Other than pickups, is the hardware (trem assy., bridge, etc.) on the Classic 50's Strat any different than the standard MIM Strat? I'm asking about the Classic 50's, not the Classic Players 50's...

Unless something has changed, the classic series uses the same bridge as the MIM Standards

Thanks for the quick reply! I kinda figured the Classic 50's used the same hardware. It seems like it's worth spending a bit more ($100 difference list price) to go with a Classic Players 50's since it has the Custom Shop designed 2-point trem and CS 57/62 pickups. But, the color selections are better with the Classic 50's and it has the traditional radius neck... I wish they offered more colors on the CP 50's..

Nope -- that's never been the case.

The MIM Classic re-issues use the original-spec vintage style bridge with 2-7/32" string spacing.

The MIM Standard model uses the import-spec bridge with 2-1/16" spacing.

Arjay

_________________
"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

Really? I swear my two classic series 60's strats have the same bridge as several of my MIM standards!

The Fender website lists the specs of the bridges on both the standard and the classic series as "Vintage style synchronized tremolo". The only difference I have seen in mine is the bend angle of the tremolo arm, and the color of the plastic tip! I will measure both bridges' string spacing and such when I get home from work!

The bridge is considered to be "vintage spec" if you can snap one of these on it......



The import-spec bridge as used on MIM Standards, Corona-built American Specials, chicom Squiers, etc will not accommodate the original bridge cover. The cover fits all MIM Classic models, the US-made AVRI's, most artist signature Strats, and the MIJ/CIJ vintage re-issues.

It's that simple.

Arjay

_________________
"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

Okay, so I measured my CP 50's, standard MIM Strat, and my Am Deluxe and they all seem to have the 2-1/16 inch spacing. The 2-7/32 inch spacing is 5/32 inch wider, which is about 1/4 inch difference. Three questions about this:

1) In terms of playability, how much of a difference does this make?

2) If this is the bridge used in the Classic 50's, is there any difference in quality compared to the standard MIM version?

3) Would any of the assemblies from the American-made vintage reissues be a drop-in replacement for the bridge assy in the Classic 50's? Or, are they actually the same assy?

The MIM Classic Player model uses the modern 2-point trem which (I think) has 2-7/32" string spacing.

As for playability, if you're acclimated to the narrower bridge it shouldn't make any difference in playability.

Quality-wise, the bridge used on the MIM Standards uses a skeletonized pot-metal trem block. The MIM Classic re-issue guitars offer a full-size (albeit still pot-metal) block.

The vintage-spec MIA trem bridge (either purchased as a stand-alone accessory or "harvested" from an AVRI Strat) is a direct drop-on replacement for the bridges used on any of the MIM Classic re-issues only (not the Classic Player models though).

Confused yet?



HTH

Arjay

_________________
"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

Okay, so there IS an upgrade possibility for the bridge assembly. That was my main concern. In regard to the Classic Players 50's string spacing, I just measured across the strings (E to E) at the bridge and it measures the same as my MIM standard. Is that the right way to measure string spacing?

Also, you're right -- the CP 50's does have the two-point assy.

Indeed. On the "vintage style" bridge it's common to use the center-to-center measurement for the two outermost bridge plate screws to determine the size. I suppose that dimension would suffice to determine string spacing for the 2-point trems as well.

Basically, a bridge is a bridge is a bridge. The only upgrade of real import would be to put some real steel beneath it (if the guitar currently has the zinc alloy block). GFS and Callaham both make excellent steel trem blocks for all types of Strat bridges.

HTH

Arjay

_________________
"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

It made a huge difference to me, so much so that I got rid of a few bodies and bridges that had the narrower spacing once I stumbled on the wider bridge when I got my 50's Vintage strat.

Specifically, if you fingerpick at all, you'll be real happy to have the extra room between the strings. Dunno about using a pick as I seldom do. . .