Babicz FCH Stratocaster Tremolo

I was looking for a more stable replacement tremolo for a recent Strat project purchase I made (ESP LTD Relic Strat). I've used the Babicz Full Contact Hardware for two other guitars (Telecasters) in the past and got great results. Based on that I decided to give the Stratocaster replacement bridge a try. The results are unbelievable.

I wasn't sure how easy or difficult it was going to be perform the replacement but to my amazement the instructions were incredibly clear, easy to follow, and the entire operation took me only about 15 minutes.

All of the parts provided are of the highest quality. Once I got the whole system installed one thing happened immediately. I picked up the guitar and it was NOTICEABLY heavier. Not in a bad way, mind you... the instrument just felt more... sturdy. I strung up the guitar with a set of D'Addario EXL120+ strings and began the ritual. Stretching the strings, putting some play time on them, re-training my hand to and getting used to the travel and feel of the trem. The tremolo and bridge system are SOLID!! The trem arm is shaped just right with a nice tip on it, and has the feel that no matter what you do it will never break.

Now usually, I have to flog on the trem and adjust the strings for about 30 minutes with a stock Fender-style six-hole trem. After about five minutes and three punishing dive-bombs the trem and guitar was in tune and pretty much unshakable. I could dive-bomb and thrash on the trem all I wanted and the guitar was staying in tune, and all without locking tuners. The only thing I did was apply some Big Bends Nut Sauce to the nut.

The block of this trem is substantially bigger and has more mass than the stock one, and comes with its own trem claw and springs which you can either use, mix with the stock parts, or dismiss altogether. I chose to mix the springs with the stock claw as I didn't want to make additional holes in the cavity. Honestly, I felt like with the addition of this bridge I had just turned a $300 guitar into a $2000 guitar.

The monster feature of this bridge though is the Babicz patented E-Cam technology that allows you to set both the intonation and the height of each string individually via a couple of allen screws (wrench provided). Even if you don't know how to set up a guitar you can adjust the string heights either via feel or eyeballing. Babicz makes it easy for you to get a great guitar setup without the need for tons of specialized tools and measurements. There are standard Phillip's screws at the back of the bridge for setting the intonation of each string individually, then there's an allen screw on the side of the bridge that tightens to lock them into place once they're all set correctly.

Babicz has obviously thought of the issues faced by standard Strat trem systems and done an excellent job of addressing them one by one. The result is a fantastic, affordable product that would be a welcome addition to just about any Strat. This is the best $100 upgrade I've ever made to any Strat. I was a fan before when I used the Telecaster bridges, but now having installed a Stratocaster version, I am a fan for life. This is a no-brainer--the product is THAT good. Really.

How long have you use it?

installed for 1 year, nothing to report, good agreement obliged, very easy installation.

Have you tried many other models before buying it?

not bad when even Gotho, Shaller ... for Gotho could not be simpler but on my guitar, I had a slight delay on the high E impossible to catch up with Gotho or spacing varies according to the modeled too.

What is the particular feature you like best and least?

what I like most:

- Required to agree
- Setting the hair c .. and lock together by the small screws
- The massive side, a solid feel
- The price (U.S. $ 118)

least:

- The Babicz printed logo, I would have preferred more discreet and engraved but will have increased its price I think its ... (Good time with the logo still patina and becomes more discrete)

How would you rate the quality / price?
With experience, you do again this choice? ...

the value for money is more than adequate, good rest of his made in china, but like many other much more expensive so make ... RAS

and yes I will do it again for choosing different color, different styles guitar (telecaster, tune-o-matic ...) and low.

C is not really a brand rependu in France, has ordered us to directly on their website, for long box, fast delivery.