Loose Strat Whammy Bar

Calum13

I recently got a MIJ Traditional 60s Strat but there is movement in the whammy bar. I think this is a common problem. It can move around in the hole. I’ve heard of putting a spring in the hole and wrapping the thread in teflon tape. I still want the bar to be able to move freely, just without the movement in the hole. Is such a thing possible?

ICBM

PTFE tape is the simplest and will do what you want, although if you take the arm in and out a lot you’ll need to replace it often. A spring won’t work if the thread is just too loose, which it sounds like it is.

The best solution is to replace the block with a steel one with a nylon insert, which will also improve the tone and resonance of the guitar, but it’s not the cheapest option.

Calum13

ICBM said:

PTFE tape is the simplest and will do what you want, although if you take the arm in and out a lot you’ll need to replace it often. A spring won’t work if the thread is just too loose, which it sounds like it is.

The best solution is to replace the block with a steel one with a nylon insert, which will also improve the tone and resonance of the guitar, but it’s not the cheapest option.

My guitar stays in the case when I’m not playing it, so sounds like I’ll need a new block. Any recommendations? I’ve heard good ones about Callaham ones.

https://reverb.com/uk/item/11886397-callaham-trem-block-us-vintage-repro-ca21015?gclid=Cj0KCQjwwIPrBRCJARIsAFlVT8-GSunu6TCOYaAyKrkeClp8LMvpr1tLd6TFz6AqwO7P62NIaKdyBW0aAiBgEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&merchant_id=122264673&pla=1&utm_campaign=1726164661&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google

FITS FENDER ORIGINAL 1954-1969; US REISSUES; HIGHWAY 1 (THROUGH 2005); CUSTOM SHOP TIME MACHINE SERIES; JIMMIE VAUGHAN STRAT; ERIC JOHNSON STRAT; ROAD WORN STRAT; MIJ REISSUE (CIJ REISSUE REQUIRES TOP PLATE); CLASSIC SERIES '50S/60S/70S; WD EXACT VINTAGE

Should probably fit mine, but is there any cheaper options? Or is it worth getting a good one? 

prowla

I like mine with the spring in the hole - the trem arm doesn't flop about, but stays where you put it.

ICBM

Calum13 said:

My guitar stays in the case when I’m not playing it, so sounds like I’ll need a new block.

Does it have a vertical arm hole, or angled back?

If it's angled back, don't remove the arm to put it in the case - just swing it round so it's pointing towards the strap button. This is why Leo Fender designed it with the angle! The vertical hole is a modern bodge on cheaper bridges.

If it does have a vertical hole that's even more reason to replace it with a proper steel block.

Calum13 said:

Any recommendations? I’ve heard good ones about Callaham ones.

Should probably fit mine, but is there any cheaper options? Or is it worth getting a good one? 

Callaham are good but very expensive. There are UK suppliers, including @FelineGuitars now - just make sure you check the dimensions, as non-vintage Strat bridges vary! Although I think the MIJ reissue ones are USA spec.

Corvus

If you have a search in Making & Modding there's threads about Kev Hurley, he makes good blocks to fit all sorts of Strats and not mega pricey either.

Calum13

ICBM said:

Calum13 said:

My guitar stays in the case when I’m not playing it, so sounds like I’ll need a new block.

Does it have a vertical arm hole, or angled back?

If it's angled back, don't remove the arm to put it in the case - just swing it round so it's pointing towards the strap button. This is why Leo Fender designed it with the angle! The vertical hole is a modern bodge on cheaper bridges.

If it does have a vertical hole that's even more reason to replace it with a proper steel block.

Calum13 said:

Any recommendations? I’ve heard good ones about Callaham ones.

Should probably fit mine, but is there any cheaper options? Or is it worth getting a good one? 

Callaham are good but very expensive. There are UK suppliers, including @FelineGuitars now - just make sure you check the dimensions, as non-vintage Strat bridges vary! Although I think the MIJ reissue ones are USA spec.

It’s one of the angled ones, I always wondered why it had the angle. Will the new block affect the tone in any way? 

FelineGuitars

probably improve the tone greatly if its a cold rolled steel one

Branshen

Corvus said:

If you have a search in Making & Modding there's threads about Kev Hurley, he makes good blocks to fit all sorts of Strats and not mega pricey either.

Highly recommend Kev Hurley. Good communication. Made to order so he'll make whatever you need. Well priced. The latest thread on his stuff is here:
https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/158767/

Tikibird44

I think the Japanese blocks have a 5mm Metric thread so check it is the the correct bar. If it is the original bar you won't be able to put it in an American block. Nearly everything on my 90's Japanese Strat is slightly different, even the pick guard. 

hollywoodrox

I’ve just done the ptfe trick on my Squier , it works a treat  I got three rolls for thirty bob 

skullfunkerry

hollywoodrox said:

I’ve just done the ptfe trick on my Squier , it works a treat  I got three rolls for thirty bob 

Thirty bob?! By 'eck, tha saw you coming, lad

impmann

Just get a Kev Hurley block (not expensive). Job done.

Frankly, I still don't understand why Fender don't use a similar system on Strats - the spring thing is a bodge IMHO and doesn't work as well. But I guess they make a good living out of selling replacements for when they fall out and go missing...

Calum13

If I was to get a new block would I need new saddles? I may also need a new whammy bar as someone said the Japanese ones are all metric sizes.

Branshen

Calum13 said:

If I was to get a new block would I need new saddles? I may also need a new whammy bar as someone said the Japanese ones are all metric sizes.

No need for new saddles. You best get a new bar from kev if u get one of his blocks. He'll make sure it fits perfectly. The bar is not pricey at all.