Is there a difference in the spacing between the mounting holes on fender strat tremolos? I'm working on a project guitar and had a body made through a reputable manufacturer. I was planning to use a MIM tremolo, but the holes don't line up with the ones pre-drilled on the body. The manufacturer stated that the body was drilled for 6 hole vintage tremolo/bridge. Is there a difference between the MIM and a "vintage" trem?

Hi jerrybud: regarding the six mounting screw holes, measure center to center of the outside two. If that measurement is 52 mm then it is drilled for a MIM bridge. If it is 56 mm it is drilled for a MIA six-hole bridge.

Then you know which one to buy.

Good luck - C

Ceri--

Thanks for the info. I just measured and the holes 56mm. Time to go buy a MIA trem! Been playing a strat for 20 years, but this is my first project -- so you may see me back with some more "stupid" questions! Thanks again!

Certain MIM trem bridges will fit your body (Classic '50s & '60s re-issues, Jimmy Vaughn signature model) but the MIM "standard" type has 2-1/16" string spacing, which is narrower than the true vintage-spec bridge.

The MIA vintage trem bridge (when bought as a stand-alone accessory) includes five springs, the claw, whammy bar with white tip, a ground wire, all mounting screws, an allen wrench for the saddles, plus a string tree, screw, and spacer. The inertia block is lacquered steel, the bridge plate is chrome, and the saddles and string tree are nickel. This kit is also available in gold.

Best of luck, HTH

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY