MIM strat bridge/trem upgrade suggestions?

GazLion

I picked up a MIM strat (02/03) a few months back which I love, but the amount of play in the trem arm is stupid. Whats a decent upgrade for the bridge/trem? The block on the one I have at the mo is really thin. 

Richardj

Sadly the blocks are pretty poor quality, a great upgrade is a brass block with a decently machined insert for the trem arm and better arm.  It will put the trem up to VR or better specs and tone.

GazLion

Ah so just get a new block and keep the same saddles etc rather than a whole new unit? Any recommendations as to where to get these blocks from? 

Richardj

Callaham in the US seem to be highly regarded, but a quick search on the 'bay should give you a few more options.  You can go the whole hog and change the plate and saddles but the stock Fender ones aren't bad, and they look right.  Be aware that the Mex bridges have a 2 1/16" string spacing and the US ones are a tad wider so you will need one specifically for a Mex bridge.

GazLion

Many thanks

impmann

+1 on the Callaham bridges. They *are* worth the money IMHO if you want traditional trem, but with a better tone and the arm not clanging about.

I'd also check out the Wudtone unit - is signficantly cheaper than a Callaham and they appear well made in everything I've seen  from them. Drop in fit, if you order the right string spacing.

OilCityPickups

All of the above ... or for silly cheap get a Wilkinson one. Proper steel block ... push in trem with adjustable stiffie ...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wilkinson-WV6-Tremolo-for-Stratocaster-Steel-Block-/281142753600?_trksid=p2054897.l4276

There are various spacings available and they cost less than an evening down the pub ....

stickyfiddle

I hummed and hahhed about Callahams for literally years but bit the bullet and ordered one back in February. It's every bit as good as the hype suggests.

ThePrettyDamned

If you wanna support a UK company, Wudtone do a MIM spaced trem.  I have one and, although it won't be on a guitar till new year, can confirm it's amazingly well built.  They even ship them with Callaham saddles.  Well, if you can't beat them...

Might be worth a look in.

http://www.wudtone.com/shop/?wpsc-product=wudtone-cp-constant-pivot-bridge-plate

They also do blocks made from the same steel.  It's all UK steel, which is nice and the primary reason why I went for it (why import when you can get homegrown?).  It's well engineered, and although there is debate as to whether the original is fit for purpose or not (we'll not go into that) there is no doubt that this is an evolution of the original 6 point.  Comes with a little shim to reduce friction further (I'm going to put a teeny tiny drop of oil on mine as it'll get a shit storm of abuse). 

To further push you into this, he will give a full refund if you think it's not great.  So if you put it on and are not impressed with build, tone and stability, you send it back.  Not bad, really. 

Richardj

Apologies for not suggesting Wudtone, I'm still new here and have of course looked the threads about them. Buy British if you can!

exocet

I bought a very good steel block from a guy in Wales who makes them himself from same grade of steel as Callaham use.

His eBay ID is kevinh3324

He can fabricate for USA / Mexican and Japanese versions - send him your existing block and he'll copy it.

Kebabkid

I, too upgraded to a Callaham for MIM Frankenstrat.

Believe the hype!

GazLion

Thanks for the suggestions guys I like the look of the Wudtone stuff and I'm all for buying British...even though the strat is Mexican  ) ... so I'll be looking into those

ThePrettyDamned

GazLion;98325" said:

Thanks for the suggestions guys I like the look of the Wudtone stuff and I'm all for buying British...even though the strat is Mexican  ) ... so I'll be looking into those

If you want help fitting it or anything, Andy is a lovely bloke and amazingly patient, too. So don't be afraid to email him!