I've got a MIM standard strat I bought new in '95. Since them I've upgraded the pickups to CS Texas Specials (installed by Mike Lull w/ mstr V/T and blender) and have recently bought Fender locking tuners to install. I'd also like to replace the pot metal block with steel for tone and sustain. Might replace all the other trem hardware too if there's an advantage to it.

I use the tremolo bar and want to keep that function. So the question is with all the replacement options (Callaham, Guitarfetish, Super-V, Fender, Wilkinson, etc.)

What's your experience and recommendation? Is Callaham worth the money over Guitarfetish? Should I stay with a Fender product? Would I gain anything by replacing the saddles and other hardware along with adding a steel block?

I went with the Callaham block only because it had a Delrin sleve and I was Jonesing for a shorter trem arm. I don't see the reason to replace saddles or trem plate (unless they are broke/stripped out). However, the 6 steel screws that hold down the trem should be replaced with the stiffest/strongest screws you can find, as they will get most of the wear on the trem.



MIM stock block and arm on the left. Callaham Block and arm on the right.

+1

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