Steel Block for CIJ ST62-78TX. Callaham or new Wilkinson bridge?

[jlsantamaria]

Hi,

First of all, sorry for my english (I'm Spanish)

I've bougth a new Fender Strat '62ri CIJ and I'd like to change the bridge (or trem block) for a new steel block one (vintage style).

I've seen the wilkinson vintage ones and I'm a little confused because I don't know if there's any difference between the wilkinson 6 hole or the 5+1 soundwise. Also, I don't know if it would make any improvement over the stock because I've read a topic from the user Scotland when he says that he has change a CIJ bridge for a wilkinson and the sound was thinner (due to the string end location near to the plate) so I don't think If i'd better go with a Callaham block (but it's a little too pricey!!). Another option it's buying a USA vintage fender replacement one. its a better option than buying the Wilkinson? there is a lot of difference with the callaham?

I would like to know your experiences about this subject. Thanks in advance!

[tazzboy]

Why waste the money buy a steel block tremolo. Why not just get the extra Tremolo tension spring put them in your it a lot cheaper ($10 to $15) then spending on a $50 to $80 steel block tremolo taking out the old one and all that other stuff when you get put extra tremolo tension springs and tighten down the tremolo itself to the body and be down with it.

[david kae]

Originally Posted by tazzboy

Why waste the money buy a steel block tremolo. Why not just get the extra Tremolo tension spring put them in your it a lot cheaper ($10 to $15) then spending on a $50 to $80 steel block tremolo taking out the old one and all that other stuff when you get put extra tremolo tension springs and tighten down the tremolo itself to the body and be down with it.

i dont know what this man is talking about

[tazzboy]

What a I am basically saying why spend the money on steel block bridge when you get just add more tension springs.

[NewOldStock]

What a I am basically saying why spend the money on steel block bridge when you get just add more tension springs.

Most Strat players that change the trem-block do it to achieve a different sound/tonal change. Not for a mechanical advantage. The bar-stock steel aftermarket blocks are usually favored over today's stock Fender cast-metal versions. It's been compared many times to the difference between brass vs steel saddles on a Telecaster.

Strat trem-blocks of different flavors(weights, densities, shapes, metals, etc) really impact the tone & sustain of the guitar. Experimentation would be the best method in finding your sound, though expensive. But there are well established opinions on what most people consider the best sounding out there. Of the 100's of threads I've read on this subject the Callahams usually get the thumbs up overall.

I hope this helped more than it confused.

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by NewOldStock

Of the 100's of threads I've read on this subject the Callahams usually get the thumbs up overall.

I agree with the post, +1.

The difficulty for Mr. Santamaria is, to my knowledge, Bill Callaham does not make a block assembly for any asian specifications Strat except the Korean Lite Ash Strat. So any MIJ or CIJ Strat owner would have to swap a US or MIM Strat bridge assembly on first, before he could make use of the Callaham block.

If Scotland does not like the Wilkinson, that's good enough for me, I would not buy it.

Sorry, I don't know offhand which, if any North American bridge plates would bolt right onto a CIJ body.

Bubbanov

[Roadhouse]

[quote=NewOldStock;3794]Most Strat players that change the trem-block do it to achieve a different sound/tonal change.

Sustain, Sustain, Sustain. I have two MIM strats one with a Callaham tremolo and the other still has the stock tremolo. The Callaham has sustain from no end compared to my other strat. It will be upgraded soon.

[Boris Bubbanov]

[quote=Roadhouse;3867]

Originally Posted by NewOldStock

Most Strat players that change the trem-block do it to achieve a different sound/tonal change.
Sustain, Sustain, Sustain. I have two MIM strats one with a Callaham tremolo and the other still has the stock tremolo. The Callaham has sustain from no end compared to my other strat. It will be upgraded soon.

I guess I don't actually try and measure a Callaham against a non-Callaham, maybe the sustain would show up on a noise gate. I just know, on a MIM the difference is big and real obvious.

I put a steel Callaham block on one of my 2 G + L Comanches yesterday, however, and the difference is not as dramatic. The Callaham weights 8 ounces, the slightly larger stock zinc G + L almost 7 ounces. Within the sonic range of a really good setup and new set of strings, I'd gander, but I was very very tired. I'll keep A/B'ing them. The higher up the ladder you go, I guess the differences cost more for less tangible benefit.


Bubban0v

[Nightprowler]

guys does the wilkenson bridge fit on mim strats ?