Hi all, please could someone give me a definitive answer on this so I don't get the wrong one and waste money. I need a new trem block for highway one strat made in 2009 so new model big headstock. So is there a specific size to look for, measurements etc? Thanks to all who help, I looked in the spec guide but no info there...

Your best bet is to contact Fender Customer Service.

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Hi again and thanks for comments so far. I have emailed uk and usa fender but no luck on sizes, not sure if it is a big secret or not but just got advised to order parts, one was a full trem kit that I def do not need, so my question down the support route has not worked so now I will ask the audience. I am not bothered who makes/ sells it, I just want the size / spec so I can order one. It is either us vintage trem size or mexican vintage trem block size. I have heard about the callaham? blocks and they sound ok, if a bit pricey. well hope some feedback comes in, need this done before I level frets....thanks in advance guys

I have a Callaham vintage block in my MIJ. I'm 100% sure it made a lot of difference tbh.

What you are looking for is the screw hole spacing. You'll need to make sure you buy a Vintage Style tremolo block as the string spacing is 2 1/16 versus the newer American 2 3/16 spacing...

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Calaham trem blocks are the only way to go.

All Highway One Stratocasters have 6-screw vintage-style synchronized tremolos, same as a Standard Stratocaster, American Special Stratocaster ... you get the idea. Obviously, you can't use the new two-point fulcum system that you see on the American Standard Stratocasters.

As far as I've seen, all Fender Strat vintage-style tremolo assemblies are made to tolerance, so if you bought one that originally came out of a Mexi Strat, it will screw right in.

Same for the trem blocks.

Personally, I would avoid any trem blocks that are die-cast and have sections "cut away" (i.e. older MIM Strats and Squier Strats). Always go for ones that are made heavier and sturdier out of milled steel (i.e. are one solid piece without sections cut out, all newer Fender Strats have them, no matter what model). These blocks offer a touch of fat to your tone and have better sustain.

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2006 Fender AVRI 70s Stratocaster: Natural Ash | Sovtek MIG 60 & A No Name Cabinet | Pedals & Junk

I've previously used a Callaham assembly in a MIM Strat and it was wonderful. I recently heard about GFS Trem kits which cost much less and had good reviews, so I purchased one two weeks ago and it also made a huge difference in tone in my 07 MIM Strat! All for $40!!!

http://store.guitarfetish.com/tremelos.html

Callaham blocks are expensive, but you can guarantee that the Fender replacement (if you ever get to order one) will cost as much. And they will sound better too.

Might also be worth looking at Trev Wilkinson parts too. They're high performing and well priced.

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

Just my own comments and opinions here as always...

First let me say that I do think that Callaham blocks simply rock! I have one in my '96 MIM and the difference it made over the stock, half-sized zinc alloy blocks that come in older MIM's was just HUGE...nearly as dramatic as putting new pickups in. Now for the sake of comparison, I recently put a GFS brass block in my '03 MIM and honestly, the difference wasn't as dramatic. Better? Yes. As significant as the Callaham steel block? No. Of course the question here is whether that is simply the difference between steel and brass or if it's the difference between Callaham and GFS. It's also worth noting that when I had put the Callaham on the '96, I had already installed Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups in her (which were later switched to Duncans) where as the '03 had the stock pickups in her...it's certainly possible those stock MIM pickups really aren't picking up the difference of the trem block.

Now since we're talking an '09 Highway 1, looking at Callaham's website, apparently something changed on those as they have a different block listed for '06 and up (the newer ones show as being Mexican standard "enhanced") so on that issue alone, I would stick with the Callaham just because I'm -sure- it would fit properly. Yes it costs more than a GFS or anything you might find on Ebay but you'll have the peace of mind knowing that you're not going to have any issues with installation. Also in regards to cost, as others have said a genuine Fender replacement would probably cost you nearly as much (if not more) and honestly, the Callaham is going to sound better either way.

Just my $.02 worth,
Jim

Something did indeed change. The updated Highway was fitted with a substantially better Tone block. Not Callaham quality maybe, but streets ahead of what was on the earlier models. That new block then made it's way onto the current Mexican standards.

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

Gotta add a vote for Callaham. Simply the best there is. Get the whole trem upgrade kit if you can swing it. The stainless steel saddles add another dimension to the improvement the block gives.

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60th Anniversary AD Strat, Deluxe Nashville Tele, Player's P Bass. Mesa/Boogie Mk IV combo, Marshall JCM800, 1960A cab, Genz Benz El Diablo 60, Genz 2x12" cab, too many neat little practice amps and kit projects!

You have that backwards.

All vintage Stratocasters made in Fullerton have the vintage trem bridge with string spacing at 2-7/32". Ditto with all the Corona and MIM re-issues. The so-called "asian" vintage-style trem bridge has the 2-1/16" spacing (which is the string spacing on the new "American Special" Strats) and is common on many of the Squiers, Affinitys, Bullets, etc.

For the original poster:

Measure the spacing between the outside bridge plate screws on your guitar (the two screws adjacent to both of your E strings) center-to-center to determine which bridge you have. I think it's 2-7/32" but it may have changed to the narrower style bridge for the newer model. If it is indeed the 2-7/32" spacing you can use the steel block from any US-made vintage Fender trem. If you find you have the smaller 2-1/16" bridge then Callaham or GFS will have an appropriate replacement part. If you go with the Callaham, they use a press-in Delrin bushing in the trem arm hole which actually makes the arm more effective and minimizes the chance of bending the arm or snapping it off altogether (with predictably disasterous results).

Best of luck, HTH

Arjay