For anyone looiking for an easier fix to the volume contour issue, try just clipping the treble bleed cap on the volume. That may be all that's needed.
Great playing bro! I was wondering if I could install a pro edge Floyd rose on it ? I like pushing back on the bar a lot. And would it be good for a dime bag D , humbucker ?
@@satchrules101 thanks man! I don’t believe so. The tremolo holes and post positions are probably totally different. I would research some Floyd forums just to be certain, but from my experience it’s not routed or cut for it. But I could be wrong.
I like my blue Kramer Baretta Special so much I picked up a second one from a kid, brand new not even dust on it for $100. Put a Schaller 2 point trem on it and a Floyd locking nut. Works like a charm. I have a mod for the block ill be sharing on my channel soon. Striped it EVH style, yellow stripes on blue. Its pretty.
I just got a white one and I already had A Seymour Duncan 59' and a Floyd rose ready to put on it ! When it arrived I cut the capacitor off the volume knob and lowered the action and put some decent .009's on it along with some powdered graphite.........and it's pretty much perfect ! It stays in tune remarkably well for what it is ! By far the nicest guitar I've ever bought for under $600 and considering it was under $200 I was laughing all the way to my next purchase ! If you work on your own guitars this is a winner ! With just a few easy mods it's a giggable instrument !
Question - Is there any slippage of E strings off the neck from the wider string spacing of the new Floyd? I believe Floyds E to E spacing is 54mm where the orig. trem that comes with the Baretta is 52.5mm spacing. Asking because I'm thinking of adding a Floyd to mine as well, but this is a concern.
For a guitar at $179.00, it doesn't sound or look bad, I personally think Kramer have been making great affordable guitars & I think I might purchase one since I perfer single pickup guitars 😎
Before I found about these, I started a parts caster build to put a SD Frankenstein pickup in. I almost never use the neck pickup, so why have the magnetic pull there. This Kramer seems like it would be a really good mod platform, especially for the price.
I got this same guitar (even the color) and did some upgrades. I installed a Dimarzio Super Distortion, changed the tunners for lock-ins, and changed the volume knob for an audio knob (the one that comes with it is more linear). I didn't knew about the treble bleed cap trick, but it didn't cost me much either. The problem in the bridge are the springs, not the bridge itself (at least it worked for me with that change). Now, it's just awesome. The neck on this thing feels super comfortable, and they did a very good job on the frets. They feel really smooth, which surprised me because there are guitars 8, 9 times the price of this one, and when you do a bend, it feels like you're using sandpaper on them. I really love my "super strat" 😂. Thank you so much for this video, my friend. God bless you.
For anyone who wants to make the stock bridge MUCH BETTER and make it float, I recommend these screws I bought on ebay. The listing is "(6) Slotted - Notched / PRS Style / Stainless Guitar Tremolo Screws / New" They are $18.95 and very much worth it. They have a larger notch which works well with the stock Baretta bridge. Mine floats so I can dive bomb and pull up. And you'll be able to dive more. At some point a longer 41mm block will help the springs clear the body, these screws allow more travel. You'll be happy.
Cool stuff dude. Just bought a white one of these. I'm gonna do a lot of upgrades like yourself but i plan on sanding the finish down to a nice satin finish and doin a killer EVH tribute. I can draw and paint really well so this will be my canvas for the next few months. Thanks for the video man
With that 6 point bridge pick up some PRS screws, they work with knife edge bridges like you bought, works with the stock bridge too. You can float it, much better trem action and tuning stability. Replace the saddle springs with M3 nuts, itll hold the saddles solid like a Floyd, much more stable.
I used very small washers to basically achieve the same effect you're talking about. It's a little bit of trial and error but once you have the intonation dialed in the washers help hold the saddles tight.
I've heard most people are removing the capacitor, saucing the nut and removing one spring and lowering the pickup. And it plays great. I'm gonna order one. Awesome video bro 👍 Thanks for the tutorial 👍
Red, white, blue here. I want the yellow and then do the Zak Wylde bumble bee target. 🐝 Im keeping the stick bridge on one of the 3 because I like the saddles and pivot point. But I remove the 2 center screws completely and add countersunk screws because they keep the bridge down better than leaving screws slightly up, and allow full divebombs. I bought brass screws because thats what they had but stainless would be tougher. The bridge angles during dive bombs why have a flat screw on it?
Got the purple one here as well as the Ruby Red (previously owned the black and white models) and after a couple mods and a lot of break-in period playing totally satisfied! Fun factor is through the roof🤙🏼
Marty, I just filed my patent yesterday and can begin manufacturing my product. I have a string locking block that solves tuning instability issues with heavy trem usage. I've tested it on 3 different Baretta's with great success. Just swap out your block with mine. Works.
Dave,you have any good ideas on how to keep this baby in tune better? I Have the exact one that Marty has thank you for any help. I Checked on having a Floyd installed, Sweetwater quoted $498. Plus $ 150. Setup fee.I haven't even figured in shipping yet.
@@mmikeyhignight8573Hi Mikey, to get the most out of any trem system, having both ends lockable works best. The most string slippage or drag can be found on the headstock, so I start there. I prefer Floyd Rose or Gotoh locking nuts. Once you lock the nut, you'll see more problems at the bridge. Several drag points, at the pivot, at the saddle, at the hole on the bridge plate, then the string bore & ball. PRS notched screws and my Lok Blok has eliminated bridge instability no matter how you abuse your trem. The stock bridge is actually pretty decent. My new Lok-Blok locks the strings just below the bridge plate. For under $100 you've got a tremolo system which works like a Floyd, you'd be happy. My guitars all stay in tune no matter how hard I use my trem. LOK-BLOK + Floyd nut + PRS screws. VIOLA
i got the candy blue as well really like it to its sweet my volume pot has alot of respose not sure why everyone else has had a problem with it but mine is perfect
Awesome man! I love this guitar. The issue I was having with the volume pot was that it changed the tone when rolling back on it and trying to play clean. Just a personal taste. 😎👍
Great video, and great explanation of your upgrades i saw a few videos with the addition of a vega tremelo, does the Kramer’s baretta need locking tuners? I contacted a guitar tech and he said once you had a decent nut on the guitar it shouldn’t be an issue
Hello Marty. Wow what nice upgrade. I have just gotten my Kramer Baretta Special! Very happy and A dream that came true! I watched this video and you are really right about the needed changes on this guitar, bridge that comes with a very hard tremolo, impossible to use. I took out one spring that made it a little bit easier to use. Next steps, following your suggestions I will change the tone pod, the bridge bar ( lol - the cracker jack box - for me the best comment ), and I hope it will work better. So far, one of the best guitar with a fantastic humbucker with an amazing song. (the only negative point on the guitar color that is not the same on the website. they should change the name from purple to magenta. But it is beautiful. Great tips Marty. Thank you so much for all! Greetings from Brazil!!
Hi Marty..FYI I have always used a D string to file the nut slots..it works pretty good if they arent too high...Thanks .Dave..PS I still have my old 83 Pacer..The first guitar that came stock with a Floyd...when i see that body shape...I remember I havent played it in over 15 yrs,,,Thanks again
Hi..I usually use a D string and angle it to where i think it needs it..gauge would be 024-026...go slow and check it ..not the best way...i saw a video lately where a guy was doing this lol@@jamesstewart1794
just got the red one today from sweetwater can't wait for it to get here I'm gonna mod it up with a seymour duncan 1st then check out the pots and a Floyd it's going to be fun I love my les paul but want to step back into the 80s
I’ve heard it’s really good! I decided to replace mine just in case. I had it before the guitar arrived. I think a heavier block does add to the resonance but it’s probably super minimal lol.
