New Gotoh locking saddles?

unix-guy

unix-guy

Master of RTFM
In a random internet fashion, I stumbled on the Gotoh EV510 tremolo bridge:

https://g-gotoh.com/product/ev510t-fe/?lang=en

Then the version with locking saddles (LS)!

https://g-gotoh.com/product/ev510t-ls/?lang=en

Then I found that there's a "standard" 510T with locking saddles:

https://g-gotoh.com/product/510t-ls1/?lang=en

I then checked and found just the locking saddles available:

https://g-gotoh.com/product/ls108/?lang=en

Seems like the locking stuff was announced in September. I haven't been able to find the saddles available for sale anywhere, though.

I like the design better than the Wilkinson and being Gotoh the availability will hopefully be better once they are available.

@Andy Eagle - any experience with any of the above?
 
I think they look fine but I have only tried a demo set for a short time. It is a good design and certainly better for the strings than the Wilkinson version. The thing to remember is the clamp doesn't need to do anything more than stop the string from moving in the saddle. It is not like a floyd where it has to take the string tension and inevitability crush the winding. Gotoh are absolutely top of the game in guitar hardware these days and these are no exception. I have no idea when they will make it to market though.
 
I have the Wilkinson bridge on my Suhr. I love the tuning stability but strings do break more often at the saddle. I always make sure I have new strings before a weekend of gigs.

Definitely willing to try this bridge or the saddles.
 
rcm78 said:
I have the Wilkinson bridge on my Suhr. I love the tuning stability but strings do break more often at the saddle. I always make sure I have new strings before a weekend of gigs.

Definitely willing to try this bridge or the saddles.
Click to expand...
You could be over tightening the locks, remember you only need a little over snug. You are only making sure the string doesn't move on the saddle, the ball end is still doing the work of holding the string tension.
 
Andy Eagle said:
You could be over tightening the locks, remember you only need a little over snug. You are only making sure the string doesn't move on the saddle, the ball end is still doing the work of holding the string tension.
Click to expand...
I’ve had this guitar since 2019. I’ve tried tightening just enough. The breakage frequency is not affected. John Suhr has admitted the locking screws create a point for the string to move back and forth and eventually break.
I just make sure I have new strings on it before the weekend.
 
I've been trying to find these, no luck yet, but I'll buy a set ASAP. I have the Wilkinson ones too, but this looks like a better solution, and I really trust Gotoh.
 
rcm78 said:
I’ve had this guitar since 2019. I’ve tried tightening just enough. The breakage frequency is not affected. John Suhr has admitted the locking screws create a point for the string to move back and forth and eventually break.
I just make sure I have new strings on it before the weekend.
Click to expand...
If you look at the angle over the saddle of a strat you have the string break issue John mentioned anyway. I think as long as you don't damage the winding too much by over tightening I don't find it any worse than the same trem without the locks.
 
unix-guy said:
In a random internet fashion, I stumbled on the Gotoh EV510 tremolo bridge:

https://g-gotoh.com/product/ev510t-fe/?lang=en

Then the version with locking saddles (LS)!

https://g-gotoh.com/product/ev510t-ls/?lang=en

Then I found that there's a "standard" 510T with locking saddles:

https://g-gotoh.com/product/510t-ls1/?lang=en

I then checked and found just the locking saddles available:

https://g-gotoh.com/product/ls108/?lang=en

Seems like the locking stuff was announced in September. I haven't been able to find the saddles available for sale anywhere, though.

I like the design better than the Wilkinson and being Gotoh the availability will hopefully be better once they are available.

@Andy Eagle - any experience with any of the above?
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing that!
Gotoh is my go to for all my recent builds and mods.
 
I like the look of this design. I have a 510 with an after market set of the Wilkinson locking saddles. They keep tune really well, but I have broken a few strings since installing them. They have broken at the saddle end. I have been careful not to tighten them too much, but perhaps I'm still being too heavy handed.
 
Can't wait to try these Gotoh saddles in black when they're available. The Wilkinson locking saddles are great, but they're always out of stock and only come in chrome. Might have to run the the Gotoh both at NAMM to see if they have further info.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom