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Post subject: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 4:08 pm
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I'm getting a used Eric Johnson body for my guitar project. (http://www.fender.com/community/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=49638&sid=d8e353fb529d84f9a4d8175823525ea7) My next step is finding a bridge for it. If anyone can help me out with some questions I have, I'd really appreciate it. :)

I tend to feel more comfortable with a narrower neck and string spacing, and I've heard that new American Specials and Highway Ones have a wide screw/narrow string bridge. By how much does that differ from the regular 2 7/32" spacing from most American Fenders? And would it fit an EJ body? I also want to replace the saddle with ones from graph tech. If I got a wide screw/narrow string bridge which saddles from graph tech could I use to replace the stock ones?

The original owner has a Wilkinson tremolo (like this http://www.wdmusic.com/wilkinson_5_1_hole_tremolo_steel_block_chrome.html ) which is missing the arm. He said he'd sell it for $35 shipped. Does anyone have experience with that tremolo system?

And lastly, I was thinking that I two point tremolo would be the way to go but how hard is it to mod a guitar which is already drilled for a six hole trem? Is it worth the extra work?

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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 5:34 pm
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I like the vintage spaced narrow bridge as well. I own two of the modern highway ones. The string spacing is 2 1/16, basically Gibson spacing and the same as the American Standard spacing. This spacing puts the strings right over the top of the pole pieces of the bridge pickup (both mine have single coils). This is nice if you play metal... I am pretty sure that all USA bodies with the vintage trem are 2 7/32 so you shouldn't have any issues.
The Wilkinson is a little wider I believe. You'll have to search for the specs.
You could have the original holes drilled and doweled but it would probably cost the same to just buy an American standard body on e-bay...


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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 6:26 pm
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I think that my MIM Strat is 2 1/16". So the new Highway Ones and American Specials have the same string spacing as MIM Standards?

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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 7:00 pm
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You got it. The difference is that the MIM's have 2 1/16 mount screw spacing as well. I guess it's Fenders' way of differentiating the Mex from USA bodies... I guess...


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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 7:15 pm
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Cool. :) So I would need to use 2 1/16" saddles for it, and it be a direct replacement?

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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 7:21 pm
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Pretty damn sure...


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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 8:53 pm
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Great, thanks so much. :)

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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 3:30 am
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I've extensive experience with the Wilkinson 5+1. It's string spacing is 56mm, not 52mm Gibson spacing.
As for the tremolo arm. It's a push in affair that you could use any arm for, even a threaded arm.

All you do is look at the back of the inertia block before you fit the trem. You'll see a little grub screw (like on the American Deluxe trems). Put whatever arm you plan on using in the trem arm hole. Tighten the grub screw to give a firm fitting. But so you can remove the arm when you wish too. Dont go clamping it in there like a vice.

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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 5:19 pm
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One other thing just occurred to me. If I had a wide screw/narrow string bridge and I stripped the tremolo bar and had to change the block would I need to use one made for MIM Strats or American/Vintage RI Strats?

Quality wise, what are the differences between a tremolo system from a Highway One, Road Worn or American Special and an American Standard or American Vintage RI?

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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 5:38 pm
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You can't strip a 5+1 inertia block.

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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 2:58 pm
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nikininja wrote:
You can't strip a 5+1 inertia block.


That's a good point. The only thing is that I really like narrow string spacing like on my Squier or MIM. I also prefer narrower necks (1.650" or less) and I don't want to have to worry about the strings slipping off the board.

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Post subject: Re: String Spacing Question
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:21 pm
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That's not a issue by the time the strings reach the fretboard. All Fender guitars are 52mm wide at the heel. It's bad neck placement that causes string slipoff, not bridge width.

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