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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Gear »

Permalink How do you set up your Strat's (or similar) trem?

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Stormtiger
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States
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Link Posted on May 06 2011 03:02 PM

I bought a Wilkinson tremolo with a pop-in arm that I am very happy with:
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Wilkinson-Vintage-Tremolo-Pop-In-Arm-with-Block_p_897.html
The arm fits snuggly with no extra movement, there is an adjustment screw to tighten or loosen the arm. I know Ivan tried one and didn't like it but it but it sounded like his was defective from the start. The new bulkier unit also made a huge positive difference in the tone. I had to fill and redrill the holes on my Squier to make it fit.

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Ruhar
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Joined: Jun 21, 2007
Posts: 3909
San Diego, CA
United States
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Link Posted on May 06 2011 03:51 PM

I have become a huge fan of the Callaham trem system (block, arm, saddles at least). Don't know if they have a drop in replacement for your particular MIM, but you can call them with any questions. I do know that they don't provide replacements for all MIM strats, so beware. For example, they do not have a two-point trem replacement. 6 point only IIRC. I would not hesitate to replace any and all strat trems with Callaham parts; and I am NOT a fan of modding strats. The Callaham tremelo block/arm is an excellent design and the trem arm fits very snug in the block with no wobbling that you will get even with an AVRI block/arm.

Expensive? Yeah, relatively; but well worth it in my experience. I won't sell you on any tonal differences (cuz that's pretty subjective), but it will definitely improve the performance and maintainability of the bridge/trem. You do need to get a Callaham arm with the block to reap the full benefits though. My ARVI arm did not fit nicely into the Callaham block (weird angle and bottomed out.)

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Last edited: May 06, 2011 15:55:11

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morphball
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Joined: Dec 23, 2008
Posts: 3324
Pittsboro, NC
United States
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Link Posted on May 06 2011 06:05 PM

Ruhar wrote:

I have become a huge fan of the Callaham trem system
(block, arm, saddles at least). Don't know if they
have a drop in replacement for your particular MIM, but
you can call them with any questions. I do know that
they don't provide replacements for all MIM strats, so
beware. For example, they do not have a two-point trem
replacement. 6 point only IIRC. I would not hesitate
to replace any and all strat trems with Callaham parts;
and I am NOT a fan of modding strats. The Callaham
tremelo block/arm is an excellent design and the trem
arm fits very snug in the block with no wobbling that
you will get even with an AVRI block/arm.

Expensive? Yeah, relatively; but well worth it in my
experience. I won't sell you on any tonal differences
(cuz that's pretty subjective), but it will definitely
improve the performance and maintainability of the
bridge/trem. You do need to get a Callaham arm with
the block to reap the full benefits though. My ARVI
arm did not fit nicely into the Callaham block (weird
angle and bottomed out.)

+1, I've owned 3 of Bill's full assemblies, and they're just rock solid... no wobbles anywhere and noticeably better sustain. I use the V/N model ("vintage neck", I guess?) with the standard 2 7/32 American screw mounting but with a narrower 2 1/16 string spacing on my strat. I happen to also still have an extra one with standard 2 7/32 mounting & spacing that I'm not planning on using, I've been too lazy to put it on ebay.

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Mike
http://www.youtube.com/morphballio

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Noel
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Joined: Mar 15, 2011
Posts: 8528
Back in Piitsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I grew up.
United States
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Link Posted on May 20 2011 12:57 PM

Update on my experiment to float the 6-screw vintage trem on my 2001 MIM Strat.

1'st attempt total failure. The clanking and sqeaking was caused by the trem springs being dragged across and down over the top of the trem block as the whammy bar was pressed and pulled. This was never presented as a potential problem. Set guitar as I got it, back to non-float, 3 springs, normal dive, no lift. Works silently again. Life is good.

I'm going to leave it alone for now and concentrate on playing it as is. This system has worked for most Strat players for a long, long time, but even Fender eventually came up with a more functional design. Later I may try the non-Fender method as per Carl Verheyen. If that doesn't work and I still want to pursue this, I'll put in a complete Callaham upgrade.

Live and learn.

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This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got.

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surfneptune
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Joined: Mar 16, 2006
Posts: 923
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Link Posted on May 20 2011 02:31 PM

This is not a popular opinion, but I like the block right up to the wood, NO FLOAT. Strats sound better this way. And I use five springs too. Bend a note and everything stays where it is. Break a string, or drop D... no problem. Is it all the pain of floating bridge worth being able to pull up? I say no. Also only one or two winds around the tuner post, and a properly cut nut. I also LOVE the Callaham block and arm. Just my opinion.

—

THe NEpTuNeS

Last edited: May 20, 2011 14:33:26

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ArtS
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Joined: May 09, 2008
Posts: 1397
Isle of Kent, MD
United States
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Link Posted on May 20 2011 04:07 PM

I'm a floater Laughing , love having a little back bend...

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MattCrunk
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Joined: Apr 19, 2007
Posts: 92
Town Creek, Alabama
Link Posted on Jun 06 2011 11:06 PM

I don't like any type of hardware on a Strat but vintage style. In my opinion, Leo got it right in the 50's and there's no need to change or "improve" anything.

I play two MIJ '62 RI Strats both with the trem locked down: all five springs, tightened until they scream. When I want trem, I like to wrestle the bar for every bit I get.

—

Matt Crunk
Decatur, Alabama

Founder: North Alabama Surf Alliance (NASA)

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Crazyharry77
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Joined: Mar 28, 2009
Posts: 34
Link Posted on Jul 07 2011 10:33 AM

The trem on my strat is set floating but I very rarely use the strat. I prefer using the bigsby on my tele, though if i want outrageous vibrato then I'll use the trem on my coronado (sort of like the mustangs) which has a life and mind of its own

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