Hey Fender Physicians,

Me again with a two part question.

Fender markets the Bullet brand of strings to be used specifically for the tremolo blocks in their Stratocasters. I can see theoretically how mating tightly in the block could be more stable than something rattling around in there. Does it really make a difference?

If it does make a difference, do the aftermarket makers; Callaham, Gotoh and Wilkinson, follow suit?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers!

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"If I don't see you no more in this world I'll meet you on the next one and don't be late... don't be late." -Jimi Hendrix

yes, it does make a difference if you play with the tremolo arm,
the bullet end helps the guitar stay in tune
but no, other makers won't be able to make bullet end strings
the bullet end is a Fender patent item

I have a feeling the OP might have been asking if Wilkinson etc make trem blocks with the rounded bases to accept bullet strings.

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MIM Std Tele, MIM HSS Strat, Homemade Mongrel Tele, Blues Jr, Champ600, coupla pedals...sweeeet!

This is of course my own personal opinion based on my own experiences...please take it only for what you feel it is worth.

Personally I think the operative words here are "in theory". In theory it does make a difference however I think the real question here is how much of a difference and I think the answer to that really depends on a number of other factors.

There are a number of things that play a role in how stable a Strat is when it comes to tuning...the over all set up, the tuning keys, how the strings are wound on those tuning keys, the string T, the nut and even the room temperature/humidity, etc.. The biggest factor though is really just the person playing it. If for example you're a dive bomb efficiency, then a traditional Strat trem probably is not for you...you might be better off using a guitar equipped with a double lock trem such as a Floyd Rose. So with all of that, how the ends of the strings seat in to the bridge...for most folk it's a relatively minor consideration compared with everything else.

Guitar strings, like the instrument itself, are most often a personal choice. Some folks like Les Pauls, some like Strats, others like Teles and other's still prefer something like a Gretch or a Rickenbacker. Same thing with strings...some folks like Fender strings, other's prefer D'Addario, GHS, Elixer, Ernie Ball, etc.. For a great many years I used GHS "Boomers" pretty much exclusively on all of my electrics but over the past year I've started moving more and more towards Fender Super 250's. Eric Clapton, one of the most noted Strat players of all is well documented for using Ernie Ball Slinkys.

Obviously different people will have different opinions in regards to issues such as this. There are some people who have gone so far as to suggest that the plastic trem cover on the back of a Strat will affect the "tone"...certainly not the kind of thing that most people tend to really worry about. I think the same thing is true about this particular issue as well...there are some folks out there who really do believe that this is something that makes a huge difference but I think that most people are usually concerned about more practical issues.

Personally, I've tried Bullets once or twice over the years...if nothing else out of curiosity. Personally I didn't really notice any significant difference in regards to tuning stability at all...at least not enough to warrant using them full time. Personally I thought they sounded a bit "tinny"...I thought the Super 250's had a much fuller sound which is why I've started going with those (that and they are a bit brighter than Boomers without sounding "brittle").

I would also point out that if you look through the specs on new instruments right here on Fender's website, that MANY of the instruments come with something other than Bullet strings. In fact most of the vintage series instruments and almost all of the Signature Series instruments come with either Super 250's or Standard Tension 250s. Call me horribly irrational here but -if- Bullets really made that big of a difference then one would be inclined to believe that Fender would use them on virtually every new instrument they put out...right? So respectively, since Fender doesn't put those on every single new Strat, one could probably surmise that it's not really that big of a deal.

So with that, my advice would be if you are really that concerned about this, go ahead and try the Bullets if you want...they're not bad strings and your ears very well may like the sound. If you like them, stick with them...if not then try something else. Yes, I'm sure that it does make a difference but for most people, it's not a huge difference at all and that difference may be negated completely by other aspects such as sound and feel.


Now as to your second question in regards to aftermarket trem blocks...my suggestion there would be to contact the manufacturer and ask. On a personal note, I have a Callaham trem block on my '96 MIM Standard and I -LOVE- it...whether or not it's drilled to accept Bullet strings is -to me- completely and totally irrelevant. The difference it made in sustain and even tone was just huge...almost as significant as having changed the pickups. In this regards, I would try the Bullet strings -first-...if you feel that they do indeed make a significant difference, then worry about whether aftermarket trems are drilled for them...otherwise, don't sweat it.

Again, these are just -my opinions-.
Good Luck,
Jim

I always liked the thought of Fender Bullets, as the theory is good... but I tried them a coupla times on my Strat Plus and wasn't impressed. There was no particular problem, I just didn't like the tone and went back to D'Addarios at next string change. I've never had any problem with regular ball-end strings.

Want more info on different strings? http://guitarstringguide.com

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I have a Callaham block and I can tell you that bullets do not work in it. The recesses are drilled too short, and the bullets poke out of the sockets. No worries though. Barrel ends work just fine.

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Thanks for all of your insightful replies! Of course if anyone else has opinion please keep them coming

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"If I don't see you no more in this world I'll meet you on the next one and don't be late... don't be late." -Jimi Hendrix