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Post subject: Just completed the first mod to my new MIM Strat
Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 5:52 pm
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Rock Star
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Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
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Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
I went and blocked the tremolo.

I had purchased a rock maple block on E-Bay for $7.00 (including shipping). However, when I went to fit it in the space between the body and the metal trem block, I discovered it did not fit. In fact, it was twice a thick as it needed to be. I tried cutting it down the middle but without anything to guide my cut, it ended up crooked and useless. So I pitched it. :x

I then did a search of all my junk drawers and cabinets in the house, looking for something to use. After a lengthy search, I found just what I was looking for. It was a heavy chunk of black anodized aluminum. It was the perfect length and width, I just had to sand it a little bit to get it to wedge in between the factory trem block and the body (opposite side of the springs). After sanding, I wedged it in and retuned. WOW! The sustain is amazing. My Strat doesn't want to stop singing after striking a note. Ok. That's a little exaggerated, but the sustain has increased noticably. It really does sound nice. I also moved thethree factory trem springs from a trapeze configuration to three parallel springs. I am getting some additional springs and will try it with 5 springs. :D

I am really happy with the sound through my Frontman 25R. Flip the pickup switch to use the neck and center pickup, and she puts out a really sweet tone. Now I just have to relearn to play after a 20 year absence. 8)

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Post subject: Blocking trem,
Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:18 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:01 pm
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Location: Phoenix AZ
I'm going to give it a shot on mine, I never use the trem. Never tried it before, so theres a first time for everything. :|


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Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:22 pm
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Amateur
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Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:49 am
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Location: New Orleans
Interesting... While I've never blocked my trem, I've had it both floating and flat against the body.

What I find interesting, I've never heard of anyone using aluminum for the block..... only wood. :o

I wonder if that would add to block better than wood and give it more tone/sustain?

I think I gotta try it for myself! :lol: Thanks for the idea!

Oh, dont feel bad about being out of it for 20 years. I started playing again about two and half years ago after almost 31 years of absence. :oops: I'm having a ball with it now!

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'00 American Deluxe Stratocaster (Kinman Hx pups)
'08 Ibanez AS73 (Gibson Burstbuckers)
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Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:33 pm
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Rock Star
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Location: Magnolia, Texas (just north of Houston)
I have only seen wood blocks, but if it worked. I know the extra weight will add mass and could increase sustain.

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2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
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Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 9:33 pm
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Rock Star
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Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
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Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
The way I figure it, regardless of if you use a wood block or metal block, you are still dealing with a metal to wood interface. I can definitely say the sustain has been improved. You can hear the difference quite easily plugged in or unplugged.

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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 3:09 am
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Rock Star
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I have some Strats blocked both ways and I think tightening the springs is a lot easier and does just as good a job.


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