Classic Vibe Owners Club - Page 21

dan P · August 10th, 2009, 05:22 PM

Im going the brass route, should know soon on the sound.....congrats on your steel block, the stock is sure anemic...

Astro1176 · August 10th, 2009, 05:54 PM

Great looking block from CeltRocka, Jon. I ended up getting a complete bridge and steel block from Callaham, and I love the difference it made to the sound.

fredm · August 11th, 2009, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonClarke

Fitted a steel trem block today that CeltRocka made me.

Great improvement over the original
Also is this a 2 piece body?

That looks like a two piece body to me. The join looks like it is just to the right of the centre line, same as mine.

I have just ordered one of these steel blocks from CeltRocka too. Seems to be the way to go.

66musicmaster · August 11th, 2009, 07:18 AM

Hmmm, that block looks nice. Does the increased width at the back (bottom) of the block hit the body when using the trem? Only occasionally do I go way down on the trem, but looks like the block might hit the body. Just wondering and thinking.

Randy

Peterbower · August 11th, 2009, 08:03 AM

Hi Guys
Another one from across the pond, Pete; CV 50's CGRK08002431:

One of the best necks i have ever played and it out sounds and out performs several of my MIA Strats. The only weak point is the trem, which is my first up grade with a steel block and no arm wobble.

Pete

fredm · August 11th, 2009, 03:16 PM

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?

Astro1176 · August 11th, 2009, 04:08 PM

Listening to sounds and considering what sounds the same and what sounds different is beset with problems, because hearing is subjective, and different people's ears are at different levels of education. The same person can hear genuine differences one day, and be blind to much bigger differences another.

Bear in mind that some people struggle to tell whether a piece of recorded music is played on a mandolin or an electric guitar.

For me the difference between a callaham bridge complete with steel block vs the stock zinc block and bridge changed something real about the sound that I could hear every time I plucked a string. It was a quality that upset me. Now when I pluck a string I smile and the guitar sounds great. The difference is kind of subtle, but for me it is the most important difference there is. In fact I think this has been my most rewarding sonic upgrade ever on a guitar.

This is a subjective opinion. Like I say - everyone hears things differently and picks up on different qualities within a tone, and for many people this quality which is important to me may be non-existent to others.

CeltRocka · August 12th, 2009, 11:44 AM

Have to agree with Astro,sound/tone is subjective.I started making these blocks after i made one for myself.I fitted it to my '87 MIK and the first thing i noticed was the acoustic difference and the way the body resonated against me.It also lost that "whooshy" spring sound that was there before with the zinc block.I noticed it sustains right up high up the fretboard.Like Astro says its subtle but you know it's there.

mojorowe · August 12th, 2009, 12:50 PM

Hi.. Just bought fuzz-king's cv60 and cant wait to get it! Nice to own one of these after haunting all these posts for so long!
MojoRowe

fredm · August 12th, 2009, 01:40 PM

O.K. yesterday (two posts back ) I described how I tested two of my guitars side by side (only acoustically, not plugged into the amp) and came to the conclusion that it's a waste of time fitting a big block to your bridge if you have it adjusted flat to the body.

It was a surprise but thats the way it is. I can detect no difference at all in sound or sustain.

So, today I adjusted both guitars so that the bridges are floating (ie. slightly raised away from the body) the recommended 1/8th of an inch.

I must stress here that both guitars are set up identically. The same neck relief, same strings, string heights the same across the fretboard, pickup heights the same, tuned exactly the same, intonation spot on etc.

Did I notice any difference ? Nope. No difference at all. My wife agrees and even my daughter agrees, which is unusual as she normally disagrees with everything I say.

We played a little game where my wife closed her eyes and I would play both guitars, just going up and down scales type of thing. I'd say "ok this is guitar A" then "and here we have guitar B" and after several demo's I'd ask her which sounded the best.
She said " Is this a trick question, because it sounds to me like your just playing the one guitar and not swapping them at all."

Now then, whether a big chunk of steel makes a difference to the sound when the guitar is plugged into an amp is another subject. Personally I don't think it will make any difference. My 60's classic vibe sounds good, but then I thought it sounded good before I swopped the block.
Unfortunately I can't compare it to my 50's classic vibe because they have different pickups and do sound different anyway.

Personally I think it's a bit of a myth that these things actually do any good.

After all my 2008 American standard does'nt have a particularly big chunk of steel hanging off the bridge. Surely if a big chunk of metal was required for good tone Fender would fit them as standard. They don't even sell them as an accessory on the web site.

Any one else have a 50's and a 60's (or two 50's/60's) and care to do back to back tests?

