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Post subject: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 4:29 am
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Hi guys,

I really want to upgrade the whammy bar system on my 1977 USA Strat to a Henderson/Jeff Beck level of efficiency... it's ALL from 1977 though, so the vintage police will get on my case I guess...

I have already had it converted to floating, but still want it to be better and more responsive/reliable... any tips would be much appreciated!

Here's a video of the Strat in action..



Thanks!!


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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 5:30 am
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You may want to consider the Blade Runner (Super Vee). It requires no modification to the guitar itself so it's reversible if you ever want to restore it back to vintage specs.


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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 4:05 pm
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93greenstrat wrote:
You may want to consider the Blade Runner (Super Vee). It requires no modification to the guitar itself so it's reversible if you ever want to restore it back to vintage specs.


+1

Observe the guitar-modder's creed......

"First, do no harm."

8)

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 5:48 pm
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The most touch sensitive, responsive etc.. Jeff Beck uses the 2 point trem, Fender made from 1987 to today, also a roller nut so the strings don't get hung up in the nut. Locking turners are used to insure no slips in the strings.

The Body needs modification, Basically your Filling 6 holes and drill 2 larger holes. The Neck Nut slot needs to be cut wider, as the roller nut is thicker. Not really a job for the novice, even if you have all the measurements required.

Next best thing, if you want to do it right, is to get an American body and bridge and use those to begin with. Replace your existing nut with a self lubricated one like the Tusq XL. Replace regular turners with locking ones as needed.

Your 6 point Vintage bridge is capable of working almost as good as the 2 point trem. See some of the video's of the Shadows.

You just need a really good setup and a lubed string path.


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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2013 5:54 am
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SNick wrote:
The most touch sensitive, responsive etc.. Jeff Beck uses the 2 point trem, Fender made from 1987 to today, also a roller nut so the strings don't get hung up in the nut. Locking turners are used to insure no slips in the strings.

The Body needs modification, Basically your Filling 6 holes and drill 2 larger holes. The Neck Nut slot needs to be cut wider, as the roller nut is thicker. Not really a job for the novice, even if you have all the measurements required.

Next best thing, if you want to do it right, is to get an American body and bridge and use those to begin with. Replace your existing nut with a self lubricated one like the Tusq XL. Replace regular turners with locking ones as needed.

Your 6 point Vintage bridge is capable of working almost as good as the 2 point trem. See some of the video's of the Shadows.

You just need a really good setup and a lubed string path.


^Agreed^

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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 11:08 pm
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I love that Blade Runner super high quality and just over all a cool piece.

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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 4:35 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
93greenstrat wrote:
You may want to consider the Blade Runner (Super Vee). It requires no modification to the guitar itself so it's reversible if you ever want to restore it back to vintage specs.


+1

Observe the guitar-modder's creed......

"First, do no harm."

8)

Arjay


What he said! 8)

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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 8:54 pm
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:P I've used the American Standard trem, Amer vintage reissue, trem, a floyd….. but the blade runner solved all issues with the trem. I float so I can go up a step on the high strings and up two steps on the bass side, dips are easy, and they stay in tune.

Put some of your favorite lube on the nut and string tree. I raised my string tree with a small spacer as recommended.

The blade runner is a piece of equipment that works, high quality imo.


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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 8:54 pm
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:P I've used the American Standard trem, Amer vintage reissue, trem, a floyd….. but the blade runner solved all issues with the trem. I float so I can go up a step on the high strings and up two steps on the bass side, dips are easy, and they stay in tune.

Put some of your favorite lube on the nut and string tree. I raised my string tree with a small spacer as recommended.

The blade runner is a piece of equipment that works, high quality imo.


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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 6:47 am
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I installed them on Highway 1 Stratocasters along with locking tuners. If you body flush them for no pull up it is important not to over tighten springs as it will return sharp.
When setting it up whammy and check return tuning, if it returns sharp springs are to tight causing it to outward flex at blade.

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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:45 am
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93greenstrat wrote:
You may want to consider the Blade Runner (Super Vee). It requires no modification to the guitar itself so it's reversible if you ever want to restore it back to vintage specs.


excellent, thank you!


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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:46 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
93greenstrat wrote:
You may want to consider the Blade Runner (Super Vee). It requires no modification to the guitar itself so it's reversible if you ever want to restore it back to vintage specs.


+1

Observe the guitar-modder's creed......

"First, do no harm."

8)

Arjay



that, is a good rule! (I'm a bit of a rule breaker though :twisted: )


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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:47 am
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SNick wrote:
The most touch sensitive, responsive etc.. Jeff Beck uses the 2 point trem, Fender made from 1987 to today, also a roller nut so the strings don't get hung up in the nut. Locking turners are used to insure no slips in the strings.

The Body needs modification, Basically your Filling 6 holes and drill 2 larger holes. The Neck Nut slot needs to be cut wider, as the roller nut is thicker. Not really a job for the novice, even if you have all the measurements required.

Next best thing, if you want to do it right, is to get an American body and bridge and use those to begin with. Replace your existing nut with a self lubricated one like the Tusq XL. Replace regular turners with locking ones as needed.

Your 6 point Vintage bridge is capable of working almost as good as the 2 point trem. See some of the video's of the Shadows.

You just need a really good setup and a lubed string path.



Thank you very much!!!!


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Post subject: Re: Best whammy bar system for a vintage Strat
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 9:11 pm
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meritonemusic wrote:
SNick wrote:
The most touch sensitive, responsive etc.. Jeff Beck uses the 2 point trem, Fender made from 1987 to today, also a roller nut so the strings don't get hung up in the nut. Locking turners are used to insure no slips in the strings.

The Body needs modification, Basically your Filling 6 holes and drill 2 larger holes. The Neck Nut slot needs to be cut wider, as the roller nut is thicker. Not really a job for the novice, even if you have all the measurements required.

Next best thing, if you want to do it right, is to get an American body and bridge and use those to begin with. Replace your existing nut with a self lubricated one like the Tusq XL. Replace regular turners with locking ones as needed.

Your 6 point Vintage bridge is capable of working almost as good as the 2 point trem. See some of the video's of the Shadows.

You just need a really good setup and a lubed string path.



Thank you very much!!!!


So you ordering a Blade Runner then? Please tell us how you like it if you do. :)

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