Gotoh Wilkinson VS100N Modern Style Tremolo — Black (VS100N)

The Gotoh Wilkinson VS100N is a premium 2-point fulcrum tremolo manufactured in Japan by Gotoh — one of the most respected names in precision guitar hardware — to Wilkinson's modern style design. The defining feature of the VS100N is its variable mounting stud spacing — adjustable between 56mm and 57.5mm — making it compatible with USA 2-point fulcrum tremolo guitars and the majority of other 2-point fulcrum equipped instruments. Stainless steel saddles, trem arm and mounting studs, locking posts for stability and improved sustain, push-fit trem arm and complete installation hardware included. Black finish.

Variable Stud Spacing — The Key Specification

The VS100N's variable stud spacing is the specification that makes it a more universally applicable upgrade than fixed-spacing alternatives. The adjustment range covers:

Before ordering, measure the centre-to-centre distance between your guitar's existing tremolo mounting studs. If the measurement falls between 56mm and 57.5mm the VS100N is compatible with your guitar as a direct retrofit.

Gotoh Japan — Manufactured to Precision Standards

Gotoh has been manufacturing guitar hardware in Japan since 1960. Their manufacturing philosophy is characterised by tight dimensional tolerances, quality materials and the consistency that comes from decades of refinement in the same production facilities. Gotoh hardware is specified by major guitar manufacturers worldwide — including several US and European premium brands — as their hardware of choice precisely because of this consistency.

The VS100N represents Wilkinson's tremolo design executed by Gotoh's manufacturing — combining Wilkinson's decades of tremolo engineering experience with Gotoh's Japanese precision manufacture. The stainless steel saddles, trem arm and mounting studs are a reflection of this manufacturing standard — stainless steel is significantly more resistant to corrosion, wear and deformation than the chrome-plated zinc alloy components found on lower-specification tremolo bridges.

Stainless Steel Throughout — Saddles, Trem Arm and Studs

The use of stainless steel for the saddles, tremolo arm and mounting studs is a meaningful quality specification. Stainless steel offers:

• Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel does not rust or corrode under normal playing conditions — the saddles maintain their surface quality and string contact geometry over years of regular use. Chrome-plated zinc saddles eventually lose their plating and develop corrosion at the string contact point.
• Wear resistance: Stainless steel is harder than chrome-plated zinc and maintains the precisely formed string contact surface longer — preserving the intonation-affecting geometry of the saddle slot and the string contact point.
• String longevity: A clean, smooth saddle surface causes less string wear than a corroded or degraded surface — strings last longer and maintain their tone longer on quality stainless saddles.

Locking Posts — Stability, Tone and Sustain

The VS100N uses locking posts that secure the tremolo to its mounting studs — preventing the micro-movement between the bridge and studs that contributes to tuning instability and sustain loss.

On a non-locking tremolo bridge, the bridge pivots on two posts that sit in threaded studs in the guitar body. If the fit between the post and the stud has any looseness — which is common on production guitars — the bridge can shift slightly under string tension or tremolo movement. This movement has two consequences:

• Tuning instability: A bridge that can shift slightly does not return to exactly the same resting position after tremolo use — producing tuning drift
• Sustain loss: Energy that should transfer from the bridge into the guitar body is dissipated by the movement — reducing sustain and the overall resonance of the instrument

The locking posts eliminate both effects — the bridge is secured to its posts and the posts are secured to the body studs, creating a rigid, stable mechanical connection that maximises energy transfer.

Push-Fit Tremolo Arm

The VS100N uses a push-fit tremolo arm — inserted directly into the arm socket without threading. Push-fit arms have a more natural, fluid feel under the hand during playing than threaded arms, and allow the arm to be positioned at the player's preferred angle and to swing freely when not in use. The arm can be removed and reinserted quickly without threading and unthreading.

Complete Installation Hardware Included

The VS100N ships with all hardware required for installation:

• Tremolo bridge assembly with stainless steel saddles
• Mounting posts and studs
• Springs (3)
• Spring claw and mounting screws
• Tremolo arm
• All mounting screws

Professional Installation Available

Tremolo installation and setup requires correct adjustment of spring tension, tremolo angle, string height and intonation. Our workshop team at Angkor Music can install and set up the VS100N professionally. Drop your guitar into our Altona workshop or use our mail-in guitar service.

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Specifications

Expert Advice at Angkor Music

At Angkor Music Melbourne we stock Gotoh hardware and can advise on tremolo compatibility for your specific guitar before purchase. If you are unsure whether the VS100N suits your guitar's stud spacing or have questions about installation, contact us.

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