Rockape · August 12th, 2009, 03:15 PM

I have myself compared guitars with full size steel blocks, full size zinc blocks and the CV versions, and I too can hear no difference in tone, sustain etc (new strings do make a huge difference, and that's what you put on your guitar right after a trem block upgrade right?).

But!.... I just hate the cheap look of the CV versions, and I will definitely be changing mine out at some point (there are some issues with these guitars in the trem dept, like the guitar staying slightly sharp after pulling back on the trem and releasing it again (and thats with a graphite lubed nut)......maybe a full size heavier steel block would help....I don't know?)....

fredm · August 12th, 2009, 03:27 PM

Well I'm glad that someone else has had similar experiences.

Yes I did put brand new strings on both guitars.

I know I'm not tone deaf as I had a works medical just six months ago and my hearing was just dandy.

Can't comment on the use of the trem arm as I don't use them. I supose I could a little back to back test actually.

Give me 10 minutes and I'll report back.

fredm · August 12th, 2009, 03:39 PM

Well I use a little bit of silicone oil at the nut on my guitars. After plenty of trem arm use, pulling up and pushing down, my 50's and 60's tend to go a touch flat.
Thats the opposite to your problem.

How tight are the securing screws for the bridge? Mine are quite loose. Without strings the bridge rattles around good and proper.

Stratcat65 · August 12th, 2009, 03:55 PM

Hi all...

I bought my CV 50 last Thursday... and will post the s/n# tonight when I get home.

I think this is really great to see so many people get this little gem!! I'm not sure if I want the world to know about it?? Or if we keep it our little secret!!

Till tonight.. I'll catch up with you cats later!!!

StratCat65

Rockape · August 12th, 2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredm

Well I use a little bit of silicone oil at the nut on my guitars. After plenty of trem arm use, pulling up and pushing down, my 50's and 60's tend to go a touch flat.
Thats the opposite to your problem.

How tight are the securing screws for the bridge? Mine are quite loose. Without strings the bridge rattles around good and proper.

I have 3 CV Strats, and only one needed the trem screws tightened (Had to back out the trem claw screws on every one though, as they were all screwed right home!).

dan P · August 12th, 2009, 05:58 PM

I made a nice little paste out of chapstick and powder graphite( auto parts store) works excellent !

Peterbower · August 13th, 2009, 02:37 AM

Hi guys

I want to fit a thinner more authentic looking scratch plate to my CV 50 and not so brilliant white. Also one that lines up without having to drill more holes. Any suggestions.

Pete

kurdt · August 13th, 2009, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peterbower

Hi guys

I want to fit a thinner more authentic looking scratch plate to my CV 50 and not so brilliant white. Also one that lines up without having to drill more holes. Any suggestions.

Pete

Warmoth... they make what the call an 8 hole conversion pickguard, which is the same hole pattern as what is on the cv 50s strat

Peterbower · August 13th, 2009, 06:49 AM

Rockape

I'm changing the block for a steel one mainly to get rid of the dreaded arm wobble. The threads in those zinc blocks don't last 5 minutes.

Pete

Peterbower · August 13th, 2009, 09:21 AM

Kurdt
Thanks mate, will look at their web site, Never thrown any thing on stage, but i've had things thrown at me!!!!!

Pete

jgillard · August 13th, 2009, 10:50 AM

I have posted this pic before I think but with the colour off. I have adjusted this picture to give a more accurate representation of the colour. Most pictures I see have way too much red in them. There is no red at all. It's a great guitar.

AllroyPA · August 13th, 2009, 10:52 AM

They sell Vibe hats and shirts on Ebay now for those who like the retro-look ... just saying ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgillard

I have posted this pic before I think but with the colour off. I have adjusted this picture to give a more accurate representation of the colour. Most pictures I see have way too much red in them. There is no red at all. It's a great guitar.

kate033 · August 13th, 2009, 01:22 PM

Hi guys,

I just found the strat talk forum and as I picked up a 50s Classic Vibe strat in white about a week and a half ago I thought it was time to jump in here!

I'm mainly a Les Paul player with a soft spot for Teles, but thought it would be fun to have a cheap strat to play around with so I bought this used on a whim. Boy am I glad I did! Once I got used to the glossy poly and set it up to my liking, I was thrilled. Definitely impressed! I'm not one to put too much stock in internet hype, but these sure are fantastic guitars for the money! The only downside is it has me looking seriously at the CV60's!

In case anyone is still keeping track, I'll add my # to the list: CGRL08000392

Hope everyone's enjoying their CV's as much as I am!
Kate

Yogi · August 13th, 2009, 05:50 PM

Hey Kate are you over on MLP?

