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Post subject: Trem block question
Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 12:59 pm
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Just curious. I am planning on blocking my trem but didn't know if anyone had any recommendations. Wood? Steel? I want to add a little sustain to my 60's Road Worn.


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Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 1:07 pm
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Blocking the trem won't make any difference to the sustain of the guitar at all.

I use pine, does the job, easy to shape and readily available.

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Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 1:47 pm
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I have a RW 60s, I replaced the bridge with a Callaham (distressed) and got a very nice increase in sustain and tone. The pickups really came alive, and I think that they sound awesome (Tex-Mex). At least put in a Callaham block, it is the better part of the improvements in sustain and tone. The block that you have now is a tone robber. :idea:

I also tightened the trem claw screws to hold the bridge tightly flush with the body, even while bending strings. I felt that it helped the sound to resonate through the body a little better (I don't use whammy). Using a block of any kind would be a pain in the butt if you ask me. Wood will just shrink over time and become useless (fall out), and for anything else like steel, you would probably have to drill holes to keep in place. :idea:

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Post subject: Blocking the trem
Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 2:33 pm
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I cut and used a small block of one inch oak stair tread to block the trem on my G&L and tightened the springs to hold it in place. Just make sure the tail piece is level and where you want it when you measure for the block. I couldn't tell any difference in the sustain but it makes tuning and string bending a little easier.


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Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 1:22 pm
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Thanks for the tips. I was told that it would help with the sustain, I guess it won't. I certainly plan on swapping out the bridge like you recommended, I have swapped out the pups for Klein S-5's which I love but honestly, I miss the Tex Mex enough to maybe get another one of these and leave them in.


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Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 1:43 pm
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Drock2k1 wrote:
Thanks for the tips. I was told that it would help with the sustain, I guess it won't. I certainly plan on swapping out the bridge like you recommended, I have swapped out the pups for Klein S-5's which I love but honestly, I miss the Tex Mex enough to maybe get another one of these and leave them in.

You shouldn't need to change the bridge, just changing the trem block should make plenty of difference. Try that first, and if it doesn't seem enough, then maybe change the bridge.

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Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:19 pm
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Drock2k1 wrote:
....I miss the Tex Mex enough to maybe get another one of these and leave them in.


I think that with a new bridge (or at least block), you will really like the Tex Mex pickups. I also wanted to change mine, until I got the bridge, now they sound great. Everyone that hears this Strat is amazed with the killer "vintage" tone that it has. Forgot to mention that I also added a base-plate to the bridge pickup for just a few bucks more and the bridge pickup is warmer and richer than without the plate. I guess that a pic is in order. :D

Image

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