Great guitar, I've got two, the blue and vintage white. The $179 price is the old stock price, once they are gone, $199 will be the price, thanks inflation. At any rate, the pot is fine, but the cap only treble bleed causes the issue with the volume being on/off. So, if you get one, clip the cap from the volume pot. I did replace mine with audio taper 500k pots and put a resistor/capacitor treble bleed in place, not necessary, but I like treble bleed circuit to keep it a little brighter when rolling off the volume.
Very nice guitar and cool upgrades. Personally I guess I would have gone the other way: block the bridge and put locking tuners. Otherwise same as you: change the pot, file the nut, these are simple improvements but with a major result. Nice job!
Marty, thank you for this informative video. I do have a quick question, however, if you'd be so kind to help me out... my strings seem to be binding in the nut, so I plan on using some sandpaper, like you do in this video, to smooth out the nut slots a little bit to give the strings more space to move. Is there any particular method to this? Or is it just as simple as it looks on the video - you just rub the folded sandpaper in the nut slot a few times? Would be grateful to hear from you. Cheers, Jordan
I also bought this blue one. Interestingly the blue one had the capacitor, the White one didn't. Both of mine came with 10s strings and I hate them. They seem dead. I've seen some say there's came with 9's. I bought a couple packs of Erie Ball 9's and will be changing them. I removed the 3rd spring. I replaced the claw screws because they were absolute crap, the Phillips head stripped immediately. I bought some block chromium US Made screws, and drilled the holes deeper. My claw was about 3/8" from the body so I needed more adjustment because the bridge was beyond floating. The action on the White guitar near the nut was close, about .10~.09"@ the 1st fret with the 3rd held down. I adjusted the bridge because I hate high actions. I will be replacing the pot as well. The nut on the blue one needed to be filed because the action was way too high. Same guitar, different setup and QA. For the money the fit and finish is excellent, all of the effort was put into the quality of the neck and body, which is what really matters. The pickup sounds great for me.
Just got mine in white. It sounds an plays awesome! It just doesn’t stay in tune very long. But I was already planning on changing the hardware color to black. So all the more reason to mod it out. Awesome review as well!
Based on the videos I've seen, Kramer needs to ship these Barettas with two springs, not three and fix the volume problem. It's intriguing why they haven't done this already.
Sounds great!.... I think the Korean pot had that cap on it which was interfering with the taper.... but yea, I would have just replaced the whole thing too... It really is the best thing you can do with $200 period...
Yeh, I got the volume pot when the guitar was being shipped. I figured I’d be safer just getting a CTS pot for $7 and be prepared. It’s an easy swap so I’d rather have the CTS one. I was shocked the stock volume pot was not one of those tiny chinsey pots you get on a lot of import guitars. Lol
Sung IL made stuff for Wilkinson and they were bought out by Washburn... Not sure if they are any good. I think you made a good call changing that out. Sounds good now though! Huzzah! 😁
Hmmm interesting! Yeh that SUNG bridge was so thin there was only a micro shaving left of scrap metal left between the string hole and the edge. Many cheap genders are the same way. Not bad, just not great. Keeps cost down and guitars affordable. Cheap and easy fix for the masses.
Just so you know, when you adjust the string heights on those Fender bridges, you need to tweak the little Allen screws so that the bottom of the saddles sits parallel with the front surface of the bridge plate, and not leaning to one side or the other, stops the strings sliding from side to side on those saddles.
Hey Marty, I watched the video when it was first posted but have just re-watched as I'm debating about getting one. You've made my mind up and I'll do those mods too as you say most comments are the same when it comes to the weaknesses. Cheap guitar though so kinda expect to do these things.😀
Thanks Jon. I really appreciate the comment and compliment. I love this guitar too. It’s spectacular, and I think one of that e eat values out there. Especially for us EVH guys!
The pickup in this guitar sounds really good too!..That is the most important component. ..I know how people talk about "Tone Woods", Nitro vs Poly , PIO caps etc and pay huge money for these...They are WAY further down the food chain when it comes to tone compared to a pickup. A Les Paul loaded with Strat single coils will sound MUCH closer to a Strat than a Strat that's PAF loaded which sounds not remotely close . ...Nice Demo Marty.
Only thing that let's this guitar down are the tuners and tremolo and maybe the pot.... The pickup is pretty decent and the neck is nice too.. had mine about a year and half and now it's going to get an Eddie makeover🤘😆🤘
Great review and bonus points for the GasMonkey T-shirt too im a car and guitar guy myself 😂 i just got the purple Baretta because it looked so 80s to me but for the life of me i cannot take a picture of it where it doesnt look pink (its the colour of the cartoon Barney), however its an unbelievable guitar for the money i just snipped the capacitor off the pot and removed the middle spring on the stock trem and a graphite nut, it is a whole new guitar 😍👌
Dude the more I look at the purple the more I like it! In hindsight I think I could have stretched the strings better and kept the original bridge. Also I could have snipped the cap off the pot. But I ordered my parts when the guitar was being shipped. I think I just wanted a project! As us Gas Monkeys like to tinker with stuff! 😎 Congrats on your purchase man! Rock on!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker haha thanks man! Thats exactly it theyre great guitars for hotrodding! I'll be swapping tuners and bridge etc eventually but thought i would first see what i can achieve with the originals, i respray cars for a living too so may respray this a slightly darker metalflake purple for extra 80s points 😎🤘
I bought the purple one too and I absolutely love it. You just can't beat it especially for the price. Looking into putting a DP100 pickup on it and seeing what else I can upgrade to make it even greater. Even though I don't think I've played a better guitar out of the box in this price range. I took cannot take a pic of it without it looking pink either lol glad I'm not the only one who has that issue 😂 anyone know how easy it would be to put a floating Floyd rose on it?
I just ordered a ruby red blemish model from ams for 149 dollars . I was gonna change out the chrome hardware to all black . And possibly change out the pickup to a duncan invader as I already have it .
I just picked up a used one today and all of the tuning nuts on the pegs were loose. Snug those down it will help with tuning along with some graphite.
Imo, the maple neck on this guitar compliments the overall sound. A bit more slap and sustain than with a rosewood neck. Also, compliments and responds well with dudes playing. Sounds great, rock on!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker I'm actually leaning towards getting one when I get paid this weekend, and do all the fun mod things to it, do a vid of it, and throw it up on my channel! 🤓🤘🏻 Always love taking on a new project, this little bad boy just brings my love of Thrash to light lol
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker just got it the other day.playing through my marshall code 25 combo amp.love it.you got to get the marshall code 25 combo.you will love it.trust me.
Hey there, it was a Fender Vintage Tremelo for $29 at Sam Ash. Here’s a link for Sweetwater. Better price. Same thing! www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?mrkgadid=3331288751&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=guitars&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046938601045&lid=92700046938601045&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283398302&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=525073936057&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013119&creative=332063179836&targetid=aud-297527862170:pla-525073936057&campaignid=1708733954&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAgvKQBhBbEiwAaPQw3Nf1nBO-wk3rK80Zp9CRepnpPoutfawKqbC9Z8EgjsSXHmy9JvfDiRoCOA4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Thanks for the nice comment! 😎🎶
I just bought the same model but never preformed any mods but these look easy enough. adjusting for intonation after the bridge install scares me though. any advice u could give would be appreciated. also if i am not asking for the world aleady, could u be so kind to maybe linking to the parts u bought? thanks for the video!
