What is the primary material used for the saddles?

The Gotoh VS100N-HC features saddles made from high-quality steel. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to provide better sustain and resonance compared to softer alloys.

How many mounting points does this bridge use?

This bridge uses a 2-point pivot system. This design is intended to reduce friction and improve tuning stability compared to the traditional 6-screw vintage style.

Who manufactures the VS100N-HC?

The bridge is manufactured by Gotoh, a Japanese company renowned for producing professional-grade guitar hardware. It is built under license from Wilkinson.

What is the typical price for this tremolo system?

The typical price for the Gotoh VS100N-HC is approximately £102. This reflects its position as a premium, professional-grade hardware upgrade.

What type of guitar is this bridge designed for?

It is designed for ST-style electric guitars. It is most suitable for instruments already routed for a 2-point tremolo or for new builds requiring a high-performance vibrato.

Does the bridge come with all necessary mounting hardware?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a quality piece of kit that includes everything you need for installation. This typically includes the arm, studs, and screws.

How does this bridge impact tuning stability?

The precision engineering and 2-point design are specifically intended to offer world-class tuning stability. It allows the bridge to return to pitch reliably after the vibrato arm is used.

Does this bridge provide good sustain?

Yes, the combination of steel saddles and a solid mounting system is designed to maximise sustain and resonance. It ensures that string energy is efficiently transferred to the guitar body.

Is the Gotoh VS100N-HC considered a professional-grade part?

Absolutely. Gotoh has a long-standing reputation for making some of the finest guitar hardware in the world, and this model is marketed as a superior quality, professional design.

Can this bridge be used for extreme dive bombs?

While it is a non-locking tremolo, its 2-point design and high-quality construction allow for smooth and reliable vibrato action. For the best results, it should be paired with high-quality nut and tuners.

How does it compare to a standard 6-screw bridge?

The 2-point VS100N-HC generally offers smoother action and better tuning stability than a 6-screw bridge. It is a modern refinement of the original synchronised tremolo design.

What is the aesthetic finish of the components?

Each component is described as gleaming with a professional design. The high-quality finish is intended to match the premium build quality of the steel saddles and baseplate.

Gear article

Gotoh Wilkinson VS100N-HC 2-Point Tremolo

The Gotoh Wilkinson VS100N-HC is a high-performance 2-point vibrato bridge designed for ST-style electric guitars. Manufactured in Japan by Gotoh, it is widely regarded for its tuning stability, professional design, and robust steel saddle construction.

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Overview and Design

The Gotoh VS100N-HC is a premium guitar bridge that serves as a modern alternative to traditional synchronised tremolos. Built under the Wilkinson license, this unit focuses on precision engineering to eliminate the common friction points found in vintage designs. The bridge features a sleek, low-profile aesthetic where the saddles are locked down to a baseplate, ensuring maximum energy transfer from the strings to the guitar body.

Build Quality and Components

Gotoh has established a global reputation for manufacturing some of the finest guitar hardware, and the VS100N-HC reflects this standard. Every component, from the heavy-duty tremolo arm to the individual mounting screws, is designed for professional use. The inclusion of steel saddles is a key feature, providing both physical durability and a solid foundation for string vibration.

Performance and Tuning Stability

The primary objective of the VS100N-HC is to provide superior tuning stability even during heavy vibrato use. By utilising a 2-point pivot system rather than a 6-screw mount, the bridge reduces friction against the mounting studs. This allows the bridge to return to its 'zero' position more accurately. When combined with its high-quality resonance and sustain properties, it provides a reliable platform for lead and rhythm players alike.

Installation and Compatibility

The VS100N-HC is designed as a 'kit' that includes the necessary hardware for installation. It is intended for ST-style guitars routed for 2-point tremolo systems. Because it is a complete professional package, it serves as a common upgrade for players looking to replace stock bridges that suffer from poor sustain or tuning drift.

Comparison to Alternatives

While traditional 6-screw bridges offer a vintage aesthetic, the VS100N-HC prioritises mechanical efficiency. Unlike entry-level zinc-alloy bridges, the Gotoh's steel saddles offer improved wear resistance. While it does not feature the electronic modulation found in pedals like the Fender Hammertone Flanger or the pitch-shifting capabilities of a Digitech Whammy Ricochet, it provides a physical, mechanical vibrato that is fundamental to the guitar's acoustic character.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the saddles?: The Gotoh VS100N-HC features saddles made from high-quality steel. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to provide better sustain and resonance compared to softer alloys.
How many mounting points does this bridge use?: This bridge uses a 2-point pivot system. This design is intended to reduce friction and improve tuning stability compared to the traditional 6-screw vintage style.
Who manufactures the VS100N-HC?: The bridge is manufactured by Gotoh, a Japanese company renowned for producing professional-grade guitar hardware. It is built under license from Wilkinson.
What is the typical price for this tremolo system?: The typical price for the Gotoh VS100N-HC is approximately £102. This reflects its position as a premium, professional-grade hardware upgrade.
What type of guitar is this bridge designed for?: It is designed for ST-style electric guitars. It is most suitable for instruments already routed for a 2-point tremolo or for new builds requiring a high-performance vibrato.
Does the bridge come with all necessary mounting hardware?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a quality piece of kit that includes everything you need for installation. This typically includes the arm, studs, and screws.
How does this bridge impact tuning stability?: The precision engineering and 2-point design are specifically intended to offer world-class tuning stability. It allows the bridge to return to pitch reliably after the vibrato arm is used.
Does this bridge provide good sustain?: Yes, the combination of steel saddles and a solid mounting system is designed to maximise sustain and resonance. It ensures that string energy is efficiently transferred to the guitar body.
Is the Gotoh VS100N-HC considered a professional-grade part?: Absolutely. Gotoh has a long-standing reputation for making some of the finest guitar hardware in the world, and this model is marketed as a superior quality, professional design.
Can this bridge be used for extreme dive bombs?: While it is a non-locking tremolo, its 2-point design and high-quality construction allow for smooth and reliable vibrato action. For the best results, it should be paired with high-quality nut and tuners.
How does it compare to a standard 6-screw bridge?: The 2-point VS100N-HC generally offers smoother action and better tuning stability than a 6-screw bridge. It is a modern refinement of the original synchronised tremolo design.
What is the aesthetic finish of the components?: Each component is described as gleaming with a professional design. The high-quality finish is intended to match the premium build quality of the steel saddles and baseplate.