Hi all.

I am looking to replace the stock Zinc tremolo block in my 2010 and I see there seems to be two schools or thought a steel one or a brass one.

From the reading i have done it would seem the steel give you more brightness and the brass offers you more warmth.

Since I have heard neither I thought before laying down the money i would ask the forum if you have replaced yours could you give me some feedback as to the one you have.

My guitar has a maple neck and a alder body, it is bright and I am leaning more to the brass unit. I do plain to install 4 or 5 springs but I am not going to block it, I plain to use it.

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Marriage is like playing cards...

At first all you want are Hearts and Diamonds.

But in the end, all you really want is a Club and a Spade.

Hey Jeffytune,

I have used nothing but Steel blocks from Callaham, I've never known anyone that has used the Brass block, so I don't know about their affect on the sound. Definitely at least change the block, but the MIM saddles are lame also and should be changed while you're at it. The Block ($60) and Saddles ($40) from Callaham will cost $100, but for $121 you can get the whole bridge assembly including plate, saddles and block and claw and screws and springs and Allen wrench.

Very noticeable difference in sustain and better tone with the new Callaham parts. I have done 5 of my guitars and several for friends, and everyone is more than pleased with the improvements.

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

Thank you for your insight.

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Marriage is like playing cards...

At first all you want are Hearts and Diamonds.

But in the end, all you really want is a Club and a Spade.

Jeffery,

I have used both on my Squiers. On the Squier I prefer the brass.

You can have both for about $50.00 from GFS. I have used theirs exclusively and have great results.

Here is a link and their explaination of which one to buy.

I have had great service from GFS and no complaints.

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

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

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I remember when we were free!

I just noticed you have a 2010. I am suprised Fender has gone back to zinc blocks. My 2007 MIM has a nice fat steel block that came on it.

I have not seen any new MIM's with zinc in the store lately.

If I might ask and not be to intrusive, Where did you buy this instrument? Music store, pawn shope, online?

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I remember when we were free!

That really is a tough decision. 2 of my guitars have steel blocks and I love them. I have another one has that Zinc block and I cannot stand playing without an amp with it. I have been toying with the idea of a brass block for it, just to change things up a bit. I voted for steel.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Like a cowboy...on a STEEL horse I ride...

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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!

The thicker and heavier the block, the better the sustain because the tremolo won't move as much. However, I have no clue about steel, brass, or zinc. Whichever is heavier, most likely brass I would suspect.... Trail and Error here. Give it a shot with each and let us know...

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"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


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