Hey man! Yeh the bridge I got was a Mexican fender bridge. And I replaced the pot with a standard 500 K pot. You can save the money and just clip the “chiclet” condenser off of the volume pot. Here’s the bridge. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3250494488&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=brand&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046937728350&lid=92700046937728350&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283819379&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=375141381286&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=228658011803&targetid=pla-375141381286&campaignid=741659211&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh-KypZbh-QIVvMiUCR3HWgL0EAQYAiABEgIgGPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Great video! (You're out doing mine) lol These guitars are hot right now. I'm getting lots of hits on my video. I did the CTS pot too but really all that is needed is to remove that capacitor and the Korean pot will function properly. I opted to replace just the block in the trem but I don't use my bar anyhow. I swapped the pickup and tuners too although not really needed to get by as that pickup is really good.
Thank you! I’ll check your video out man. I had my order being shipped so I just decided I’d get the pot just in case it was needed. I was surprised the Korean volume pot was a bigger style pot. I am hoping the CTS one will last longer so I decided to replace it. And now so have I have a back up haha. I thankfully resisted on getting new tuners. Decided to check out the stock ones and they are nice! I also agree, the pickup is excellent! I was pleasantly surprised.
It rings out pretty good. That's one of my tests for a really good guitar. How loud and how much do electric guitars Ring when you strum them unplugged. It's a good indicator of a well designed and built instrument
Another question, where did you out the stress when sanding the nut? All.over or.more on the extremities on the edges of the.nut openings? Also did you use a pencil or grafite powder? Have set up meanwhile with the new fender standard temolo, evented some higher frest and gave them all a good shiny polish, so far so good..perfect low action now and good tone..but tuning still goes sharp after tremolo use...so far only filed the nut a bit with the old strings (using them to sand a bit) and put graph in from a pencel..but seems not to be sufficient...
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Didn't had it floating too, cause i want to be able to go to drop D tuning fast, but that didn't help. So did a bit moren sanding but with 1500 grid to really smooth things out and then made a mix of lipwax and synthetic household all purpose oil and that did the job to be able to do some limited tremolo work without going out of tune. Fixed some high frets and polished them all up to 12000 grid, really makes bents butter smooth. So now she ready to rock ;-)
Great work on the video, man! I was wondering if the new bridge body takes up so much more room in the cavity that it limits your dive travel - or can you get all the way down?
Loosen the screws on the claw a few turns and then tune up. It will start to lower. If not low enough then loosen the screws some more … tune it it. Check the level. Repeat until you find the sport you want. If the string start to touch the fret board loosen the truss rod a little. This probably won’t be a issue though. But just in case.
Hi, good video!! I would like to do the same thing as you and replace the bridge for a Fender one and i would like to know witch one you choose?? on the Amazon website there's so many width to choose??
@@imelvino sure. Really it was just a 500k pot for $10 and this bridge. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3250494488&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=brand&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046937728350&lid=92700046937728350&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283819379&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=375141381286&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=228658011803&targetid=pla-375141381286&campaignid=741659211&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI78SI18bQ9wIVqMqUCR0E-gCoEAQYAiABEgLQaPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Best GD guitar you can buy for the money, even with $100 in mods it kicks the hell out of a squier. I have a Kramer snake Sabo aa well and besides the trem i like thr special almost aa much .Thanks for this video, I'm gonna do same things to my new one!
Marty, so bummed out, as the one I ordered also Candy Blue arrived yesterday, but the fret sprout was so bad I just can't accept it and plan to return it asap.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Yeah, I've done that before on a strat I had, but just not gonna deal with it with a brand new guitar. It should not have been shipped this way IMO.
Cool vid, Marty, and you're a great player! I enjoyed this, and I'm subbing. I just picked one of these up last week - got the candy blue one, same as yours. I really like it, and you're right - for the cash... you just can't beat it. Mine has pretty bad fret sprout. I'm going to have to file the fret ends. That sucks. Otherwise, it's a great guitar, and I should have some fun with it. In retrospect, I should have bought it from Sweetwater, since they unbox them and go over them. Decided to give AMS a shot this time. That was a mistake, but AMS guaranteed it in 2 days - in time for last weekend. LOL That was a bad decision! Anyway, it's good to find your channel Bro! Keep on rockin.'
Thank you so much! I love me little Kramer Baretta Special man! Fret sprout is an easy fix. Heck mine may sprout as the seasons change. They do that! I think these guitars are a fabulous deal. And they look and play amazing. I was actually shocked at how good they are. Congrats on the new axe dude. Shred on! 🎶🎶🎶😎
Thats a hell of a deal for the Kramer, I like the upgrades you did as well. Did you upgrade the pickups? I was looking to get this guitar from zzounds,
Hello Marty, late to the game here but I also have a Kramer Baretta, in the dreaded purple, lol. Excellent machine for the money. I'd eventually like to get the Ruby Red and Blue Candy you have as well, problem is I'm running out of room on the walls here with what I already have. But I have a bone to pick with Kramer, they've recently released this model in Bumblebee Yellow...and I love yellow guitars. But they jacked up the price to an insane level, almost 1200 Canadian. Just because it's yellow. I love yellow guitars but not to that extent. Shame on them for such an obvious money grab.
I'm glad I just found this channel. I'm pulling the trigger. Going for an explorer. Do I get epi. Prophesy or do I spend the bucks and go original gib.
such a kickass guitar only thing i swapped was i put a grapth tech nut, put a seymour duncan jb (my preference stock pickup would do fine probably) and put a mxr style knob as a homage to the great king edward!! cheapest guitar i own one of the best sounding and SUPER comfortable... the bridge and tuners stay in tune Perfectly (not sure how much thats to do with the graphtech nut and good strings... but even when i use the trem stays in tune its not floating it can only go down i adjusted it so its not super loose... but it works... oh and make sure to SNIP THE "TREBLE BLEED" that will make u wanna return the guitar its like a on off switch
I have one also, put in a Duncan leesona wound, locking tuners, set it up a bit, plays great, great guitar for the price. I do have other gear and play a lot, have small studio, but the I also grabbed the blue one lol the purple was cool but the blue called more
Hi Marty another question on the Baretta special, i made the same bridge up grade as you and further put on a tusq xl nut and a JB and some locking tuners, but i noticed that the guitar seems to resonate very hard when playing the A note , fretted or open string, givng thie major low mid push, dod you notice the same in yours? Thx Ken
Thanks so much! This is the one I got. 👍👍 www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3250494488&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=brand&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046937728350&lid=92700046937728350&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283819379&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=375141381286&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=228658011803&targetid=pla-375141381286&campaignid=741659211&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh9a5itOB-gIVrBfUAR0tkgQmEAQYAiABEgIeJvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
As a starting point usually 250k pots for single coil and 500k for humbuckers👍 250's on a humbucker will deaden and muddy the sound but it's all about your taste in sound at the end of the day🤘😆🤘
The only things I am going to change on the guitar is the plastic nut to a graph tusk, and the tuners to locking tuners... I really liked the pickup and won't be changing it, how many mm is the 500k volume pot you got?
Great video and thanks for the tips. In regards to the Fender bridge, which model exactly is it - the Fender "Vintage Style" or Fender "American Style" bridge? I assume from the price you mentioned it is indeed the Vintage Style, but please do tell! 🙂
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Thanks for that information! So, I assume the string spacing on the Fender Vintage bridge is the same as the El Cheapo bridge the guitar ships with?
Question about the bridge, I plan on putting 5 springs on the claw and block and not using the tremolo at all, would it still be beneficial to upgrade? Also I plan on putting a cts 500k pot in and switchcraft jack and using the cloth covered wire. I love dimarzio super distortion pickups, how is this pickup in comparison?
