First post ...so hi there all...
Just got given a new black Blacktop strat and im quite impressed with the guitar in general.the problem i have is with the trem setup.I had lying around a set of vintage cold pressed saddles and decided to put them on the strat as im told they give the guitar more sustain .Unfortunately when i put them on they are a tiny bit too big and fan out making the string travel not straight(if you know what i mean)
obviously the trem is a mexican made part but i was wondering if it is a size made specifically for the BT.Does anyone have any experience with these models and is there a trem that will fit in to the cavity .any help and advice would be great and appreciated Also should i change the pots and caps as im not sure of the quality of the mexican stuff,its not CTS pots ,BTW the pups are awesome and Fender should be proud of the tone produced from them
thanks in advance.....
cheers
timbo241162

Look at some of the on line sellers - WD Music, Stew Mac etc. You can get smaller sized steel saddles. Measure the stock ones for your Blacktop - I'd be amazed if you cant get the equivalent (smaller) appropriate size in the pressed steel style. Sometimes referred to as Export.

I fitted some PRS Tusque saddles (block style) into my very strat like Burns Batwing. They'd also been on my mexican strat for a while. So look at other manufacturers too. Another of my (Squire) Strats has the pressed steel saddles off a Yamaha Pacifica 112V.

This should not be a problem that sends you off looking for a new bridge. Good luck!

_________________
Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

If you were happy with the tone before the saddle replacement, switch it back. Otherwise, put it back to stock and measure your string spacing to find out what bridge you have, then you can order new saddles for your bridge As for swapping out the electronics.....if you like the sound, why change it? Mexican Fenders may not use the highest quality parts out there, but no one does hardly these days. I have never had a problem with MIM Fender electronics other than poor shielding. Since you have humbuckers, your guitar is probably pretty "silent" already.

First off ,thanks for pearls of wisdom from you guys....much appreciated!!!..Steve,you are absolutely right what you say and i have returned it back to stock..now i have to redo the intonation ..which was perfect before i started screwin around with it...oh well live n learn ...
So what are the electronic components like as far as quality goes? would a pot and cap upgrade make any significant tonal change....responses are really appreciated
cheers
tim

Hi Tim.

Well as many here have said the American and the Mexican made strats have different string spacings.

The tremolo block is more were you will gain tone, I would suggest you look at Guitar fetish and get one of there replacement tremolo units with a brass or steel block.
I installed a Brass one in my strat, but since yours has the humbuckers a steel one would brighten the tone up some, so i would get one with the steel block.

Here's a link for you...

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Made-in-Mexico-Import-Strat-UPGRADE-trem-Solid-STEEL-block_p_489.html



This is the chrome one with steel block with the Mexican spacing and the 6 screw mounting.
I think that would be the right one, and it runs like 38 bucks +shipping.
It is a high quality unit and just drops in.

_________________
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.

Cheers Jeff, and gday from Australia...i really appreciate your quick reply and will get on to your sugestions asap...the only problem is that all good hardware shops are in the US (lucky dogs) so it can take some time for our orders to be filled if at all!!!
still no replies on pots and cap replacement???
thanks guys
tim

I have a new Blacktop also. Its a very nice guitar and sounds great, and least mine does, even with the el chepo zinc trem bar.

I really think you will be OK without all the mods.

The new MIM's for 2011 have great necks treatments, at least the ones I have seen to date.

_________________
I remember when we were free!

About the "quality" of the MIM electronics......Sometimes I find MIM strats with very good pickups, and sometimes I find them that leave alot to be desired. But as far as will the guitar crap out on you when you need it, no........I have never had a problem with a MIM pot, or switch.....or anything! I have 2 MIM's that are near 20 years old now and they still work fine. Changing the capacitors like you mentioned would indeed change your tone a little, or a lot, depending on what value you use.......but again, if it suits you then why change it? Otherwise......tell us how you like the Blacktop Strat...in stock form