Hipshot Products, Inc., commonly known as Hipshot, was founded in 1982 in Interlaken, New York. The company began with a focus on innovative guitar and bass hardware, quickly gaining recognition for their precision and engineering in the music industry. Key people involved in the company’s founding and growth include Dave Borisoff, the founder and chief innovator behind Hipshot’s product designs. The brand has consistently delivered cutting-edge solutions for musicians, with their tremolo, whammy bar, and vibrato bar systems being among their most popular offerings.
Popular Products
Hipshot is renowned for its tremolo systems, and several of their products stand out for their build quality and playability. Some of the most popular whammy bar and vibrato bar systems from Hipshot include:
Hipshot 2-Point Tremolo System
- Designed for smooth and reliable performance, this tremolo system offers precision and stability, making it ideal for modern guitarists. The two-point design ensures minimal friction, allowing the whammy bar to return to its neutral position without any tuning issues. It’s a favorite among players looking for accuracy in their vibrato bar techniques.
Hipshot US Contour Tremolo
- This product is highly regarded for its ergonomic design and responsiveness. The US Contour tremolo is equipped with hardened steel saddles and a steel block for optimal sustain. The whammy bar operation is smooth, and the vibrato bar returns to pitch perfectly, making it a must-have for guitarists who want a versatile system for both light vibrato and dive-bombing techniques.
Hipshot Floating Tremolo Bridge
- Known for its floating design, this tremolo system allows for a full range of pitch-bending motion, enabling the guitarist to bend notes both up and down. The floating system is perfect for those who like to push the boundaries of whammy bar play, as it offers smooth and consistent tuning stability.
Consumer Reviews
Hipshot tremolo systems are generally praised for their durability and precision engineering. Users love the attention to detail and the smooth action of the whammy bar and vibrato bar mechanisms. Whether a player is performing subtle vibrato bar tricks or heavy dive bombs with the whammy bar, Hipshot’s systems are known to hold tuning remarkably well. Guitarists appreciate the range of motion these tremolo systems offer without compromising on tuning stability, making them a popular choice for both professionals and hobbyists alike.
Where to Buy
Hipshot products can be purchased directly from their official website, as well as through major music retailers like Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and Reverb. The brand is well-distributed, and many professional guitar technicians and builders also recommend Hipshot for their quality and ease of installation.
Conclusion
Hipshot has established itself as a leading innovator in the world of guitar hardware, with its tremolo, whammy bar, and vibrato bar systems being highly regarded for their quality, stability, and smooth operation. Guitarists who want reliable and high-performing hardware turn to Hipshot for an upgrade that stands the test of time. Whether you’re looking for precise vibrato bar effects or expressive whammy bar performances, Hipshot delivers solutions that suit a variety of playing styles.
