Well now, this should ruffle a few feathers.
O.K. here's my view of the "swap the block in your Classic Vibe for a big chunk of steel" modification.
It ain't worth it.
Surprised ? Yeah, me too, as I have read a lot of posts saying that it is a good mod.
O.K. this isn't very scientific but it's what I did.
Take two guitars, a CV 50's Strat and a CV 60's Strat, both set up identically, bridge flat against body, action etc. Put fresh strings on both guitars, tune up. Lay both guitars side by side on the carpet. Spend 15 minutes fiddleing around confirming that both sound the same. The guitars were not plugged into an amp during this test.
Now before we go any further I will say that the 50's strat high E string does sound "brighter" than the 60's strat. All I can think of is maybe the Maple fretboard has something to do with it. All other strings sound exactly the same. I even got my wife to confirm this. She has a very good musical ear, she played violin in an orchestra for over 10 years. She can spot a flat note from 50 paces, yeah she's that good.
Next, strip out the block from the 60's and replace with this chunk of steel supplied by CeltRocka ( thanks, fits perfect ).
Next, replace strings on the 60's with another new set. No expense spared here guys.
Lay guitar down next to 50's strat and be prepared to enjoy the huge difference in tone.
Only it didn't happen. Both guitars still sound exactly the same. As confirmed by my wonderful wife.
Now then, I reckon that if you have your guitar set up with the bridge resting flat against the body, you are wasting your time with a big block mod. And this has proved it to me as far as I am concerned.
Here it is for your enjoyment.
Just thought I would share that with you, as I say it ain't scientific in the slightest.
Tomorrow, I will adjust both guitars so that the bridges are floating and do the same side by side test.
Care to place bets on what the outcome will be?
