VegaTrem VT1 bridge showing factory 8 mm saddle height screws protruding above saddles — original setup that causes palm discomfort during playing.
VegaTrem VT1 with stock 8mm saddle height screws
VegaTrem VT1 with stock 8mm saddle height screws — ready to tattoo your palm.

VegaTrem VT1 Palm Saver Fix – The Saddle Screw Height Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’ve ever rested your hand on a VegaTrem VT1 and thought, “Ouch, that’s… aggressively pointy,” you’re not alone. It’s one of the few quirks of an otherwise brilliant tremolo — those stock 8 mm saddle height screws stick out just far enough to double as medieval thumbtacks for your picking hand.

Now don’t get us wrong — the VegaTrem VT1 is one of the smoothest, best-engineered floating bridges out there. It stays in tune, feels buttery under your palm, and looks sleek. But that factory screw length? Let’s just say Eddie’s Eruption wouldn’t feel as effortless with a handful of tiny steel daggers under your palm.

The Fix Is Stupid Simple

Swap the factory 8 mm screws for 5 mm or 6 mm saddle height screws and the problem disappears. No mods. No grinding. No bandaids. Just shorter screws that sit flush with the saddle top — no more palm gouging, no more metal freckles.

VegaTrem VT1 saddle screw comparison – left 8mm protruding, right 5mm flush with saddles
Left: stock 8 mm screw zone of doom. Right: 5 mm upgrade — smooth sailing.

Our VegaTrem Screw Hub has the materials and finishes you want:

Why the 5 mm & 6 mm Lengths Work

The VT1 saddles measure about 5 mm tall, which means the 8 mm factory screws stick out the top by roughly 3 mm — just enough to snag your palm every time you palm-mute or dig in for bends. Swapping in 5 mm screws makes the tops sit flush with the saddle; the 6 mm version sits slightly proud for those who like a touch more adjustment range.

VegaTrem VT1 with 5mm saddle height screws flush to the saddle top
VegaTrem VT1 with 5 mm screws — zero protrusion, zero pain.

Finding Your Perfect Saddle Height Screw

While most players will love the feel of the shorter 5 mm or 6 mm screws, every setup is a little different. Your ideal length depends on your bridge radius, neck angle, string gauge, and how low you like your action.

Quick guide:

  • 5 mm — Best for ultra-low action or heavy palm-muters who want a perfectly smooth feel.
  • 6 mm — The sweet spot for most VT1 users. Full adjustment range without palm contact.
  • 8–12 mm — Useful if you’ve shimmed the neck, play slide, run higher action, or use heavier strings.

We stock 5 mm through 12 mm, so you can fine-tune your bridge to your playing. Sometimes even mixing lengths between bass and treble sides feels best — short where your hand rests, longer where you need lift. Explore all options in the VegaTrem Screw Hub.

Pro Tip: Adjust saddle height with the strings slightly slack, and use a fresh hex key. Worn tools are the #1 cause of rounded sockets on tiny screws.

Bonus: It Still Plays & Feels Like a VegaTrem

Shorter screws don’t change the trem’s feel, sustain, or setup range — they just stop attacking you mid-song. Your bridge keeps full adjustment capability while finally letting your hand glide across like it should’ve from the start.

Palm Saver Approved ✅

Every VT1 we’ve tested with 5 mm or 6 mm screws looks better, feels smoother, and finally lives up to its “player’s dream” reputation. It’s a five-minute mod that you’ll feel every time you touch the bridge.

Because life’s too short — and your palms too valuable — to let your bridge screws stage a sneak attack every time you play.

Vegatrem

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