I found that the steel block makes a difference really depending on the guitar. ON My 94 squier it made a big difference, but on my classic vibe hardly any difference at all, but it did look nicer. For 20 bucks though, why not change it?

kate033 · August 13th, 2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yogi

Hey Kate are you over on MLP?

I found that the steel block makes a difference really depending on the guitar. ON My 94 squier it made a big difference, but on my classic vibe hardly any difference at all, but it did look nicer. For 20 bucks though, why not change it?

Hey Yogi!

Yep, recognize you from over at MLP! They've got a nice vibe goin over there, and that's where I mostly hang out. Since I got this CV50s I've been a little Strat crazy. My first guitar was a strat, but I havn't had one in years. My other guitars arn't getting much playing time! So, I thought it'd be a good idea to join up here too.

I was considering the block upgrade. It's hard to justify not doing it at that price, but I'm trying to stick with the "good enough as is" mindset. Once I get into the "this could be a little better" mood it's like opening Pandora's box to an endless list of mods that this one really doesn't need!

Actually, I've been looking at picking up another strat now to keep this one company! I looked at some MIA's and MIJ's. I have an old Squier painted up like the Monterey Pop strat that I could upgrade, but I think I'd rather put together a nicer partscaster with more a 60's vibe. Something with more a Hendrix or Rory Gallagher flavor. That's if I can put down my CV long enough!

Hugh · August 14th, 2009, 05:56 AM

Anyone tried these ?
Products&Ordering - Graph Tech

Yogi · August 14th, 2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kate033

I have an old Squier painted up like the Monterey Pop

you mean like this one?

The block thing is such a cheap mod, it definitely looks better, but like I said I didn't notice a big difference. Remember if you go GFS order the whole trem, however the block does fit my 2001 Squier affinity plate but not the '94 ( monty) or my CV

kate033 · August 14th, 2009, 08:57 AM

Looks something like that

Here's my closet dweller with my CV50s:

I'm thinking of selling it, that is if they're worth anything to anyone. I'm guessing it's a Squier, but probally just a partscaster made of basic import type parts. Would be nice with some CS 69's, but I can't get over the neck. It's got a chunkier neck than I'm used to and I just never connected with it.

Will check out that block though. Gotta get the whole trem. I use the arm a lot when I'm in a Jeff Beck mood

TSims1 · August 14th, 2009, 08:10 PM

Went in to the local music store, and saw a candy-apple red Squier Classic Vibe 60's Strat hanging on the rack. It's beauty drew me in, and upon closer inspection I discovered it was a Squier. I almost walked away, but instead[and luckily]picked it up. WOW!! The guitar was amazing from the neck, feel, weight, tone, and eye-appeal. I simply couldn't believe such a guitar was $350.00! I went home, thought about it for two weeks straight, and decided I simply could not live without it. So, I went and sold a G&L Asat Classic Tribute that I'd received the previous year as a Birthday present[I've always been a Tele guy, and I still have a couple of Fender Tele's laying around]so I could buy the CV Strat[s/n CGRL08001188]. I did, and could not be happier. Honestly, this is my favorite Strat I have ever played. Anyone considering one, or who is nervous about entertaining the thought of a Squier, FEAR NOT!! These guitars are simply incredible, and well worth the paltry investment. I have owned many guitars over the years of all makes, brands, and styles[although most have been Fenders]and this one is at the top of my list. Period. THANK YOU SQUIER!!!

mojorowe · August 16th, 2009, 07:02 AM

My CV60s will be here tomorrow.. this is one long weekend!

fenson · August 16th, 2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yogi

Hey Kate are you over on MLP?

I found that the steel block makes a difference really depending on the guitar. ON My 94 squier it made a big difference, but on my classic vibe hardly any difference at all, but it did look nicer. For 20 bucks though, why not change it?

Thats what I tried to tell em over on MLP , Yogi and Kate. that overdriver is a pretty smart guy IMO

fenson · August 16th, 2009, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojorowe

My CV60s will be here tomorrow.. this is one long weekend!

Congrats and to the fellow with the Candy apple red.

Hugh · August 17th, 2009, 04:44 PM

Guys, and gals, why is the 60's CV so much heavier than the 50's CV ? Is the rosewood board the reason ?

fenson · August 17th, 2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

Guys, and gals, why is the 60's CV so much heavier than the 50's CV ? Is the rosewood board the reason ?

Nah its the 3 ply pick guard. IMO its just a matter of you came across either a heavy 60's or a light 50's . Bet if you looked hard enough you would find a pair the other way around.

In fact my CV 60 is lighter than my MIM calssic 50 and my CV 50 tele.

