Hey there, just wanting to ask people how they use their HW1 Trems and how they work for you.
I am satisfied with the vintage trem on my HWY1 - I loosened the inner screws, and kept the outer two tighter, which provides more tuning stability, IMO. The block seems more than adequate-their is some sustain there, for sure. Has anyone put a Callaham in their HWY1 and has it improved tone?
I like to use the trem a bit, from wavering the chords to divebombing, and I keep tweaking it to get it the best I can, but I was wondering what other people's experiences are? So far, the screw adjustments I mentioned above seem to provide a good stability. I don't use nut sauce or lube on the nut or other friction points, though. Does this help a whole lot more? Also, has anyone put in a graphtech nut?
OK, thanks in advance for any discussion re: the Highway One's trem.
(also, are these trems the same as on the upgraded MIM's?)

I don't have a Hwy One but I can tell you right now putting a Callaham bridge and block on your Strat will definitely give you a better tone. I recently did a side by side comparison of bridges and blocks on my American Vintage 62. My guitar came with a Fender steel block and I memorized the tone. I then changed the bridge and block to a Callaham. The difference was extremely noticeable. The Callaham yielded a thicker, more solid tone that was very strong. The treble strings sounded much thicker and the brittleness was gone. Strongly recommended.

Ok, I too have a Highway 1. I do the same thing with my mounting screws and I use lube on all the screws and the claw springs. I also installed a Callaham block, trem arm, saddle screws and springs. It definitly made a difference to my ears. The trem in a MIM is not the same, the spacing is different and the block is still cast crap metal. I also use a Tusq nut on her. Using a lubricant is very, very important to ensure any type of tuning stability.

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I have had two Strats over the years (both standard MIMs) and have setup both trems about the same as you have yours. I use the trem more for vibrato rather than dive bombing though. I have never had an issue with tuning stability. Also, not using any nut lube.

I only have an '08 now and have since replaced the block and arm with a Callaham set. It really does improve the tone.

Thanks for the info guys, some good stuff here. I will look into the Callaham.

So a Callaham Vintage S Bridge and Block will not fit on a Mexican Strat? I assumed it would be a direct fit.

I have the Highway 1 Startocaster. I used to have issues with my G string not staying in tune. I installed Fender/Schaller locking tunners and that solved that. I always use graphite in the nut grooves and light coat if 3&1 oil on the saddles when I change strings. I have it set up to factory specs and I use Fender Brand nickel wound .009-.042 Bullets.

I have to admit I do not "divebomb" my tremolo like I once did. In fact I am learning not to rely on it at all, unless I have to. I do not play Eruption anymore anyways.

RK

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head