If day you wouldn't see a big different at all setting the bridge up like that vs getting a new one. I'm sure that super distortion would have a lot more sizzle and fire than the stock pickup in the special. I like the pickup in the special, but it's not awesome. You'd probably see a lot more definition in the mids and highs. 🙌
Sure. Bridge : www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3250494488&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=brand&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046937728350&lid=92700046937728350&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283819379&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=375141381286&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=228658011803&targetid=pla-375141381286&campaignid=741659211&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3IbLuen4-QIVEm1vBB3LVABkEAQYAiABEgJn-PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds On the volume pot… it’s a good one in the guitar. Clip the little transistor off of it. The chiclet looking thing
Very nice. I am looking for a nice and lightweight guitar, almost pulled the trigger but someone told me theirs weighs 8.5 lbs! This thin small guitar 8.5, no way. What do you think of the weight?
sweet guitar bro! eddie was a kramer fan anyway from wayyy back hey! they have the purple model at the local music store here...only other upgrade i can think of is to get that guitarfetish "EVH brown sound" humbucker and put a coilsplitter switch on it...stealthy on/off/on slider switch mounted on the back cover lol! this way you have 3 tones with 1 humbucker... i put some guitarmadness "hotrod" zebra h/b kit in a douglas tele clone with the bridge coilsplit...slider on the back cover and its a beast now!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Going for the strat tremolo was such a nice move! Plus it looks sharp with all the little “fender” words stamped in. I bought one to make a 5150 out of and am in the middle of it now.
Hello Marty, I bought the same Kramer Beretta Special,. But mine is the Red , ? I was wanting to do same thing to mine ,. I went to stew Mac .. didn't see anything like ya had. ? .can you give me the information on that .. new standard tremblo ,. Volume Pot. ? 5ook ? From Fender or stew Mac ??? ....
Thank you. If it were me I would get the stock Fender bridge with the six screw holes on top. Mine was $29 at Sam Ash. You don’t need the claw and springs. You will need a tremolo bar because the one that comes with the Kramer won’t work, it has a different thread pattern. Go to guitar center or Sam Ash and pick one up. Or Stratoshere on line. They sell great new parts cheap and they ship super fast.
Hi, question what is the exact type of fender tremolo you put in? I bought a Wilkinson st style trem to replace the standard trem, but the mounting screws don't line up, a couple milimetres.off....so.now looking for a model that does fit..thx
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker haven t played yet, some more work to do, 1 fret needs to be levelled all to be polished and will also file the nut a bit so the tuning will improve
@@kenweckhuysen9264 cool, should work out fine. I added some graphite to the nut to just to help. You could try but sauce too. Either way sounds like you got a little work but all will be good!
Yes! Total difference in the pot, and the bridge really resonates better. There’s more body in the sound. The strings are anchored with much more stability.
For anyone looiking for an easier fix to the volume contour issue, try just clipping the treble bleed cap on the volume. That may be all that's needed.
You are 100% correct. Thank you. 😎
So just cut the red cap off completely and it works?
@@ThrashMetalAJM yeh, you can just snip a wire on the cap 👍
Great playing bro! I was wondering if I could install a pro edge Floyd rose on it ? I like pushing back on the bar a lot. And would it be good for a dime bag D , humbucker ?
@@satchrules101 thanks man! I don’t believe so. The tremolo holes and post positions are probably totally different. I would research some Floyd forums just to be certain, but from my experience it’s not routed or cut for it. But I could be wrong.
I like my blue Kramer Baretta Special so much I picked up a second one from a kid, brand new not even dust on it for $100. Put a Schaller 2 point trem on it and a Floyd locking nut. Works like a charm. I have a mod for the block ill be sharing on my channel soon.
Striped it EVH style, yellow stripes on blue. Its pretty.
My Purple one. ruclips.net/user/shortskMcJoeX4RDA?si=o0JQ_IxJSpiU7dA0
My Blue one. ruclips.net/video/Lj5Jr3B5ZEA/видео.htmlsi=_BJ6fg6GQJosqwTo
I just got a white one and I already had A Seymour Duncan 59' and a Floyd rose ready to put on it ! When it arrived I cut the capacitor off the volume knob and lowered the action and put some decent .009's on it along with some powdered graphite.........and it's pretty much perfect ! It stays in tune remarkably well for what it is ! By far the nicest guitar I've ever bought for under $600 and considering it was under $200 I was laughing all the way to my next purchase ! If you work on your own guitars this is a winner ! With just a few easy mods it's a giggable instrument !
I completely agree. Such a great value and amazing guitar. Small upgrades with big pay offs. I can’t believe the quality for the cost.
Question - Is there any slippage of E strings off the neck from the wider string spacing of the new Floyd? I believe Floyds E to E spacing is 54mm where the orig. trem that comes with the Baretta is 52.5mm spacing. Asking because I'm thinking of adding a Floyd to mine as well, but this is a concern.
Sick guitar but I'm really loving that wood floor. Looks great.
Thanks! I appreciate the comment. It’s tone wood! Lol. 😎
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker that's pretty quick
Я8я8я8 ц. Вцч. Ц1Ц1ц1цц1
For a guitar at $179.00, it doesn't sound or look bad, I personally think Kramer have been making great affordable guitars & I think I might purchase one since I perfer single pickup guitars 😎
Before I found about these, I started a parts caster build to put a SD Frankenstein pickup in. I almost never use the neck pickup, so why have the magnetic pull there. This Kramer seems like it would be a really good mod platform, especially for the price.
I got this same guitar (even the color) and did some upgrades. I installed a Dimarzio Super Distortion, changed the tunners for lock-ins, and changed the volume knob for an audio knob (the one that comes with it is more linear). I didn't knew about the treble bleed cap trick, but it didn't cost me much either. The problem in the bridge are the springs, not the bridge itself (at least it worked for me with that change). Now, it's just awesome. The neck on this thing feels super comfortable, and they did a very good job on the frets. They feel really smooth, which surprised me because there are guitars 8, 9 times the price of this one, and when you do a bend, it feels like you're using sandpaper on them. I really love my "super strat" 😂. Thank you so much for this video, my friend. God bless you.
Hey man! Love these guitars! Have 3 of them and can't stop playing them.
Hey Johnny! They are super fun guitars. Great too. Love em.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Hope all is well! Just got a few of these.
@@JohnnyBeane all so great my friend. We need to hang again sometime soon. 😎🤟🏻
For anyone who wants to make the stock bridge MUCH BETTER and make it float, I recommend these screws I bought on ebay.
The listing is "(6) Slotted - Notched / PRS Style / Stainless Guitar Tremolo Screws / New"
They are $18.95 and very much worth it. They have a larger notch which works well with the stock Baretta bridge. Mine floats so I can dive bomb and pull up. And you'll be able to dive more. At some point a longer 41mm block will help the springs clear the body, these screws allow more travel. You'll be happy.
big difference in parts! I changed about everything! the bridge I just made set. since I don't real use tremolo! thanks marty!
Cool stuff dude. Just bought a white one of these. I'm gonna do a lot of upgrades like yourself but i plan on sanding the finish down to a nice satin finish and doin a killer EVH tribute. I can draw and paint really well so this will be my canvas for the next few months. Thanks for the video man
With that 6 point bridge pick up some PRS screws, they work with knife edge bridges like you bought, works with the stock bridge too. You can float it, much better trem action and tuning stability. Replace the saddle springs with M3 nuts, itll hold the saddles solid like a Floyd, much more stable.
I used very small washers to basically achieve the same effect you're talking about. It's a little bit of trial and error but once you have the intonation dialed in the washers help hold the saddles tight.
I've heard most people are removing the capacitor, saucing the nut and removing one spring and lowering the pickup. And it plays great. I'm gonna order one. Awesome video bro 👍 Thanks for the tutorial 👍
It's a great guitar, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. And you can't beat it for the cost!
Yeah I removed the capacitor….100% better
@@PurpleRecords1972 easy fix. Big results man!
@David Stoddard I bought the blue one and the black one because of your video. Lol 😆 I got both hanging on the wall 👍
I’ve got the ruby red, white, black and purple guitars. These are awesome guitars.
