Guitar with whammy bar is a popular musical instrument that has been used by many musicians in various genres. It is a type of guitar that is equipped with a whammy bar or a tremolo arm, which allows the player to change the pitch of the notes by altering the tension of the strings. This feature is particularly useful for creating vibrato, dive bombs, and other effects that add texture and dynamics to the music.
When purchasing a guitar with whammy bar, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, the quality of the instrument is essential, as it affects the sound and playability of the guitar. The type of wood used for the body, neck, and fretboard, as well as the quality of the hardware, can significantly impact the sound and durability of the guitar. Secondly, the type of whammy bar system is also crucial, as it affects the tuning stability and ease of use of the guitar. There are different types of whammy bar systems, such as the Floyd Rose, Bigsby, and vintage-style tremolos, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
We have spent hours researching and testing various guitars with whammy bar to identify the ones that offer excellent sound quality, playability, and versatility. In the following sections, we will review some of the best guitars with whammy bar available in the market, highlighting their features, pros, and cons. Whether you are a beginner or a professional guitarist, we have included guitars that cater to different skill levels and budgets.
Best Guitars with Whammy Bar
Looking for a guitar with a whammy bar that can add some extra flair to your playing? Look no further than our roundup of the best guitars with whammy bars. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the top options available, each with their own unique features and benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to find a guitar on this list that meets your needs. So without further ado, let’s dive into the best guitars with whammy bars on the market today.
Metallor 6 String Guitar Tremolo Bridge with Whammy Bar
If you are looking for an affordable and reliable tremolo bridge with a whammy bar, the Metallor 6 String Guitar Tremolo Bridge is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Easy to install and great replacement for old or broken tremolo bridges
- High gloss chrome unit with six individually adjustable cast saddles
- Comes complete with all necessary parts, including tremolo arm, 6 fixing screws, claw & 2 screws, 3 springs, and hexagon Allen key
Cons
- In some instances, slight modifications may be required for installation
- Item’s color might be different from the picture because of the aberration
- Not suitable for guitars with non-standard string spacing or mounting hole spacing
This tremolo bridge is a great value accessory that can fit most Fender Squier or Stratocaster style guitars with a modern string spacing of 52.5mm(2.07inch). The base plate is made of steel, while the saddles and sustain block are made of diecast zinc, making it durable and sturdy. The block depth is 35mm, and the spacing between mounting holes (1-6) is 52.5mm(2.07inch).
The Metallor 6 String Guitar Tremolo Bridge is easy to install, and it comes complete with all the necessary parts, including tremolo arm, fixing screws, claw, springs, and hexagon Allen key. The high gloss chrome unit with six individually adjustable cast saddles makes it a great replacement for old or broken tremolo bridges.
Overall, if you are looking for an affordable and reliable tremolo bridge with a whammy bar, the Metallor 6 String Guitar Tremolo Bridge is a great choice. It is easy to install, comes with all the necessary parts, and is made of durable materials.
BORNMIO Electric Guitar with Whammy Bar
If you’re looking for an affordable electric guitar with a whammy bar, the BORNMIO Electric Guitar with Whammy Bar is worth considering.
Pros
- The lightweight contoured basswood body makes it easy to play for long periods of time.
- The rosewood neck and fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience.
- The tremolo allows for a wide range of whammy bar effects.
Cons
- The plastic nut may not be as durable as other materials.
- The tuning stability may require some adjustments.
- The included accessories may not be of the highest quality.
The BORNMIO Electric Guitar with Whammy Bar is a great option for beginners or anyone looking for an affordable electric guitar with a whammy bar. The lightweight body and comfortable neck make it easy to play for long periods of time, and the tremolo allows for a wide range of whammy bar effects.
One potential downside is the plastic nut, which may not be as durable as other materials. Additionally, some users may need to make some adjustments to the tuning stability. However, these issues are relatively minor and should not detract from the overall value of the guitar.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable electric guitar with a whammy bar, the BORNMIO Electric Guitar with Whammy Bar is definitely worth considering.
Raptor EP36 Junior Electric Guitar Pack
If you’re looking for a great starter guitar for your child, the Raptor EP36 Junior Electric Guitar Pack is an excellent choice with its quality construction, single humbucker, and junior size.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Equipped with a single humbucker offering rich and vibrant tones
- Sized to 3/4 scale making it easy for juniors to learn how to play guitar
Cons
- The 3W amp included in the package is small
- The quality of the guitar is not as good as more expensive models
- The guitar may require some tuning before use
The Raptor EP36 Junior Electric Guitar Pack is made of a solid basswood body with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard, making it lightweight and easy to carry. The single humbucker offers a range of rich and vibrant tones and resonance, giving your child the ability to experiment with different sounds. The guitar measures 36 inches in length and is sized to 3/4 scale, making it easy for juniors to learn how to play guitar.
