I have a 2010 MIM Strat and Im doing some upgrades on it. I just installed Area 61 and 58 pups from DiMarzio. Im not really fond of trems so I watched a video on youtube on how to block it. Ive also seen that some sites sell "trem blocks" that are ready to go. I took my backplate off today just to see what it looked like in there and what surprised me is that there is no room to put any kind of trem block in there, none at all. Is something new from Fender? I was going to just adjust the screws back there and have the trem lay flat on the body. Anybody else experience this with the trem?

Hmmm.
On the site, are they selling pieces of wood to "block" the trem? Or are you looking at "trem blocks"?
Because those are two different things.
A "trem block" or "bridge block" is the thing that you put the strings through, and is connected to the trem claw with the 3(or 5) springs.
Blocking a trem is basically just putting a piece of wood in between the trem block and wall of the trem cavity to stop it from moving.



If you really do mean that there is ABSOLUTELY no room in there for a piece of wood, then I guess just tighten up the screws on the claw. And post a pic please! I wanna see that!

There has to be room for the trem block to move as you actuate the tremolo arm.....otherwise that would fall under "Factory Defect" lol. The trem block you seen online is a replacement part for the tremolo, not a part to "block" the trem

I'd like to sell my "mental block" if anyone is interested.

Thanks for the replies. I have seen both items, the making of a wood block and the trem block kit's that you can buy. I will post a picture of it sometime this afternoon. Thanks again.

I guess If I tighten the screws and let the trem lay flat then there may be some room? Here's a pic:

http://www.adrive.com/public/d8f2366dd4 ... a16b3.html

YUP! Just tighten up the trem claw screws(with the strings off or loosened) until it sits flat and throw a piece of wood in there! Preferably a tone wood because it will make you feel better inside haha

Honestly though, it doesn't matter what wood you use, you will get a better resonance no matter what since what use to be there was air haha.

I've done this to both my strats and they are now 100% stable on tuning. One has a piece of alder and the other has swamp ash and I feel great inside haha.

So good luck on this project and happy playing!

Putting in a block of wood on the back side of the block is a waste of time, and does nothing for tone or trem movement. Just tighten the trem claw screws down so that the bridge doesn't move and be done. Worked for Clapton.

_________________
---> "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.

Shimmilou has a point. Just tightening up the temp claw screws will work UNLESS you use a heavy gauge of strings. I use 11-52 and when I break a string, the other ones go sharp by a really small amount, but sharp enough that I can hear it.

But I agree, 10 gauge and under and you'll be stable enough!

Thanks everyone. Tightening up the screws seemed to work just fine.

CUSTOM ALL THE WAY.