Wow. You have a whole family!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker yeah, all but the blue. I love one pickup guitars.
@@matthewsmith3113 me too! Pure power and tone.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker that’s right!!
Red, white, blue here. I want the yellow and then do the Zak Wylde bumble bee target. 🐝
Im keeping the stick bridge on one of the 3 because I like the saddles and pivot point. But I remove the 2 center screws completely and add countersunk screws because they keep the bridge down better than leaving screws slightly up, and allow full divebombs. I bought brass screws because thats what they had but stainless would be tougher. The bridge angles during dive bombs why have a flat screw on it?
Love the content Marty! I bought one of these for Christmas and it plays really good!
Thanks Garrett, I appreciate the comment! I really think these guitars are amazing and such a great value!
Got the purple one here as well as the Ruby Red (previously owned the black and white models) and after a couple mods and a lot of break-in period playing totally satisfied! Fun factor is through the roof🤙🏼
I totally agree. These little shredders kick ass and are a blast! They play and sound great. And look even better! $199!!!! No brainer man. 😎🤟🏻
Marty, I just filed my patent yesterday and can begin manufacturing my product. I have a string locking block that solves tuning instability issues with heavy trem usage. I've tested it on 3 different Baretta's with great success. Just swap out your block with mine. Works.
Dave,you have any good ideas on how to keep this baby in tune better? I Have the exact one that Marty has thank you for any help. I Checked on having a Floyd installed, Sweetwater quoted $498. Plus $ 150. Setup fee.I haven't even figured in shipping yet.
@@mmikeyhignight8573Hi Mikey, to get the most out of any trem system, having both ends lockable works best. The most string slippage or drag can be found on the headstock, so I start there. I prefer Floyd Rose or Gotoh locking nuts. Once you lock the nut, you'll see more problems at the bridge. Several drag points, at the pivot, at the saddle, at the hole on the bridge plate, then the string bore & ball. PRS notched screws and my Lok Blok has eliminated bridge instability no matter how you abuse your trem. The stock bridge is actually pretty decent. My new Lok-Blok locks the strings just below the bridge plate. For under $100 you've got a tremolo system which works like a Floyd, you'd be happy. My guitars all stay in tune no matter how hard I use my trem.
LOK-BLOK + Floyd nut + PRS screws. VIOLA
i got the candy blue as well really like it to its sweet my volume pot has alot of respose not sure why everyone else has had a problem with it but mine is perfect
Awesome man! I love this guitar. The issue I was having with the volume pot was that it changed the tone when rolling back on it and trying to play clean. Just a personal taste. 😎👍
Damn , I really shouldn't buy another guitar this year , but I really love these ! Thanks Marty , loving your work .
Thank you! Dude it’s totally worth it. Splurge! 😂
Simple but great work that improved the guitar a lot. Congrats man.
Thanks man!
Great video, and great explanation of your upgrades i saw a few videos with the addition of a vega tremelo, does the Kramer’s baretta need locking tuners? I contacted a guitar tech and he said once you had a decent nut on the guitar it shouldn’t be an issue
Hello Marty. Wow what nice upgrade. I have just gotten my Kramer Baretta Special! Very happy and A dream that came true! I watched this video and you are really right about the needed changes on this guitar, bridge that comes with a very hard tremolo, impossible to use. I took out one spring that made it a little bit easier to use. Next steps, following your suggestions I will change the tone pod, the bridge bar ( lol - the cracker jack box - for me the best comment ), and I hope it will work better. So far, one of the best guitar with a fantastic humbucker with an amazing song. (the only negative point on the guitar color that is not the same on the website. they should change the name from purple to magenta. But it is beautiful. Great tips Marty. Thank you so much for all! Greetings from Brazil!!
Hi Marty..FYI I have always used a D string to file the nut slots..it works pretty good if they arent too high...Thanks .Dave..PS I still have my old 83 Pacer..The first guitar that came stock with a Floyd...when i see that body shape...I remember I havent played it in over 15 yrs,,,Thanks again
That’s a great idea man! Thanks for the tip!! 😎
What gauge ?
Hi..I usually use a D string and angle it to where i think it needs it..gauge would be 024-026...go slow and check it ..not the best way...i saw a video lately where a guy was doing this lol@@jamesstewart1794
just got the red one today from sweetwater can't wait for it to get here I'm gonna mod it up with a seymour duncan 1st then check out the pots and a Floyd it's going to be fun I love my les paul but want to step back into the 80s
Awesome. Have fun, you'll enjoy it for sure 😎🎸
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker ROCK ON
just delivered but it's so fn hot here in Sacramento I can't take it to the garage until tonight when it's only 108 degrees 😮
I just picked up one at a pawn shop I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a Floyd. Thanks so much I going with the fender bridge
The stock bridge works fine. If you put the strings on right and chapstick on the nut, it stays in tune even with heavy whammy use.
I’ve heard it’s really good! I decided to replace mine just in case. I had it before the guitar arrived. I think a heavier block does add to the resonance but it’s probably super minimal lol.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Great video, btw!
@@danocatster thank you! I’m trying to release some solid content best I can. 😎🎶🎶
Great guitar, I've got two, the blue and vintage white. The $179 price is the old stock price, once they are gone, $199 will be the price, thanks inflation. At any rate, the pot is fine, but the cap only treble bleed causes the issue with the volume being on/off. So, if you get one, clip the cap from the volume pot. I did replace mine with audio taper 500k pots and put a resistor/capacitor treble bleed in place, not necessary, but I like treble bleed circuit to keep it a little brighter when rolling off the volume.
I just picked up a blemish model from ams for 149.00 I'm planing on doing upgrades to it
@@buffdaddy2032
Great catch! Congrats!
Very nice guitar and cool upgrades.
Personally I guess I would have gone the other way: block the bridge and put locking tuners. Otherwise same as you: change the pot, file the nut, these are simple improvements but with a major result. Nice job!
Thank you man! 🙏☮️
Marty, thank you for this informative video.
I do have a quick question, however, if you'd be so kind to help me out... my strings seem to be binding in the nut, so I plan on using some sandpaper, like you do in this video, to smooth out the nut slots a little bit to give the strings more space to move. Is there any particular method to this? Or is it just as simple as it looks on the video - you just rub the folded sandpaper in the nut slot a few times?
Would be grateful to hear from you.
Cheers,
Jordan
I have the purple version of this guitar and modded it with some locking tuners and a Vega-Trem. I love it!
I was thinking bout a Vega trem , but it cost more than guitar
@@arthurfink7688 agree . I have a hard time spending more on a trem then for the actual guitar . My as well just but the barestta with the floyd .
I also bought this blue one. Interestingly the blue one had the capacitor, the White one didn't. Both of mine came with 10s strings and I hate them. They seem dead. I've seen some say there's came with 9's. I bought a couple packs of Erie Ball 9's and will be changing them. I removed the 3rd spring. I replaced the claw screws because they were absolute crap, the Phillips head stripped immediately. I bought some block chromium US Made screws, and drilled the holes deeper. My claw was about 3/8" from the body so I needed more adjustment because the bridge was beyond floating. The action on the White guitar near the nut was close, about .10~.09"@ the 1st fret with the 3rd held down.
I adjusted the bridge because I hate high actions. I will be replacing the pot as well. The nut on the blue one needed to be filed because the action was way too high. Same guitar, different setup and QA.
For the money the fit and finish is excellent, all of the effort was put into the quality of the neck and body, which is what really matters.
The pickup sounds great for me.
Just got mine in white. It sounds an plays awesome! It just doesn’t stay in tune very long. But I was already planning on changing the hardware color to black. So all the more reason to mod it out. Awesome review as well!