The package includes a 3W amp, digital tuner, gig bag, strap, cable, replacement strings, whammy bar, and Raptor picks. While the 3W amp may be small, it is still a great addition for a beginner guitar player. The Raptor EP36 Junior Electric Guitar Pack is an excellent value for the price, and the guitar is well made, looks and sounds like an over $500 guitar.
Overall, the Raptor EP36 Junior Electric Guitar Pack is an excellent choice for parents who want to give their child a good quality guitar at an affordable price. The guitar is easy to handle, and the package includes everything your child needs to start playing right away.
Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA – Transparent Purple Burst
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly guitar with a whammy bar, the Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA is a great option.
Pros
- The licensed Floyd Rose tremolo allows for smooth and precise whammy bar use.
- The solid poplar body and maple neck provide a sturdy and durable build.
- The amaranth fingerboard and two humbucking pickups offer a great sound and playing experience.
Cons
- The plastic Floyd Rose may not be as durable as a metal one.
- Some users have reported buzzing issues.
- The placement of the arm rest may feel awkward to some players.
The Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA is a great guitar for those on a budget who still want a quality instrument. The licensed Floyd Rose tremolo allows for great whammy bar use, while the solid poplar body and maple neck provide a sturdy and durable build. The amaranth fingerboard and two humbucking pickups offer a great sound and playing experience. However, the plastic Floyd Rose may not be as durable as a metal one, and some users have reported buzzing issues. Additionally, the placement of the arm rest may feel awkward to some players. Overall, if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly guitar with a whammy bar, the Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA is a great option.
Fender Squier by Fender Affinity Series Tremolo Arm (’05-Present) Electric Guitar Part, White
If you’re looking for a replacement tremolo arm for your Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster, the Fender Squier by Fender Affinity Series Tremolo Arm is a great option.
Pros
- Fits most Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster models with a “CY” serial number manufactured from ’05-Present
- Comes with a white tremolo tip
- Chrome finish looks sleek
Cons
- May fit a little loosely in the tremolo block
- Only fits a standard 10/32 threaded tremolo block
- May not fit all Stratocaster models
The Fender Squier by Fender Affinity Series Tremolo Arm is a great replacement option for your Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster. It fits most models with a “CY” serial number manufactured from ’05-Present and comes with a white tremolo tip. The chrome finish looks sleek and will match the rest of your guitar’s hardware.
One downside is that the arm may fit a little loosely in the tremolo block, which could cause premature wear of the thread. Additionally, it only fits a standard 10/32 threaded tremolo block, so make sure your guitar has the correct size before purchasing. Finally, it may not fit all Stratocaster models, so double-check compatibility before buying.
Overall, if you need a replacement tremolo arm for your Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster, the Fender Squier by Fender Affinity Series Tremolo Arm is a solid choice.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a guitar with a whammy bar, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look for:
Type of Whammy Bar
There are two main types of whammy bars: floating and non-floating. A floating whammy bar allows you to raise and lower the pitch of all the strings at once, while a non-floating whammy bar only affects the pitch of the individual string you’re playing. Consider which type of whammy bar will work best for your playing style.
Bridge Type
The bridge of a guitar with a whammy bar can come in different types, including tremolo, hardtail, and Floyd Rose. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that suits your needs.
String Tension
The tension of the strings on a guitar with a whammy bar can affect the playability and sound of the instrument. Make sure to choose a guitar with the appropriate string tension for your playing style.
Build Quality
The build quality of the guitar is also an important factor to consider. Look for a guitar with a solid construction and quality materials to ensure it will last for years to come.
Other Features
Other features to consider include the type of pickups, the number of frets, and the overall design of the guitar. Take the time to research and compare different models to find the one that suits your needs and preferences.
In summary, when buying a guitar with a whammy bar, consider the type of whammy bar, bridge type, string tension, build quality, and other features to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of guitar has a whammy bar?
A whammy bar is typically found on electric guitars. It is not a common feature on acoustic guitars.
Can any guitar have a whammy bar?
No, not all guitars can have a whammy bar. Guitars that have a floating bridge or a tremolo system can accommodate a whammy bar.
What is the difference between a tremolo bar and a whammy bar?
Tremolo and whammy bars are often used interchangeably, but technically they are different. A tremolo bar is used to change the pitch of notes, while a whammy bar can be used to change the pitch and create various effects like dive bombs and vibrato.
How to use a whammy bar?
Using a whammy bar requires practice and skill. You can create various effects by pushing or pulling the bar up or down while playing. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
Are tremolo bars worth it?
Whether a tremolo bar is worth it depends on personal preference. Some guitarists love the added versatility and expressiveness it provides, while others find it unnecessary or even distracting.
What’s a whammy bar do on guitar?
A whammy bar allows you to change the pitch of notes and create various effects like dive bombs and vibrato. It can add a unique dimension to your playing and help you create a signature sound.
