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Post subject: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:45 am
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Basically what the subject says. I've got a MiM standard that I'd like to hardtail, as I never use the tremolo. In the past with other strat-style guitars, I've just tightened the screws bringing the claw closer to the front of the guitar, and pulled the tremolo down flat against the body. However, seems like most folks will instead block the trem with a piece of wood, and let the string tension hold the wood in place.

So… what's the preferred method for locking a strat tremolo in place? What are the advantages of one or the other?


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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:14 am
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joshbuhler wrote:
Basically what the subject says. I've got a MiM standard that I'd like to hardtail, as I never use the tremolo. In the past with other strat-style guitars, I've just tightened the screws bringing the claw closer to the front of the guitar, and pulled the tremolo down flat against the body. However, seems like most folks will instead block the trem with a piece of wood, and let the string tension hold the wood in place.

So… what's the preferred method for locking a strat tremolo in place? What are the advantages of one or the other?
    Hi joshbuhler, and welcome to the forum.

    All my Strats have the bridge flush to the body. For my MIM Standard and American Standard I use the spring method (5 springs) and for my American Deluxe I use a piece of wood. I'm sure you'll get opinions on either side of the question as to which way is better so I'll start with my proverbial 2-cents and say that I really don't hear or feel any difference between the two methods.

    HTH

    Cheers!
    BM

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:18 pm
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I use the 5 spring and tighten the screws method.


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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:49 pm
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I've done both. Always come back to a block (machined aluminum) with 5 springs.

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:57 pm
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bluesky636 wrote:
I've done both. Always come back to a block (machined aluminum) with 5 springs.


I bet that works.


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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:18 pm
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jeff_hatcher wrote:
bluesky636 wrote:
I've done both. Always come back to a block (machined aluminum) with 5 springs.


I bet that works.


Quite well. :D

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:30 pm
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[Image[/quote]
The Clapton guitar is set up like this but has the trem claw driven flush to the wall. The additional tension brings the mass block flush to the wall of the rout. You'll note, in this case, a small space between the rout and the claw side of the mass block. The bridge mass block pictured above is a vintage style block. Other Fender guitars may have thinner mass blocks which will require a thicker wood block to fill the space. I found that to be the case with an MIM Strat I blocked. The Clapton block is of maple.

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 8:15 pm
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ZZDoc wrote:
[Image
The Clapton guitar is set up like this but has the trem claw driven flush to the wall. The additional tension brings the mass block flush to the wall of the rout. You'll note, in this case, a small space between the rout and the claw side of the mass block. The bridge mass block pictured above is a vintage style block. Other Fender guitars may have thinner mass blocks which will require a thicker wood block to fill the space. I found that to be the case with an MIM Strat I blocked. The Clapton block is of maple.


There is a reason I have the claw set up the way I do.

With no springs connected, the machined aluminum block just barely squeezes between the trem inertia block and the body wall. The aluminum block is a very tight fit. However, once the springs are connected between the claw and trem inertia block, tightening the claw actually pulls the inertia block away from the aluminum block slightly. I adjusted the claw by placing my ear on the upper bass bout of the guitar and listening to the vibrations through the body as the strings are strummed. I found that I could easily adjust the claw to maximize the vibration transfer. Too tight, and the vibrations decreased due to reduction of the contact pressure between the inertia bloc, aluminum block, and body wall. Too loose and the springs would begin to vibrate too much and muddy the sound of the vibrations through the body.

Try it. It works. 8)

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 1:01 am
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joshbuhler wrote:

So… what's the preferred method for locking a strat tremolo in place? What are the advantages of one or the other?


I do it as you do: tightening the screws to bring the claw forward.

Disadvantages:
- it will lower the strings and you might have to adjust string height. (I don't care since I never use the trem. Once set up, it stays that way)
- if you go back to trem use, you'll have to adjust again
- your trem block holes will not align with the holes in the backplate (I don't care, backplate is off at all times anyway)

Advatages:
- I don't have to make a fitting wood block
- I don't have to "fiddle around" with a loose wood block when changing strings

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 3:07 am
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[quote="bluesky636"]There is a reason I have the claw set up the way I do.

I assumed that your setup was to your preference. I assume that setup on the Clapton Signature series guitar was designed according to his. It is of interest to note that the 'Blackie' did not have a wood block installed. You can see a photo of the back of that guitar on the rear cover of the Christies auction catalog.

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 6:35 am
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I do not block the tremolo either. All I do is add five tremolo springs and then screw down the tremolo if its a six point vintage. For my two point systems, five springs and tighten the claw screws a bit...

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 6:58 am
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Smokin' Frets wrote:
I don't have to "fiddle around" with a loose wood block when changing strings


A properly fitted block does not come loose while changing strings. Mine certainly doesn't.

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 10:20 am
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Thanks for the info folks - I'm thinking I'll try using a block this time instead of just tightening the screws down. That'll give me a decent comparison against one of my other guitars to see if I can tell a difference between the two methods.


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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:09 am
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Clapton is quoted as preferring a 'hardtail' but was of the opinion that the Fender vibrato bridge assembly, springs included, lent something to the tone that a conventional hardtail lacked. Let's see what your ear tells you.

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Post subject: Re: Blocking a tremolo vs. tightening the screws
Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 9:54 am
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I did the 5 spring method for an older guy that plays in church. He is a Clapton fan and bought a VG Strat.
He was real unhappy with the tone even in VG mode.
He tried heavier strings and didnt like it still.
I told him I could fix it put in 5 springs and tightened it till it didnt float.
He doesent use the trem either.
He came back just goin on & on about how much he loved that strat now.
Following Doc's posts is what made me think of it to help him.

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