Thanks a lot man! Glad you liked the review. You can’t beat this one for the $$. 😎🥂
Based on the videos I've seen, Kramer needs to ship these Barettas with two springs, not three and fix the volume problem. It's intriguing why they haven't done this already.
I totally agree!!
Yeah, Just bump the price up 30 bucks and upgrade the bridge/trem and volume pot.
Many thanks for your fast response.As i'm in the UK I will check out the equivalents.👍
Sounds great!.... I think the Korean pot had that cap on it which was interfering with the taper.... but yea, I would have just replaced the whole thing too... It really is the best thing you can do with $200 period...
Yeh, I got the volume pot when the guitar was being shipped. I figured I’d be safer just getting a CTS pot for $7 and be prepared. It’s an easy swap so I’d rather have the CTS one. I was shocked the stock volume pot was not one of those tiny chinsey pots you get on a lot of import guitars. Lol
Sung IL made stuff for Wilkinson and they were bought out by Washburn... Not sure if they are any good. I think you made a good call changing that out. Sounds good now though! Huzzah! 😁
Hmmm interesting! Yeh that SUNG bridge was so thin there was only a micro shaving left of scrap metal left between the string hole and the edge. Many cheap genders are the same way. Not bad, just not great. Keeps cost down and guitars affordable. Cheap and easy fix for the masses.
Just so you know, when you adjust the string heights on those Fender bridges, you need to tweak the little Allen screws so that the bottom of the saddles sits parallel with the front surface of the bridge plate, and not leaning to one side or the other, stops the strings sliding from side to side on those saddles.
Superb video and production Marty 5150!
Thank you!
Hey Marty, I watched the video when it was first posted but have just re-watched as I'm debating about getting one. You've made my mind up and I'll do those mods too as you say most comments are the same when it comes to the weaknesses. Cheap guitar though so kinda expect to do these things.😀
Awesome man. It’s really low risk for 179-199. And I still love mine and have no regrets. 😎🙌
Great video so did you use the fender bridge for mexican standard strat and did you have to do any mods or was it drop in.
Killer video of this great guitar!! Best one on RUclips by far. Shows how you can get EVH tone with this axe. Amazing chops bro!
Love mine too!! 🤘🥳🤘
Thanks Jon. I really appreciate the comment and compliment. I love this guitar too. It’s spectacular, and I think one of that e eat values out there. Especially for us EVH guys!
I love these guitars.
I got the red one which is really pink.
Their a beast for the money.
They are great man!
I'm getting one for sure. The saddles on the stock Kramer look better than the Fender.
The pickup in this guitar sounds really good too!..That is the most important component.
..I know how people talk about "Tone Woods", Nitro vs Poly , PIO caps etc and pay huge money for these...They are WAY further down the food chain when it comes to tone compared to a pickup.
A Les Paul loaded with Strat single coils will sound MUCH closer to a Strat than a Strat that's PAF loaded which sounds not remotely close .
...Nice Demo Marty.
Thank you! I am impressed with the pickup too. This is a solid guitar and amazing price!
Only thing that let's this guitar down are the tuners and tremolo and maybe the pot.... The pickup is pretty decent and the neck is nice too.. had mine about a year and half and now it's going to get an Eddie makeover🤘😆🤘
Great review and bonus points for the GasMonkey T-shirt too im a car and guitar guy myself 😂 i just got the purple Baretta because it looked so 80s to me but for the life of me i cannot take a picture of it where it doesnt look pink (its the colour of the cartoon Barney), however its an unbelievable guitar for the money i just snipped the capacitor off the pot and removed the middle spring on the stock trem and a graphite nut, it is a whole new guitar 😍👌
Dude the more I look at the purple the more I like it! In hindsight I think I could have stretched the strings better and kept the original bridge. Also I could have snipped the cap off the pot. But I ordered my parts when the guitar was being shipped. I think I just wanted a project! As us Gas Monkeys like to tinker with stuff! 😎 Congrats on your purchase man! Rock on!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker haha thanks man! Thats exactly it theyre great guitars for hotrodding! I'll be swapping tuners and bridge etc eventually but thought i would first see what i can achieve with the originals, i respray cars for a living too so may respray this a slightly darker metalflake purple for extra 80s points 😎🤘
@@totrodder97 sounds like a fun project man! Flake it man!
I bought the purple one too and I absolutely love it. You just can't beat it especially for the price. Looking into putting a DP100 pickup on it and seeing what else I can upgrade to make it even greater. Even though I don't think I've played a better guitar out of the box in this price range. I took cannot take a pic of it without it looking pink either lol glad I'm not the only one who has that issue 😂 anyone know how easy it would be to put a floating Floyd rose on it?
I just ordered a ruby red blemish model from ams for 149 dollars . I was gonna change out the chrome hardware to all black . And possibly change out the pickup to a duncan invader as I already have it .
Just got mine today. Same color. Fantastic guitar for the money.
Awesome! Congrats man 😎🎶
I just picked up a used one today and all of the tuning nuts on the pegs were loose. Snug those down it will help with tuning along with some graphite.
@@robzona7779 awesome! Totally gotta check the tuner tightness. So many people forget about that. Good catch man!!
Imo, the maple neck on this guitar compliments the overall sound. A bit more slap and sustain than with a rosewood neck. Also, compliments and responds well with dudes playing.
Sounds great, rock on!
Damn Marty!!! That was quick. Awesome 👏 I need one now:-)
Thanks Anthony! I highly recommend it, its like a guilt free purchase because they are so affordable! And they’re great guitars as well.
That was a fun vid! Never would of thought that I'd be interested in a Kramer til now lol
Lol! Thanks for watching. Get one man! 🤟🏻😎🤟🏻
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker I'm actually leaning towards getting one when I get paid this weekend, and do all the fun mod things to it, do a vid of it, and throw it up on my channel! 🤓🤘🏻 Always love taking on a new project, this little bad boy just brings my love of Thrash to light lol
I like your video. I ordered the hot rod Barrett Kramer with flames.
Awesome man! I hope you really like it. Thanks for checking out the video. 😎🙌
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker thanks.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker just got it the other day.playing through my marshall code 25 combo amp.love it.you got to get the marshall code 25 combo.you will love it.trust me.
@@Stump51 I’ve heard they have some good tones man! Enjoy the guitar man!!! 🤟🏻
Nice video. Did you purchase a fender american strat tremelo, squire or players trem. Thanks
Hey there, it was a Fender Vintage Tremelo for $29 at Sam Ash. Here’s a link for Sweetwater. Better price. Same thing!
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?mrkgadid=3331288751&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=guitars&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046938601045&lid=92700046938601045&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283398302&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=525073936057&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013119&creative=332063179836&targetid=aud-297527862170:pla-525073936057&campaignid=1708733954&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAgvKQBhBbEiwAaPQw3Nf1nBO-wk3rK80Zp9CRepnpPoutfawKqbC9Z8EgjsSXHmy9JvfDiRoCOA4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Thanks for the nice comment! 😎🎶
I just bought the same model but never preformed any mods but these look easy enough. adjusting for intonation after the bridge install scares me though. any advice u could give would be appreciated. also if i am not asking for the world aleady, could u be so kind to maybe linking to the parts u bought? thanks for the video!
Hey man! Yeh the bridge I got was a Mexican fender bridge. And I replaced the pot with a standard 500 K pot. You can save the money and just clip the “chiclet” condenser off of the volume pot.
Here’s the bridge.
