Hi all, i just spotted a diagram of a snap in trem arm system in a standard strat manual after i searched here under string gauge trying to determine what gauge strings come installed on strats from the factory. I read that 10's are used but now i'm drooling over the idea of a trem arm that can be snapped in and out of place instead of threading it on and off. Does anyone know where i might find one of these systems for sale? I'm guessing that the snap in feature is on newer strats? or possibly the american deluxe model only? Thanks!

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I believe in Christianity as i believe that the sun has risen. not only because i see it, but because by it, i see everything else. C.S. Lewis

Hi Dave.

Unfortunately you will need to buy a new tremblock and arm. The snap in's come on the american deluxe and a few customshop models.

Its a good system that offers the correct solution to loose trem arms. Theres 2 grub screws at the back of the block. One adjusts how hard/easy it is to fit or remove the arm. The other (top screw I think) governs how loose the arm is in the block.
Heres one
http://www.fender.co.uk/products//search.php?partno=0992050200

Callaham keep on about how fender dont use 1018 cold rolled steel. Mike Eldred however assures us that they do.

The system is not without its downfalls though. Arguably the 2 point system wears out faster than the vintage trem. The arm can be too near the guitar body when its floating high. In my opinion the saddles are not as bright sounding as on vintage trems. That last one however is just my opinion and doesnt count for much.

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Thanks very much Nikininja, for the info, however, i simply cannot find any parts or price info or pics like the ones found via your link at the fender USA website! I really would like to leave the trem arm on the guitar all the time, but i would have to carve up the interior of my guitar case to allow room for the arm to be on without the case imparting any pressure on the arm in either direction. Perhaps a hardtail is in order since i've never used a trem before.....or maybe i could just install the trem arm now and then to see if it's the bees knees..... Hmmmm..... The head scratching continues.....

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I believe in Christianity as i believe that the sun has risen. not only because i see it, but because by it, i see everything else. C.S. Lewis

Well I have two models with a snap in arm a Strat Ultra and an American Ash Deluxe. The trem has never been a big part of my style though I like playing with it on the Ultra as it holds its tuning pretty good. But I always have the arm in everyone of my strats as it just feels right and also for string changes.