i would like to replace my stock MIM bridge with one of these:

Gotoh 510T-SF2 Tremolo (chrome or gold color)
or
SB-5330-S10 - Fulcrum Tremolo Steel Block


is it really that much better to get a steel block than not regarding these two selections?

any other suggestions comparable to these? these are kinda in my price range though the steel one is pushing it.

thx

I just installed a Callaham bridge/trem/block. I have no regrets, the 135.00 was worth it.

got a part number for that so i can check it out?

is it this item: http://www.callahamguitars.com/upgrades.htm

thx

The link for Callaham is the correct stuff you need.

_________________
Squier Classic Vibe thinline telecaster
Squier JM Black1 partscaster
Line 6 Pod XT Live
Peavey VT Classic 212
Vox AC30 Amplug

and the Callaham bridge comes higher recommended than say?

Gotoh 510T-SF2 Tremolo (chrome or gold color)
SB-5330-S10 - Fulcrum Tremolo Steel Block

just curious

Everyone that I've seen on here and other forums say that the Callaham stuff is the top of the line. Although Gotoh makes good products also.

_________________
Squier Classic Vibe thinline telecaster
Squier JM Black1 partscaster
Line 6 Pod XT Live
Peavey VT Classic 212
Vox AC30 Amplug

I prefer to just change the block, as the 6 point vintage synchronized trem is pretty good. On the left is the cast composit MIM block and on the right is the Callaham $55 block.

I replaced the callaham steel block tremolo on my MIM with a Gotoh/Wilkinson 5+1 and never looked back. Better quality, better design, for a quater of the price.

Similar to this, though they used to do a vintage synchronized trem replica

http://www.buy-guitar-parts.com/index.php?/vmchk/wilkinson-tremolos/wilkinson-5+1-modern-tremolo.html

You get 1018CRS block on most Gotoh products. The 5+1 is a great way to widen string spacing from 52mm to 56mm. The staggered entry/exit holes on the block really make a difference to correct break angle over the saddles too.

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No no and no

what a difference!!

a really good price i see and can get steel too. the 6 hole mount is a perfect fit for the MIM strat? i.e., no drilling new holes, etc? great option to be able to experiment with the string spacing. i like it already!

thx

Yeah it's a good inexpensive system. Wilkinson won't over inflate prices, but the lines can get blurred between the budget models that can lose out in terms of raw material quality (namely arm and saddles to my eye). And the higher end models. If you can find a Gotoh Wilkinson 5+1 like this



It has one mounting hole as normal, to secure the up/down position of the trem. The other 5 holes are slots, to allow for differences in screwhole placement. Cost me £40, £10 less than callaham charges for a inertia (trem) block
That guitar has a MIM powerhouse body. The trem went on great, no sweat at all.

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No no and no

sweet. know what you mean about that "blur" between budget models and materials issue.

many thanks

i see on ebay one can get that for ~62.00. good price.


btw, what humbuckers are in your strat if you don't mind me asking?

Just some Jackson CVR2 things that they put on their budget models.

That guitar is my testbed. I decided to experiment with those 2 pickups out of phase to each other, but with a clapton midboost too. Trying to get the plummy Pete Green sound, where I couldn't flip the magnet. Wired out of phase sounds a bit thinner than magneticaly out of phase, I was hoping the clapton boost would help that a little. Mixed results.

BTW. I cut that guard myself, I'm quite pleased with it looking back at that picture..





Cost me £2 and two hours to make that. Rather than pay £10 and wait 2 days.

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No no and no

not bad not bad at all. i did see you had 8 holes vs 11 on my mim pickguard. under my pickguard there is a hole for a single coil. i didn't expect that but makes sense from a production cost thing.

haven't decided on what humbuckers to replace the stock ones. but narrowed it down and that list will take a few more months to narrow down.

like you, it turns out my mim is getting upgraded all around! for me though its a great way to learn about em since i'm so new though it didn't take my inexperienced ears long at all to know the sound HAD to be upgraded!

thanks for the pics. i saved em in case i need to do the same -- or at least be able to explain/show a luthier here.

cheers and good luck on finding that sound you're after. the journey is way too cool