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3250494488&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=brand&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046937728350&lid=92700046937728350&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283819379&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=375141381286&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=228658011803&targetid=pla-375141381286&campaignid=741659211&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh-KypZbh-QIVvMiUCR3HWgL0EAQYAiABEgIgGPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Great video! (You're out doing mine) lol These guitars are hot right now. I'm getting lots of hits on my video. I did the CTS pot too but really all that is needed is to remove that capacitor and the Korean pot will function properly. I opted to replace just the block in the trem but I don't use my bar anyhow. I swapped the pickup and tuners too although not really needed to get by as that pickup is really good.
Thank you! I’ll check your video out man. I had my order being shipped so I just decided I’d get the pot just in case it was needed. I was surprised the Korean volume pot was a bigger style pot. I am hoping the CTS one will last longer so I decided to replace it. And now so have I have a back up haha. I thankfully resisted on getting new tuners. Decided to check out the stock ones and they are nice! I also agree, the pickup is excellent! I was pleasantly surprised.
It rings out pretty good. That's one of my tests for a really good guitar. How loud and how much do electric guitars Ring when you strum them unplugged. It's a good indicator of a well designed and built instrument
True, that’s a great indicator and I do that too!
Another question, where did you out the stress when sanding the nut? All.over or.more on the extremities on the edges of the.nut openings? Also did you use a pencil or grafite powder? Have set up meanwhile with the new fender standard temolo, evented some higher frest and gave them all a good shiny polish, so far so good..perfect low action now and good tone..but tuning still goes sharp after tremolo use...so far only filed the nut a bit with the old strings (using them to sand a bit) and put graph in from a pencel..but seems not to be sufficient...
I have the bridge not floating resting in the body so it won’t go sharp. Used pencil graphite. Light sanding on the nut slots prior.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Didn't had it floating too, cause i want to be able to go to drop D tuning fast, but that didn't help. So did a bit moren sanding but with 1500 grid to really smooth things out and then made a mix of lipwax and synthetic household all purpose oil and that did the job to be able to do some limited tremolo work without going out of tune. Fixed some high frets and polished them all up to 12000 grid, really makes bents butter smooth. So now she ready to rock ;-)
@@kenweckhuysen9264 nice man!! Bet it is a shred machine now. 😎🤟🏻
What are you playing this through? Great sound you have. Great video. Thanks
Got the same one in the shop got the blue one and the purple one
Great work on the video, man!
I was wondering if the new bridge body takes up so much more room in the cavity that it limits your dive travel - or can you get all the way down?
No limitations at all!
I just picked one up at Guitar Center today for 150 on sale. Same color as in the video, great guitar
Nice score brother! 😎🤟🏻🎵🎵
love the video. I just upgraded the same trem as you (fender). My whammy bar is at an angle when screwed on. What did I do wrong? lol
Loosen the screws on the claw a few turns and then tune up. It will start to lower. If not low enough then loosen the screws some more … tune it it. Check the level. Repeat until you find the sport you want.
If the string start to touch the fret board loosen the truss rod a little. This probably won’t be a issue though. But just in case.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker i will do this ASAP. Ill update you. Thank you
Nice vid budd all my guitars r cheapies with added parts done in meeville population me !! Good sound at the end man !!!!
Hi, good video!! I would like to do the same thing as you and replace the bridge for a Fender one and i would like to know witch one you choose?? on the Amazon website there's so many width to choose??
I got the Mexican one for $29.99 from Sweetwater
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker can you add inks to your posts of what you purchased please for upgrades or had in stock
@@imelvino sure. Really it was just a 500k pot for $10 and this bridge.
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3250494488&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=brand&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046937728350&lid=92700046937728350&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283819379&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=375141381286&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=228658011803&targetid=pla-375141381286&campaignid=741659211&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI78SI18bQ9wIVqMqUCR0E-gCoEAQYAiABEgLQaPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Best GD guitar you can buy for the money, even with $100 in mods it kicks the hell out of a squier. I have a Kramer snake Sabo aa well and besides the trem i like thr special almost aa much .Thanks for this video, I'm gonna do same things to my new one!
Marty, so bummed out, as the one I ordered also Candy Blue arrived yesterday, but the fret sprout was so bad I just can't accept it and plan to return it asap.
That stinks! I’d be tempted to get a small file and gently file the edges. It’s not much work.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Yeah, I've done that before on a strat I had, but just not gonna deal with it with a brand new guitar. It should not have been shipped this way IMO.
Come on man...learn to work on your guitars. This is common.
@@thorpenator9148 yeh it’s not bad and it’s fun to do. I agree.
Cool vid, Marty, and you're a great player! I enjoyed this, and I'm subbing. I just picked one of these up last week - got the candy blue one, same as yours. I really like it, and you're right - for the cash... you just can't beat it. Mine has pretty bad fret sprout. I'm going to have to file the fret ends. That sucks. Otherwise, it's a great guitar, and I should have some fun with it. In retrospect, I should have bought it from Sweetwater, since they unbox them and go over them. Decided to give AMS a shot this time. That was a mistake, but AMS guaranteed it in 2 days - in time for last weekend. LOL That was a bad decision! Anyway, it's good to find your channel Bro! Keep on rockin.'
Thank you so much! I love me little Kramer Baretta Special man! Fret sprout is an easy fix. Heck mine may sprout as the seasons change. They do that! I think these guitars are a fabulous deal. And they look and play amazing. I was actually shocked at how good they are. Congrats on the new axe dude. Shred on! 🎶🎶🎶😎
Thats a hell of a deal for the Kramer, I like the upgrades you did as well. Did you upgrade the pickups? I was looking to get this guitar from zzounds,
Thanks! I have left it 100 % stock. 👍
Just got mine on Friday! Definitely a nice little mod platform, but I think I spoiled myself playing 80s Kramers lol.
Hello Marty, late to the game here but I also have a Kramer Baretta, in the dreaded purple, lol. Excellent machine for the money. I'd eventually like to get the Ruby Red and Blue Candy you have as well, problem is I'm running out of room on the walls here with what I already have. But I have a bone to pick with Kramer, they've recently released this model in Bumblebee Yellow...and I love yellow guitars. But they jacked up the price to an insane level, almost 1200 Canadian. Just because it's yellow. I love yellow guitars but not to that extent. Shame on them for such an obvious money grab.
I'm glad I just found this channel. I'm pulling the trigger. Going for an explorer. Do I get epi. Prophesy or do I spend the bucks and go original gib.
Very inexpensive upgrades & little tic turned out great🤘🤘🤘
such a kickass guitar only thing i swapped was i put a grapth tech nut, put a seymour duncan jb (my preference stock pickup would do fine probably) and put a mxr style knob as a homage to the great king edward!! cheapest guitar i own one of the best sounding and SUPER comfortable... the bridge and tuners stay in tune Perfectly (not sure how much thats to do with the graphtech nut and good strings... but even when i use the trem stays in tune its not floating it can only go down i adjusted it so its not super loose... but it works... oh and make sure to SNIP THE "TREBLE BLEED" that will make u wanna return the guitar its like a on off switch
I have one also, put in a Duncan leesona wound, locking tuners, set it up a bit, plays great, great guitar for the price. I do have other gear and play a lot, have small studio, but the I also grabbed the blue one lol the purple was cool but the blue called more
Hi Marty another question on the Baretta special, i made the same bridge up grade as you and further put on a tusq xl nut and a JB and some locking tuners, but i noticed that the guitar seems to resonate very hard when playing the A note , fretted or open string, givng thie major low mid push, dod you notice the same in yours? Thx Ken
Hey Bud, great job as always. Do you know if Kramer makes a left-handed model? I would love to have one.
Hi Marty, Awesome demo and mods.
By chance, do you recall the part # for the fender replacement bridge? Is it the 30 buck vintage model? Thanks!
Thanks so much! This is the one I got. 👍👍
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3250494488&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=brand&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046937728350&lid=92700046937728350&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283819379&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=375141381286&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=228658011803&targetid=pla-375141381286&campaignid=741659211&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh9a5itOB-gIVrBfUAR0tkgQmEAQYAiABEgIeJvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Thanks Marty!
