I just bought a 2007 MIM 60's Reissue Strat and assuming it is all original what would the tremolo block and top plate be made of? Also what pick ups does this guitar have? The reason I ask is I also have a MIA Strat and the MIM Strat sounds a little more tinny (not as warm) as my MIA Strat. I will change this out if that is the difference because other than this I actually like the MIM (playability, feel) more than my MIA. Thanks for the help.

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98 MIA Strat, 07 MIM 60's Reissue Strat, Mustang l, Mustang lll

Hi there.

Okay, as to your block, take the rear cover off and touch a magnet to it, if it sticks, it's a steel block, most likely it will not stick and then it is a Zinc block.

My 2010 standard was a Zinc, and i replaced it with a brass one, and that did warm it up a bit.

To the pick ups, Most likely they will be ceramic block units, they have a very "Vanilla" tone to them, loud and all, but colder.

I would suggest a set of the Fender custom shop fat 50's set and a orange drop or paper and oil cap to go with 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.

Yes, your right magnet does not stick, must be zinc. Should I get a steel or brass and where is the best place to buy?

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98 MIA Strat, 07 MIM 60's Reissue Strat, Mustang l, Mustang lll

Good advice Jeffytune,

But, magnetic does not always mean steel or even all steel, iron is magnetic, any ferrous metal is magnetic. And there are different kinds/grades of steel, cast, cold rolled and hot rolled leaded, etc, each having different hardness and tonal characteristics. The stock, cast block, in my Am Std has copper in it, and that block is still attracted to a magnet. I have found some of the blocks that I call "pot metal" have a weak magnetic attraction and yet aren't steel. But, yes, the blocks that have a magnetic attraction are definitely better than the Zinc.

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---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

What block do you recommend shimmilou?

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98 MIA Strat, 07 MIM 60's Reissue Strat, Mustang l, Mustang lll

For trem blocks you cannot beat guitarfetish.com. They have brass and steel and they are top shelf quality - I have both. They are around 20 bucks! I've seen the other bigname brand brass block and think it is WAY overpriced for essentially a hunk of brass.

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Upgrade-Ste ... c_219.html

I sent an email and asked GF about the kind of steel in their blocks, their response was that they "..don’t have the metallurgical specs onhand" and couldn't tell me what it was. I'm sure that the GF block would be an improvement over the zinc block in many Strats, and is cheap. I have only used Callaham 1018CRS blocks for all replacements that I've done (about 7 so far), they cost more, but I believe that they are the best that you can get, as far as a steel block. If you can afford it, I would change the whole bridge on the MIM with a Callaham. At least the block and saddles.

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---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

I'm OUTRAGED!!! I demand to see a full chemical composition report on the GFS blocks!!! I was under the impression that they are REALLY REALLY made from REAL 1018CRS!! And I thought my guitar sounded great yesterday, but now that the truth is revealed, it sounds flat and tinny again!! I'm mad as hell!!! I demand a certificate of authenticity

The pickups in the '50s, '60s, and '70s Classic re-issue MIM Strats are typically alnico types with non-beveled pole pieces. They're not bad but they lack the sonic definition and detail of Fender's premium pickups such as the 57/62's, the Fat '50s, or the Custom Shop '69s. The '50s and '60s Strats use the same pickup set (identical part numbers for all three positions) while the '70s model has its own specific set.

I generally replace the entire bridge assembly on these guitars with Fender vintage accessory tremolo kit which includes a steel block, better claw and springs, and nickel-plated saddles with non-metric height adjustment screws. A proper allen wrench is supplied for the latter.

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

Hi Again.

With most of the MIM, they are the pot metal zinc types, yes there are some other types for MIA models, but since we know this is a MIM, I didn't include them.

Yes, Guitar fetish is the place, they have tremolos for the MIA and the MIM spacing, they are not interchangeable.
I used the complete replacement unit, it sure was reasonable in price, and very well made.

Now as to why the pick ups of the ones I suggested. With Fender custom shops, you can be confident in how they will sound and the quallity of the unit.
The Fat 50's have a center pick up is reversed wound to give you hum canceling with a nice thick tone with plenty of soul.

_________________
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.