting types of vibrato systems. The routing necessary for a Trem King® installation is quite nominal compared to others.

vtgearhead

Is this device actually in production?  Their web site shows just about everything to be out of stock.

admin

#5
They 1st arrived 4 years ago - many used gear sites have inventory (Ebay, Reverb)

https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=trem%20king

http://www.tremking.net/inventory-sale


Guido81

I thought the same when I first checked their website. I just found it on ebay, they're selling it "brand new" It's very interesting for a guitar project

admin

#7
Trem King Strat Tremolo.