As a starting point usually 250k pots for single coil and 500k for humbuckers👍 250's on a humbucker will deaden and muddy the sound but it's all about your taste in sound at the end of the day🤘😆🤘
Kinda true... 250 on a humbucker will take a tiny bit off the high frequencies not deaden or muddy the tone you silly goose.
The only things I am going to change on the guitar is the plastic nut to a graph tusk, and the tuners to locking tuners... I really liked the pickup and won't be changing it, how many mm is the 500k volume pot you got?
Just cut the cap, and the pot works like normal again.
Great video and thanks for the tips. In regards to the Fender bridge, which model exactly is it - the Fender "Vintage Style" or Fender "American Style" bridge? I assume from the price you mentioned it is indeed the Vintage Style, but please do tell! 🙂
Vintage bridge. It was like $22 or $24 on sweetwater
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Thanks for that information! So, I assume the string spacing on the Fender Vintage bridge is the same as the El Cheapo bridge the guitar ships with?
Question about the bridge, I plan on putting 5 springs on the claw and block and not using the tremolo at all, would it still be beneficial to upgrade? Also I plan on putting a cts 500k pot in and switchcraft jack and using the cloth covered wire. I love dimarzio super distortion pickups, how is this pickup in comparison?
If day you wouldn't see a big different at all setting the bridge up like that vs getting a new one. I'm sure that super distortion would have a lot more sizzle and fire than the stock pickup in the special. I like the pickup in the special, but it's not awesome. You'd probably see a lot more definition in the mids and highs. 🙌
Do you have a link to that same bridge you got I’m searching??
It's the $25 bridge on sweetwater. The MIM fender bridge. 👍
Can you comment a link for the bridge and potentiometer??? Just bought one of these and want to do these upgrades. 👍
Sure. Bridge :
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3250494488&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=brand&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046937728350&lid=92700046937728350&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283819379&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=375141381286&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=228658011803&targetid=pla-375141381286&campaignid=741659211&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3IbLuen4-QIVEm1vBB3LVABkEAQYAiABEgJn-PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
On the volume pot… it’s a good one in the guitar. Clip the little transistor off of it. The chiclet looking thing
What fender bridge exactly is that? No drilling required to change the bridge?
I got the Mexican vintage style for around $25.
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0054619000--fender-stratocaster-bridge-assembly-vintage-style
Very nice. I am looking for a nice and lightweight guitar, almost pulled the trigger but someone told me theirs weighs 8.5 lbs! This thin small guitar 8.5, no way. What do you think of the weight?
It’s quite light. Very much like a strat. Not heavy at all!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker that is the winning ticket. Thanks
@@bluwng you will love it I am sure!! Have fun and rock on!
do you have a link to that fender bridge you got. I have that exact guitar
Sure do!
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3331287921&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=guitars&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046938598225&lid=92700046938598225&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283398284&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=525073936057&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=332063179644&targetid=pla-525073936057&campaignid=1708733951&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv4PNpt7W9wIVRsmUCR3WUQRDEAQYASABEgJIBfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
can you post the exact trem you bought for it and where, and the nut as well please
sweet guitar bro!
eddie was a kramer fan anyway from wayyy back hey!
they have the purple model at the local music store here...only other upgrade i can think of is to get that guitarfetish "EVH brown sound" humbucker and put a coilsplitter switch on it...stealthy on/off/on slider switch mounted on the back cover lol! this way you have 3 tones with 1 humbucker...
i put some guitarmadness "hotrod" zebra h/b kit in a douglas tele clone with the bridge coilsplit...slider on the back cover and its a beast now!
Great review! Have been thinking about picking one of these up for a while!
Thank you! I highly recommend it. You really can’t go wrong for the price. And it is a great guitar!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker I should have asked in my previous comment; what is the action like? Thin neck?
@@cf7477 surprisingly very low. And when I changed out to a fender bridge it was the same. No adjustments needed.
@@cf7477 I’m also working on a comparison video in tone between it and the Kramer 1984 reissue and EVH Frankie.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker sick, I’ll check it out 🤘
Love what you did to it !! Great guitar!!
Thank you!!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Going for the strat tremolo was such a nice move! Plus it looks sharp with all the little “fender” words stamped in. I bought one to make a 5150 out of and am in the middle of it now.
@@weslester5150 man that’s great to hear! 😎
AnFender neck will also fit, which is funny since it is a Gibson product.
True, same specs!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker curious , why did you chose blue? I am finally getting one and it’s between the Blue and Purple.
@@bluwng I felt the metallic blue was the most attractive. That’s all 😁
Is that the Fender Vintage-Style Standard Series Stratocaster Tremolo Assembly ('06-Present) - Chrome?
Man she is a doll nice guitar
i know this is older but is your bridge here a fender for squire or usa?
It was a Mexican fender bridge 👍
Hello Marty, I bought the same Kramer Beretta Special,. But mine is the Red , ? I was wanting to do same thing to mine ,. I went to stew Mac .. didn't see anything like ya had. ? .can you give me the information on that .. new standard tremblo ,. Volume Pot. ? 5ook ? From Fender or stew Mac ??? ....
just received mine in purple...love it!
Can you share which bridge you put on it please?
Sure !
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series?main_web_category_rollup=4/924/925/1243&mrkgadid=3250494488&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=brand&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046937728350&lid=92700046937728350&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283819379&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=375141381286&product_id=0071014049&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9013167&creative=228658011803&targetid=aud-297527862170:pla-375141381286&campaignid=741659211&awsearchcpc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwidSWBhDdARIsAIoTVb1tKbzr5NST8-L7Ll2_zbqqXa2CIxIwZfRM8EnHFCS2olehObbccjMaAnqDEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker thx. My Baretta will be here this week.
Hi there, did you have to drill the holes or did the bridge fit? what is the fender bridge model number? the one i can order is 2 3/16
Nice review man! I'm thinking of getting one,but not sure what compatible bridge to get.What's your recommendation?
Thank you. If it were me I would get the stock Fender bridge with the six screw holes on top. Mine was $29 at Sam Ash. You don’t need the claw and springs. You will need a tremolo bar because the one that comes with the Kramer won’t work, it has a different thread pattern. Go to guitar center or Sam Ash and pick one up. Or Stratoshere on line. They sell great new parts cheap and they ship super fast.
Hi, question what is the exact type of fender tremolo you put in? I bought a Wilkinson st style trem to replace the standard trem, but the mounting screws don't line up, a couple milimetres.off....so.now looking for a model that does fit..thx
I got the MIM version I do believe. It’s $29.99 on Sweetwater. All fenders I think have the same holes.
Finally put on the Mexican standard version, but all with 52.3 mm mounting holes spacing fits
@@kenweckhuysen9264 good deal. How you like it?!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker haven t played yet, some more work to do, 1 fret needs to be levelled all to be polished and will also file the nut a bit so the tuning will improve
@@kenweckhuysen9264 cool, should work out fine. I added some graphite to the nut to just to help. You could try but sauce too. Either way sounds like you got a little work but all will be good!
Cool….what a difference in the pot…I swear I can hear a difference in the way the guitar rings out better with the Fender bridge…
Yes! Total difference in the pot, and the bridge really resonates better. There’s more body in the sound. The strings are anchored with much more stability.
he should change the nut too
@@bikeman1x11 so far so good with the nut. Tuning stability is great.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker tusq sound so much better though
im a drummer and just bought one you are very inspiring but i noodle around with guiter . VAN HALEN BABY
Awesome! Glad I could help lol. I appreciate the nice comment. VH Forever 😎