Your trem replacement opinions please...

lakehaus · May 30th, 2008, 11:08 AM

Here's what I know - My '62 RI with 6 screw vintage trem has much better tone and sustain than my USA Standard 2 point trem. The blocks are different widths, and the trem plate mounting is different.

I'm searching for an answer on what kind of trem to use as a replacement for the Standard. That's why I registered here - to get opinions based on experience. I'm not a wailin' whammy man, but I want better tone and sustain like my '62 RI.

I don't know if it's worth the effort to use a six screw on my Standard. I'd have to drill, remove insert, plug, etc. I don't really care for the saddles on it either, so I'm thinking I'll just replace the whole unit - but with what? Another genuine Fender 2 point unit with vintage saddles and big block? That's probably the easiest. Is there an aftermarket direct replacement of greater quality that anyone would care to recommend?

I'm new to Fender strats, but love 'em. I won't touch my '62 RI for mods, but the Standard...

thaus · May 30th, 2008, 11:45 AM

Hey, welcome to the forum! You have asked a very common question that I think will get varying answers. If you want to change the complete bridge assembly to a more vintage flavour with a solid steel block, Callaham can't be beat. Their stuff is uber-quality! All well made but some may say a little too pricey. I have one strat with the complete bridge assembly and it works great, looks great, and to me sounds great! If you can hear a discernible difference in tone and sustain, that seems to be a subject of great debate. However, the Callaham upgrade will make your guitar more attractive if you ever decide to sell!

lakehaus · May 30th, 2008, 04:53 PM

Thanks thaus for that bit of info. I went to CG's website and checked out their stuff. Looks like they have it together WRT understanding the dynamics of the electric guitar, and how to eek out tone. I think I'll get their American Standard kit for my Standard, and I'm now even considering their Vintage replacement trem for my '62 RI...

thaus · May 30th, 2008, 08:06 PM

Glad to steer you in the right direction. As I mentioned, you can't dispute the quality of Callaham parts. I love the pop-in trem bar..........

Strat-Talk · May 30th, 2008, 11:55 PM

Hi and welcome.

You can't go wrong with Callaham parts. He makes only the best stuff.

Good Luck! Report back on how it turns out.

StratDen · May 31st, 2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaus

Hey, welcome to the forum! You have asked a very common question that I think will get varying answers. If you want to change the complete bridge assembly to a more vintage flavour with a solid steel block, Callaham can't be beat. Their stuff is uber-quality! All well made but some may say a little too pricey. I have one strat with the complete bridge assembly and it works great, looks great, and to me sounds great! If you can hear a discernible difference in tone and sustain, that seems to be a subject of great debate. However, the Callaham upgrade will make your guitar more attractive if you ever decide to sell!

+1! When it comes to enhancements, cutting corners can lead to disappointment and wasted money. The extra you may spend will certainly be measurable now and later.

lakehaus · May 31st, 2008, 05:13 PM

I scoured CG's website and found what may be the answer to my question - he has something called the Narrow Strat Bridge Assembly. If I understand it correctly, I can drop this vintage looking unit right into my Standard without heavy mod'n. His other offerings for a standard require I use my trem plate and his saddles and block, which is okay, but takes away from the 6 screw appearance which is what I ultimately want to achieve aesthetically. Tone and sustain are the primary drivers.

Any 6 screw vintage unit won't work unless, according to CG, I have my neck refretted or use a vintage-spec neck - because Standard frets are narrower than vintage (2 1/16 v. 2 7/32 or some such number). So, the solution is their "limited production" (read $$$) Narrow unit.

Nothing is simple when you want good stuff. And I may just go with the narrow. If I do, I'll be sure to info all here. I sent an email to Callaham and am waiting on a reply.

StratDen · May 31st, 2008, 10:06 PM

Ok, let us know how you make out. At least you're going over your options carefully.