Hugh · August 17th, 2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenson

Nah its the 3 ply pick guard. IMO its just a matter of you came across either a heavy 60's or a light 50's . Bet if you looked hard enough you would find a pair the other way around.

In fact my CV 60 is lighter than my MIM calssic 50 and my CV 50 tele.

Yea, wood density comes into play for sure. My 60's is sitting there with no trem springs, no trem arm, and no strings, and it's still noticeably heavier than the 50's after I put 5 springs on it. No big deal though, just wondered if it was the norm.

BadBrad · August 17th, 2009, 07:59 PM

I just got an EJ strat that weighs 7.5 lbs, which is pretty light. I haven't weighed my CV60, but just picking them up I can't tell a difference in weight.

Astro1176 · August 17th, 2009, 08:13 PM

I tried a CV60 against 2 CV50s and they were all very light and about equal in weight. Each individual guitar's weight will vary depending on the exact piece of wood used. I always imagined all the CV strat bodies were identical up to the time they are finished.

the fingerboard is such a small piece of wood I do not think you would notice a weight difference between a guitar with ebony (dense & heavy) vs a balsa wood fingerboard.

TSims1 · August 17th, 2009, 08:44 PM

Hey thanks Fenson - I think my Fiance' is starting to get jealous about all of the time I'm spending with this guitar!! I've got a couple of weekends of back-to-back shows coming up, and can't wait to blast this baby live!!

mojorowe · August 17th, 2009, 09:02 PM

Hi all,,
Finally! Got my CV60s tonight. Added mine to the list: CGRC09000350 , first one in the list with a CGRC designation. Got it from fuzz-king (he posted on page 20).. he put in a steel gfs block and did the bridge/tone pot mod. It sounds like a million bucks. I installed new springs (they were mis-matched) and re-adjusted the bridge to float about 3/64s of the body.
Needless to say, Im in love!

Updated list.

Updated list.

GR108000229: RRLT; CV 50's
CGR108000263: Megatron; CV 50s
CGR108000570: Broly; CV 50's
CGRG08000041: jonturner; CV 50's
CGRG08000481: SquierOnFire; CV 60's
CGRH08000074: JonClarke CV 50's
CGRH08000160: SharkUSMC; CV 60's
CGRH08000624: solly CV 50's
CGRK08000172: WoodenDuckMaker; CV 50's
CGRJ08000022: dhb2000usa; CV 50's 2T SB
CGRJ08000175: jgillard; CV50's
CGRJ08002078: Icannotthink; CV 50's
CGRJ08002177: Kaelan; CV 50s
CGRK08000220: rajastrums; CV 50s
CGRK08000270: Dan; CV 50s
CGRL08000386: Fenderfreaks CV 50's
CGRK08000501: Chinster; CV 60's
CGRK08000674: SoreFingers CV60's
CGRK08002415: szpeter; CV 50's
CGRL08000027: pfogle; CV60's, 3TS
CGRL08001052: Rockape; CV 50's
CGS071100065: asc67 CV 60's
CGS0800371: Squier?!? CV 50's
CGS080100014: Dauntless; CV 50's
CGS080100022: Duffy, CV 50's
CGS080100036: Bruce; CV 50s
CGS080100118: asc67; CV 50's
CGS080100139: HB; CV 50's
CGS080100154: Manolian; CV 50's
CGS080100180: dan p; CV 50's
CGS080100181: Chief Dot; CV 50's
CGS080100213: ccrnnr9; CV 50's
CGS080100273: 66musicmaster; CV 60's; 3TS
CGS080100404: boujsquier; CV 60's
CGS080100437: FirstFender; CV 60's
CGS080300093: Broly; CV 50's
CGS080300126: raouliii CV 50's
CGS080300380: Rockape CV 50's
CGS080300478: Nightcaster CV 50's
CGS080300779: Rockape CV 60's
CGS080400153: celtaidd; CV 50's
CGS080400401: Mikfer; CV 60s
CGS080500307: WCK85; CV 50's
CGS080500409: Rockape CV 50's
CGS080500432: Hiflyer; CV 50's
CGS080500841: thaus CV 60's
CGS080600028: BCPete; CV 50's
CGS080600040: Bluefly CV 50s ---- ME
CGS080600218: Glenn D.; CV 50s
CGS080600956: Glenn D.; CV 60s
CGRJ08001919; Tonyp ; CV 50's
CGRK08002597; BUDGIE100 ; CV 60's
CGRC09000350: Mojorowe; CV60s

dhb2000usa · August 18th, 2009, 08:54 AM

Wow! That is a beautiful guitar. Bet it sounds and plays great.