Calling all my wonderful guitar nuts of the Fender Lounge! I need your help once again... As always, any input would be appreciated.

I am wanting to complete the mods I have started to my Indonesian made Squier Strat. Everything is done except for the replacement of the plastic nut (new nut was ordered last night) and the replacement of the thin tremolo block that came stock on the guitar. This, unfortunately, is where I am a bit stuck...

I had planned on ordering this unit from Guitar Fetish: http://store.guitarfetish.com/sosttrblfima.html but once added to the cart it tells me that the part is currently un-available. Now, I suppose I could be patient and wait for them to stock the part again - but what fun is that?

So, has anyone made this mod to their Strat before (I know some older MIM's came with the thinner trem block as well)? If so, has anyone used this particualr GFS block? How do you feel about it? Lastly, anyone know of any other aftermarket trem blocks that will fit a Squier Strat?

Much thanks!

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::Jim::
www.jimstigall.com
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2004 Fender Squire Strat Aged White
2007 Fender Deluxe Ash Stratocaster Cherry Burst
2009 Fender Telecaster Surf Green
2006 Fender Hot Rod Blues Jr.

Hi Jim: I'd automatically look at what Callaham had to offer. But I'm not certain whether any of these would fit your Far Eastern bridge or not, so I'd send 'em an email to check:

http://www.callahamguitars.com/blocks.htm

Callaham will of course be significantly more expensive than your $19 GuitarFetish block.

Also, just be aware of a possible issue with the positioning of the arm hole. Take a look at the photo in the last post on this page, from Forum user maxoom's recent thread:

http://www.fender.com/community/forums/ ... hp?t=26274

On the whole, I'd be tempted to stick it out and wait for the GuitarFetish block to come back in stock. From what they say, that one might be your best bet...

Good luck - C

Jim, you can call GFS (Jay Abend is owner and nice guy) and ask him if he has anything close to what you're looking for. He's very helpful and is a do-it-yourself guy too.


Ceri is correct in his post, but for your application, I agree that GFS is a good way to go.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Thanks a bunch a guys! I think I'll send a couple emails off to each respected manufacturer and see what they have to say.

Your help is much appreciated!

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::Jim::
www.jimstigall.com
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2004 Fender Squire Strat Aged White
2007 Fender Deluxe Ash Stratocaster Cherry Burst
2009 Fender Telecaster Surf Green
2006 Fender Hot Rod Blues Jr.

Well, you did call on us by name, after all...



BTW: seeing the very reasonable price on that GFS block, ya gotta wonder what on earth justifies the much higher cost of certain other aftermarket bridge blocks, haven't you?

Good luck - C

Indeed I have. That's why I was curious to see if anyone here has actually used one. I have read a couple of random reviews here and there online (I'll post them if I can find them again) that proved people who used the GFS block were very satisfied with it. There were some complaints about the the GFS bridge/saddles - but I am not looking to purchase either of those items - just the block.

Oh, and much to my wife's dismay, I am officially a guitar nut as well, my friend.

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::Jim::
www.jimstigall.com
~~~
2004 Fender Squire Strat Aged White
2007 Fender Deluxe Ash Stratocaster Cherry Burst
2009 Fender Telecaster Surf Green
2006 Fender Hot Rod Blues Jr.

I put a Callaham block in my American Strat and have convinced myself that it made a significant difference. I think.

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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 wish I had seen this about a week ago.I bought the Callaham one and the trem bar spacing is off even though it was billed as the replacement for the mim.

GFS site seems more on the ball they acknowledge that there are two different mim spacings for the bar.

Buy this GFS one you will save 40 bucks and it will fit right.
I sent Acme a email to see if I can return the Callaham since the holes do not line up.

How much does a Callaham block cost?

How much did that Squier Strat cost?

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

The Callaham block I got for my Strat was $60 ($75 with the trem arm). I just checked their website and they are still the same price.

For all interested, I did get a hold of Jay at Guitar Fetish that same day. He notified me that they had a handful of the imprt trem blocks in-stock that were going on the website and then they'd be out again for a month or so (and it looks like they are all gone once again). So, I did get one ordered and it is on it's way. I'll be happy to place my full review here once I get it installed. I do know that Jay was fast to respond on to the point - also, this is the second time I have ordered from GF and they are fast!

To answer orvilleowner's question - I purchased my Squier second-hand with a small amp and some accessories for around $125 in early '08. I have since put about $150-$175 into it with all of the upgrades I have done (see the "Pics of your Strat" thread for a completel list of mods). Now, I know some would argue, 'why put so much money into a Squier when you have almost paid for a MIM Standard there?' Well, my reasoning is based on two things. One, my wife bought me the Squier as a gift - it was my first guitar and I fell in love with guitar playing (in general) on this axe. Emotional attachment. Secondly, as time has passed I have become very passionate about repairing guitars and the Squier has been my school for that as well. And she's sounding great for it. It's a good Squier guitar!

Cheers!

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::Jim::
www.jimstigall.com
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2004 Fender Squire Strat Aged White
2007 Fender Deluxe Ash Stratocaster Cherry Burst
2009 Fender Telecaster Surf Green
2006 Fender Hot Rod Blues Jr.

I see you do some very cool art, have you ever tried to apply your talent to a guitar body?

Wow! Much thanks. You know, I have not applied my art to guitar yet. I gave it some major thought when I was doing the bulk of work on my Squier, but I have yet to be able to bring myself to change the look of a Strat that way. The look and contours of the Stra'ts body are such that I really view it as a work of art itself. So beautiful. Maybe one day... or on a different type of guitar.

Maybe commissions from other people, too? Ha! Who knows...

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::Jim::
www.jimstigall.com
~~~
2004 Fender Squire Strat Aged White
2007 Fender Deluxe Ash Stratocaster Cherry Burst
2009 Fender Telecaster Surf Green
2006 Fender Hot Rod Blues Jr.

I especially like your Hendrix sketch, would look really cool on a tshirt.

You're right though, I seen many artwork on guitar bodies but very few I liked, a Strat is at best in its original skin.

HA! I just love that post! Cuts to the chase about so much of our tinkering with guitars! Neat!

On the other hand, speaking as someone who has poured absurd amounts of cash and energy into a humble Squier over many years (oops: decades) I want to encourage Jim (Mr Stigall) to go right ahead with it! The most guiltless fun you can have in the world of modding!

Pimp my Squier!

Cheers - C