Upgrading My PRS CE24 with a Mannmade USA Tremolo
As a guitarist, I’m always looking for ways to improve my instrument’s performance and feel. When I decided to upgrade the stock tremolo system on my PRS CE24, I knew I wanted something that would deliver superior quality, better functionality, and enhanced playing experience. After researching various options, I settled on the Mannmade USA tremolo system – and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Why I Chose to Upgrade
The PRS CE24 is an exceptional guitar straight from the factory, but like many production instruments, there’s always room for improvement in certain components. The stock tremolo, while functional, left me wanting more in terms of:
- Stability: Better tuning stability during aggressive tremolo use
- Feel: Smoother operation and more responsive action
- Quality: Higher-grade materials and superior craftsmanship
- Sustainability: A system that would maintain its performance over years of heavy use
Enter Mannmade USA
Mannmade USA has built a reputation for creating some of the finest aftermarket tremolo systems available. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality made them the obvious choice for this upgrade.
What Makes Mannmade Special
Superior Materials and Construction The difference in quality between the stock PRS tremolo and the Mannmade system is immediately apparent. The Mannmade tremolo features:
- Precision-machined components with tighter tolerances
- Higher-grade steel construction
- Superior surface finishing
- More robust pivot points and knife edges
Weight and Balance One of the most noticeable improvements is the weight difference. The Mannmade tremolo is significantly lighter than the stock system, which contributes to:
- Better overall guitar balance
- Reduced strain on the guitar’s body
- Improved resonance and sustain
- Less fatigue during long playing sessions
The Installation Process
One of the most pleasant surprises about this upgrade was how straightforward the installation process turned out to be. Mannmade designed their system with easy installation in mind:
Step-by-Step Installation
- Preparation: Remove strings and carefully document the original setup
- Removal: Extract the stock tremolo system (surprisingly simple)
- Installation: The Mannmade system drops right in with minimal adjustment needed
- Setup: Fine-tune the action, intonation, and tremolo tension
The beauty of this upgrade is that it requires no permanent modifications to the guitar. The Mannmade tremolo is designed to be a direct replacement, maintaining the original routing and mounting points.
Quality Differences: Night and Day
The difference in build quality between the stock and Mannmade systems is remarkable:
Precision Engineering
- Tighter manufacturing tolerances
- Smoother pivot action
- More consistent spring tension
- Better overall fit and finish
Materials Upgrade
- Higher-grade steel components
- Superior plating and finishing
- More durable pivot points
- Corrosion-resistant hardware
Performance Improvements
Tuning Stability
The improved design and tighter tolerances translate directly to better tuning stability. Even with aggressive tremolo use, the guitar returns to pitch more consistently.
Feel and Response
The action is noticeably smoother, with less resistance and more linear response throughout the tremolo’s range of motion.
Sustain and Resonance
The lighter weight and improved contact points have actually enhanced the guitar’s natural resonance and sustain.
Exceptional Customer Service
I can’t say enough good things about Mannmade’s customer service. From the initial inquiry through post-installation support, their team was:
- Responsive: Quick to answer questions and provide guidance
- Knowledgeable: Deep understanding of their products and installation
- Supportive: Available for troubleshooting and optimization tips
- Professional: Courteous and helpful throughout the entire process
Final Thoughts
The Mannmade USA tremolo upgrade has transformed my PRS CE24 into an even more inspiring instrument. The combination of superior materials, precision engineering, easy installation, and excellent customer support makes this one of the best guitar modifications I’ve ever made.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. For any serious guitarist looking to:
- Improve tuning stability
- Enhance tremolo feel and response
- Upgrade to premium materials
- Maintain the instrument’s resale value (reversible modification)
The Mannmade USA tremolo system delivers on all fronts.
Recommendation
If you’re considering a tremolo upgrade for your PRS (or any compatible guitar), I highly recommend checking out Mannmade USA’s offerings. The quality, performance, and customer experience are all top-notch.