I'm planning on replacing the tremolo (bridge) in my Squier Strat and I need to know what measurements I need to take and how to take them, so that the new one I buy will fit.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

E to E, Center to center, at bridge. I think the Squier strats are 2 1/16."

(At least my nephew's Deluxe Hot Rails Strat is.)

_________________
Visit ALL of the exhibits. I have!

Cool, thanks.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

Hi texasguitarslinger: be aware, however, if replacing a Squier bridge that the six pivot screws will very likely be spaced differently than on most aftermarket units. A cheeky little ruse by Fender to make it difficult to put in a higher quality part and improve the instrument: they prefer you to upgrade by buying a Mexican or American Fender.

Nevertheless, there are one or two replacement bridges out there that have the correct screw spacing and so will swap straight in. Just be warned to check the screw spacing as well as the string spacing on the trem you buy.

Good luck - C

Pivot Screw spacing is center to center between the two extreme screws.

Good Luck and please do report back on your adventure.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Ha! Which I forgot to mention - thank you, Orville.

Another point to consider is that the replacement trems that fit the Squier screw spacing probably are not much of an improvement on the one you already have. Unless it is malfunctioning in some way...

Anyhow. WDMusic.com would be around the top of my list for places to search for this particular part.

Good luck - C

A trem like this one, seems like it could work with any pivot screw spacing.



I don't know (I've never replaced a trem on a Strat ... call me Mr. Stock).

Then again there's always the issue of putting a $100+ new trem on a Squier. Talk about putting lipstick on a pig. One might be better off putting that $100 into a New Guitar Fund.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Wilkinson make a trem that fits from squire screw spacing or fender vintage reissue screw spacing and gives you the wider usa fender string spacing. Its a nice trem with good saddles and block. And its reasonably priced too.

_________________
No no and no

Is it the one I pictured?

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

No its a 6 screw but the screw holes are slots not circles which allows the screws room to fit existing body holes.

http://www.applestone-music.co.uk/shop/prod402.htm

the top circular hole determines vertical placement, the slotted holes are designed to line up to pretty much anything. Ive got one in my partsocaster. the pop in arm is nice too, no looseness about it in use.

_________________
No no and no

Oh, yeah, I almost posted a picture of one of those types, but then I figured the one without any holes (well, there is sort of one hole) would be even more generic.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Hmm. Take it from someone who's been that route modding a Squier - don't go that route. At least, not unless you know what you are doing. My skills are not bad at this stuff, and I still came close to botching the six-screws-to-two-pivot conversion. Look at how far back the saddles have to be set on my Wilkinson VS 100 bridge. Got away with it by the skin of my teeth:



Mind you, done it a couple of times since for other people. Learned from my near mistake and can do it spot on now. That's what Squiers are for - learning!

Cheers - C

Do you have to try to install the post that come with that trem?

Could you just raise or remove the middle four screws and use the two existing screws?

Like I said, I don't know, I'm just daydreaming.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Ceri,
It's not really malfunctioning, it's just cheapo. I can jiggle it back and forth a quarter of an inch with no effect. On my Fender, I hit the trem and it works.

I'm don't have any problem with drilling holes in my Squier, I already did to fit the Fender pickguard on. I was even thinking about a lefty tremolo, but I don't know if I'm up for routing it myself, and I'd like to do this installation myself.

And trust me, I don't have a problem with putting a $100 tremolo on a Squier (other then saving up the funds). It already has a $40 pickguard, $15 knobs, a $50 pro set up and $200 Texas Specials. After the tremolo, my next mod will be replacing the tuners. It was my first guitar, plus I really like the neck (12" radius, nice and chunky without feeling like a baseball bat) and I want to make it as playable as I can. I know it would've probably been a better idea to get a Fender, but I didn't think I'd make any modifications back when I was 11.

Oh, and I plan on buying the tremolo used, so it may not be $100.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

I just measured, and yes, mine is also 2 1/16".

I also have one other measurement related question, does the nut width have anything to do with the tremolo?

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird