Well, the mod bug has bitten and I've decided to swap out the stock block and saddles on my AD Strat for a set of the Callaham good stuff. I'd like to hear from those of you who have done these mods and what you all think of your sound after the parts were installed.

Unbelievable!!. Their replacement block is a must for anyone looking to modify their guitars. My American Deluxe was stolen from my apartment a few months ago, I loved that guitar, and planned on keeping it forever. Unfortunatly I couldn't afford another one, and was dissapointed at every cheaper strat I tried. After much search, I found a weird MIM reissue, it was a 1957 body and 1960 neck that the guy dropped in $225 rio grande pickups in ( I haven't decided if I like them yet) I got it for less than $300, turned out the thing is a $900 plus guitar (list of course) and they only built 250 of them. Anyway I decisded I was going to mod the hell out of it. I replaced the nut, installed a switch to turn on the bridge pup so I could play it with the neck pickup. I decided it needed to resonate more (the Am Dlx went on for days) so I ordered a Callaham block. That thing totally changed the tone of the guitar. I thought it would be a small difference, but it wasn't, it was huge. I don't know why Fender doesn't do that process for their American series, its more expensive, but it make such a big difference. I know its way more noticable compared to the crap zinc ones they use in Mexican strats, but I'm sure it would be noticable compared to the powdered steel or hot rolled steel on the americans. BTW, its looking like I'm quickly going to be in the monetary realm of a used ameicxan deluxe, hindsight is 20/20

Callaham make great parts. I have used there blocks and bridges you can even get distressed hardware from them for the people who like the aged look.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

I just put a Callaham block in my AmDlx. You have to get a new arm too because the Pop-in arm won;t fit in the new block (I went with the '64 arm).

Maybe its only in my head but, my guitar sounds smoother and has more sustain than it did before. This may sound wierd, but my trem is smoother now, maybe because the arm has less play it feels that way. I don't know but everyone who has tried it said the same thing. Anyway, I really like having the tip on the arm trem arm, I find it a bit easier to use.

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AmDlx HSS
62 Hot Rod
Luke w/Piezo
Carvin Belair

Just be careful with string spacing... I bought a Callaham vintage S bridge assembly and now I have to take it out and sell it because the saddles are too large for my taste.

You'll be warned if you didn't know!

Update:

I got the parts in and had the guitar set up and playing better than new in under two hours. The verdict: AWESOME!! The guitar doesn't just resonate, it shakes in my hands! This is by far the best mod I've ever done on a guitar ever. Go get it, NOW!!

I have heard that before after a good upgrade. I am glad it worked out for you and now all you have to do is enjoy it

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Did you just replace the block and the saddles? Or did you get an upgrade set with the top plate, springs and screws?

The kit for the AD strat doesn't have a base plate. It's just the block, saddles, bar and hardware.

I got the block, tremolo arm, and saddle screws for my MIA. Very satisfied.

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James Burton Upgrade Telecaster
Hot Rodded Am Fat Strat Texas Special (now featuring Kinman Traditional II pickups)
Fender Blues Jr.
SWR California Blonde
Pedals Pedals Pedals

I'll keep this in mind when I'm thinkin' of upgrades to my '01 MIA Strat. Here's a link to their web site if anyone else is interested.

http://www.callahamguitars.com/

Callaham block rules. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't installed one in my own guitar, was I thought was perfect. It wasn't.