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Post subject: Need a new Block
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 8:02 pm
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So, my old bridge block has a price of whammy bar in it and can't be saved. At the least I need a block, but I might just go ahead and buy a whole new assembly (maybe a super-vee blade runner). What do you guys recommend? I'm also intrigued by a Callaham block.

Anyways my strat is an American Special (awesome nitro finish) with what I believe is essentially a Mexican standard bridge.


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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 8:08 pm
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I am a fan of Callaham myself. :)


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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 8:29 pm
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Ditto, Callaham! 8)

And yes, it is a Mexi bridge, you might want to also get the Callaham saddles at least.

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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 8:39 pm
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shimmilou wrote:
Ditto, Callaham! 8)

And yes, it is a Mexi bridge, you might want to also get the Callaham saddles at least.


+2

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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 8:49 pm
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shimmilou wrote:
Ditto, Callaham! 8)

And yes, it is a Mexi bridge, you might want to also get the Callaham saddles at least.

I have a Callaham in my Hwy1 and a mim Stratocaster, isn't the American special the same string spacing as the Hwy1 and aren't they both different from the mim strat? I know Callaham sells both.


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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 8:58 pm
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According to the Callaham site:

"American Special Strat and Highway 1 Strat (2006 and later), 6-pivot 2-1/16 string and 2-7/32 mounting spacing.."

So, the block and saddles would be the 2-1/16" spacing, and the bridge plate would be the 2-7/32" mounting spacing.

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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 9:04 pm
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right. 8) The mim version is 2 1/16 mounting spacing and 2 1/16 string spacing.


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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 11:08 pm
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An easy way to tell the Mex saddles from Am saddles is that the Mex are more v-shaped over the height adjust screws, while the Am are more u-shaped over the height adjust screws. Upon close inspection, the Mex saddles look like they are made from lesser-grade metal compared to the Am saddles. The Am Special clearly has the Mex saddles.

Mex:
Image

Am:
Image

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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 4:06 pm
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So I'm thinking that I'm gonna go with the Callaham, however, I'm not exactly digging the shorter trem arm. Does a standard fender trem arm have the same threading as the Callaham block?

Or is the shorter arm really better?


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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 4:38 pm
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Yes a American standard arm will fit the Callaham block. If you buy the whole tremolo bridge assy they come with your choice of arm length. Standard length, a shortened length modeled after a modified arm from a '64 strat and one that is real short patterned after the one Gilmore used.


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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 3:55 am
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+1 Minnesotastrats

I have tried all three sizes, and I prefer the middle size, great control and perfect for me. I could not get along with the shortest one (Gilmore size), it feels too stiff. Having said that, I don't even use a bar anymore.

BTW, check the thread size of your arm to be sure it is a 10-32 in order to fit the Callaham block. Am Std is a different size thread than a Std (Mex).

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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 5:54 am
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shimmilou wrote:
+1 Minnesotastrats

I have tried all three sizes, and I prefer the middle size, great control and perfect for me. I could not get along with the shortest one (Gilmore size), it feels too stiff. Having said that, I don't even use a bar anymore.

BTW, check the thread size of your arm to be sure it is a 10-32 in order to fit the Callaham block. Am Std is a different size thread than a Std (Mex).

I just orderd a regular American Std. Trem Arm. I'm assuming it will work. (It was like $8 so who cares if it doesn't.)

I only wish that fender made solid steel arms so I could modify the angles without screwing up the chrome.


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Post subject: Re: Need a new Block
Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 6:35 am
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shimmilou wrote:
+1 Minnesotastrats

I have tried all three sizes, and I prefer the middle size, great control and perfect for me. I could not get along with the shortest one (Gilmore size), it feels too stiff. Having said that, I don't even use a bar anymore.

BTW, check the thread size of your arm to be sure it is a 10-32 in order to fit the Callaham block. Am Std is a different size thread than a Std (Mex).

I too prefer the middle one, though the Gilmore length looks the coolest to my eyes. Callaham website says that all their blocks take the 10-32 thread size both American and Mexican versions, so they are all interchangeable and I have found that to be the case. Fender Mexican blocks use .8mm threads and are not compatible with Callaham blocks. Plus the Callaham comes in a full thread and a semi pop-in thread (push in and a slight twist to the arm). I buy the full thread version 'cause they pop-in also and can be used in American standard blocks too. :)


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