Bass tremolo questions, Hipshot,Kahler, etc.

[sixgunner]

I've made some edits in this thread since I posted it originally about the Kahler because I ran across the Hipshot bass tremolo and I think it might be the better option and I'd like advice/input about it as well....


EDIT: I just found the hipshot tremolo, but I'm not too sure how well a floating system would play out but I assume you can set it up for a flush flat-mount as well.


Typically when I ask something like this, invariably a few people will chime in telling me: "it's best left to professionals", or "just buy a different guitar", "not worth it", etc.

Now, I've never installed one before but I'm an accomplished enough mechanic that I can do it.....but any known issues/tips are always helpful.

Am I correct in assuming that the Kahler requires significantly less routing than the hipshot?

Thanks

[XansNiceSweater]

from my limited experience, yes.

[southernrocker]

Don't forget how big a pain in the ass that hipshot would be to install. you'll have to make a pickguard to cover those springs on the rear. I installed my kahler and it was easy, there is barely any routing.

[MonkeyBass]

I own a bass with a Hip Shot and two basses with a Kahler. The Kahler is SOOOOOOOOO much better.

Reasons the Kahler is better:
a) You don't have to route all the way through the body

b) The cam system on the Kahler is very smooth, takes hardly anything to use it, and returns to center every time. Whereas the Hip Shot takes a ton of pressure to move it (but that's on a 5-string, I haven't tried the 4-string) and I could never get it to float without going out of tune (like a Fender Strat). The Hip Shot will lay flat but then you can't pull up. The Kahler will pull up, dive down, whatever and return to pitch.

c) The rollers on the bridge are really nice. They allow the strings to move fluidly.

d) They have a model that puts the roller near the center of the bridge and one that puts the roller near the front so you can easily retro fit pretty much any bass (but measure carefully).

e) The arm is nice and long and STRONG. The Hip Shot arm is thin and bends easily.

Drawback to the Kahler:
a) The saddles are very high. So depending on what bass you install it on, it might be necessary to shim the neck to get the proper neck angle to allow the strings to clear the bridge saddles. I actually had to get someone to re-machine the saddles on one of my Kahler bridges so that the strings wouldn't rub against the saddle screws.

b) Kahler only makes the cam out of brass so it seems like I have to replace it every year and a half or so because I wear out the threads for the arm.

So, in my opinion, get a Kahler and have a pro put it in simply because that neck angle is so crucial.

[fryBASS]

Originally Posted by MonkeyBass

Drawback to the Kahler:
a) The saddles are very high. So depending on what bass you install it on, it might be necessary to shim the neck to get the proper neck angle to allow the strings to clear the bridge saddles. I actually had to get someone to re-machine the saddles on one of my Kahler bridges so that the strings wouldn't rub against the saddle screws.

Yeah I'm having this problem, it's a neckthru bass so the shim option is null.
I think I'm gonna go and try to file down the end of the saddle so that I can put it down lower without the string hitting it... since I already maxed out the truss rod lol

[MonkeyBass]

Originally Posted by fryBASS

Yeah I'm having this problem, it's a neckthru bass so the shim option is null.
I think I'm gonna go and try to file down the end of the saddle so that I can put it down lower without the string hitting it... since I already maxed out the truss rod lol

I know some people will route the wood around the bridge to sink the whole thing into the body so that the rim of the bridge is flush with the face of the bass. Seems like a lot of work and definitely something you'd want a pro to do.