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Post subject: Replacing Tremolo Plate
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 12:44 pm
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Hi all,

I've got a 1993 Mexican-made Strat which I've had for a few years now. When I got it, the tremolo plate and two of the tremolo springs were missing (see picture below). I've been looking into replacing it, but one thing I noticed is that the screw holes on my strat don't line up with the ones on most back plates. The middle screw holes on 99% of the tremolo plates I've seen are skewed, but the holes on mine line up straight across (again, see pic below).

I've got two questions for the Fender community. One, anyone know why the screw holes are aligned differently on my strat, or have the same issue with their guitar? And second, can anyone point me in the right direction for buying a decent tremolo plate with a screw alignment that'll match my guitar? I know I can always drill new holes, but I'd rather not modify my guitar if I can help it.

Thanks!

Pics of the strat:
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Post subject: Re: Replacing Tremolo Plate
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 12:57 pm
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Hmm.

Could you post a few more photos of the guitar? Because judging from the trem block and the position of those holes it does not look like an authentic Fender guitar to me.

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Post subject: Re: Replacing Tremolo Plate
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 1:37 pm
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3 or four tremolo springs !

3 springs is for light string gauge like most Fender guitar use
4 springs is for heavy gauge .

Your tremolo look ok .


About other questions , more photos.


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Post subject: Re: Replacing Tremolo Plate
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 2:03 pm
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As requested, I've taken more pictures of the guitar for verification purposes and linked to the gallery below. The tuning machines and saddles seem to check out as Fender gear. In addition, looking up the serial number on the neck puts the guitar as coming out of the Ensenada Plant shortly before it burned down. This more or less matches up with what the owner told me; according to him, the parts were made in a Mexican factory that suffered a fire, and thus the guitar was assembled elsewhere. Is it possible that some Fender parts found their way onto a fake Strat body?

Gallery of pics: http://imgur.com/a/lUpaP#5


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Post subject: Re: Replacing Tremolo Plate
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 4:31 am
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Aftermarket body?
Trem claw route seems narrow?
Or am I just imagining thing?

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Post subject: Re: Replacing Tremolo Plate
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:22 am
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Internet searching gives pics of MIM Strats from the beginning of 1990's with the trem cover holes straight, but after 1994 they seem to be skewed like in Fender Strats today - and as a side comment, Squiers have (at least mostly) straight lined holes.

The tremolo block seems like it should be, although the pics don't show it well - the model I'm thinking of has "corners" deeper in the trem cavity.

So, I wouldn't worry if the history of the guitar isn't for some reason in doubt. My guess: it's a Standard (= not American Standard) Strat, MIM.

The amount of trem springs is normal, and three springs is probably what was installed at the factory - just about nobody needs five springs.
The "Fender" logo... fakers stamp that on anything, so it's not hard evidence, rather a diagnostic marker.

But: try emailing consumerrelations@fender.com with the serial number - they may be able to give you original specs.

Disclaimer: I'm no expert on these - but lately I've had a nice record of being right :lol:


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Post subject: Re: Replacing Tremolo Plate
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 10:47 am
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Just a bit more info...

I took off the neck plate to get a look at the neck pocket and see if that provided any more info. On the neck, there's a slip of paper with what looks like a signature on it. There's also a letter 'G' written on the actual neck. On the body, there's a blue, backwards '5' and a few faded dates stamped onto the wood. The most distinct one says 'FEB 10 1993' (as near as I can make out). Nothing else is clear enough to read.

Pictures:
The neck: http://i.imgur.com/aatbOPJ.jpg?1
The body: http://i.imgur.com/A41dQgg.jpg

Anyways, hope this is helpful!


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Post subject: Re: Replacing Tremolo Plate
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 2:26 pm
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The serial number is consistent with the date in the neck cavity. MN3 means it's made in Mexico in 93 or 94, so that suggests it's the real deal.

Found this on amazon, I think it's what you need: http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Tremolo-Sp ... molo+cover


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