I installed the "new improved" Callaham block in my Am Standard today. The difference is hardly noticeable. May be a slight if any improvement in tone, and sustain but with this particular Strat. There's hardly any difference.
I can see where it could make a difference with a Squier or any guitar with a block such as the Squier has. But not so with this particular Am Standard that I have.

These were my findings with my AVRI also not too long ago.
Also, it is of my opinion that the steel block which I purchased from a guy in the UK for my AVRI is of better quality than the one I just got from Callaham. Only MY opinion. I'm not trying to piss anyone off by no means.

Now that's my opinion about the quality of the blocks in the second paragraph. The fact that there's hardly any difference in tone between my stock Am Standard block and the Callaham block, well that's a fact. The difference is hardly noticeable.

Again I say I'm not trying to upset anyone and I won't partake in any arguments that may come of this. But I was asked to post my findings on this matter a while back so I'm doing so.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

I Have Been Reading About These Blocks Too And I Dont Think It Would Make A Real Difference Either. Fender Did An Awesome Job On The 57 Ri's As Is. I'm Not Going To Change Mine.

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Vintage Hotrod '57 Strat, 81 G&L L2000 Series E Bass, Fender Musicmaster Bass Amp.

I love mine too. Awesome tone. The AVRI already has a steel block in it from the factory. I was unaware of this until I took it out. I've never heard a strat ring so loud(acoustically/unplugged) as my '57 RI does. It's an awesome instrument.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

who was the guy in the UK you got your block from, im looking for options to replace the block in my road worn

That's too bad bshane84, I'm really enjoying mine. It is nice to get feedback from someone who actually tried it, thanks for that.

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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.

Hi jimmydenton. I'm pretty sure this is his e-mail address. "kevin@khurley.orangehome.co.uk"

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Steel-tremolo-sus ... 230e1c02c9 do you think this is the same fella?

bshane84,

Just curious, how did you came to the conclusion that the UK block is better than the Callaham? Sounds like you had a nearly identical experience with both blocks, ie not much difference to your stock blocks with either.

_________________
---> "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.

It feels heavier. Though I haven't weighed the two blocks. Also, It looks to be made of different(better) steel. The Callaham however has a bushing like part inside the tremelo hole for more tremelo stability. The block from the UK doesn't have this. So for someone who uses the tremelo alot. The Callaham is probably better.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

Yes, that's him. No doubt about it. That's him.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

I changed the very thin block on a MIM Strat to a Callaham and the difference was huge, but I do think I would have gotten similar results with any full size steel block. When I did the mod, I could not find any other options for a full size steel block to fit a MIM strat.

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SOLID!
Thanks for the great info, I'll keep it in mind if I decide to change out a good steel block for another.

I'm keeping the Callaham in my guitar. I paid for it so I'm gonna use it. It's most definately not tone-degrading in any way. It does sound as good as the stock block. Just don't see $72.00 worth. But I had to check it out.

Now, I took the replacement block out of my AVRI and put the factory block back in because I like the tone of the factory block better. The block from the UK made my AVRI sound brighter. It sounds bright enough with the factory block in my opinion. Though I really didn't change the amp settings or anything when I put it in. I probably should have played with the amp a bit. But I was just trying to compare the two with the same amp settings.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

Yes. I was under the impression the Am Standard blocks weren't quality steel. I don't know what it is but I think the Factory Am Standard block is a quality block.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

Re: ...don't know what it is...

Your impression is correct, the new AM Std block is not quality steel, it is cast, mixed with copper (copper infused). Fender's explanation of the copper "infusing" in the block is to better fill the voids caused from the casting process, ie, the previous Am Std cast blocks without copper were even worse. The new Am Std block is heavier than the old, and "more mass" per Fender, but not near as heavy as the Callaham by over an ounce. I weighed both blocks on digital scales and got 241.5 grams (8.6 ounces) for the 08 Am Std block, and 273 grams (9.7 ounces) for the Callaham block. If more mass helps the tone, then the Callaham and other heavier blocks should sound better than a lighter copper block.

_________________
---> "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.