Kahler Tremolo Routing

[jsp5107]

Is it true that installing a kahler bass tremolo doesnt require you to route wood for a spring cavity? If so, whats the advantages/disadvantages to this over tremolos with spring cavities?

 

[dhuffguitars]

There is a major hole required directly under the bridge for the springs. But it is not nearly as big as the Hipshot(Strat style) spring route.

 

[jsp5107]

will the strat style spring routing allow for better bending range? I would imagine kahler wouldnt have much range because the springs are so small.

 

[Tiny Tim]

The wood removal was much less than the hipshot unit looks to be, it did not go all the way throught the body. I could go all the way down to slack strings on the fret board, past what my amp could reproduce. I was only able to go up a few steps before I started to pop strings. bass strings don't stretch up very well in my experience. Tim

 

[jsp5107]

Tim, do you have a hipshot or a kahler? If you have a hipshot, how well do they stay in tune? Im interested in purchasing one for a bass Im making with my dad.

 

[Tiny Tim]

I had a kahler trem that I added to a bass Back in the 80's, didn't have tuning problems as I remember. I think the hipshot trem looks good. I just don't think a trem is as useful for a bass as a guitar, ymmv Tim

 

[Jim T.]

Tiny Tim,
I've been thinking about a tremelo/whammy for solo playing where I might even bend one note at a time rather than whole chords...at least all the time...

Which do you feel would be more useful for that kind of playing- an electronic pitch changing effect or a whammy bar?

Thanks, Jim

 

[Tiny Tim]

Jim
I haven't used any of the pitch shifting pedals so i can't help you much there, but I would be more apt to try, barrow, rent one before I would put a trem on a bass again. But you may find that it works for you better than it did for me. Tim

 

[Jim T.]

Thanks. I'm having a bass built this year and was considering one... Thanks for your response and feedback.

Jim

 

[BoisterousClam]

I put a Kahler on my jazz bass and i love it. I have heard nothing good about the hipshots, I heard they are hard to adjust and lose tune easily. The Kahler is easy to set up and adjust to your right spacing and height. I would go for the kahler. Link Removed