I've blocked my trem!! pic!

[5F6-A]

I've used an ebony block to keep the callaham block from moving in a floating position ( there's a 2.5/32" gap between the bridge plate and the face of the guitar )- The bridge unit is now in a fixed position so the strings won't go out of tune when I'm bending strings.... the guitar ( did I mention it is a 60's strat clone, relic style?? ) also feels and sounds slightly different.

Anybody has done something similar??

pic:

[captain tightpants]

Yup, I sometimes block my '94 MIM with a block I made from a Winchester Model '97 shotgun stock. Seems to smooth the tone out some.

[overdriver]

Yeah I have been doing it for years .I use a maple one. Some feel it reduces sustain other say it increases it. I don't notice any change. I like the stability aspect. But cranking down the trem claw with 5 springs does the same job for me. one strat I have not bothered with the block , just cranked her down.

[LongBeach]

I might try that. Have unlimted supply of open & closed cell neoprene setting blocks that would work perfectly.

[hbucker]

I just adjust the trem so it rests flat against the body of the guitar. Saddles need to be raised slightly and intonation adjusted. But no additional parts are necessary.

[Dino]

Originally Posted by hbucker

I just adjust the trem so it rests flat against the body of the guitar. Saddles need to be raised slightly and intonation adjusted. But no additional parts are necessary.

+1

I'm kinda surprised that trem moves at all with all those springs.

[rickym]

Nice job!

Originally Posted by Dino

+1

I'm kinda surprised that trem moves at all with all those springs.

They kinda look like old garage door springs, huh?

[qwank]

thanks for the pic!!!
what did you do to the other side? did you screw the screws all the way down? i was just researching this last night and couldn't find any pics of this mod.

[dennistruckdriver]

Originally Posted by 5F6-A

I've blocked my trem!!

I have blocked my ex-wife! She can't call me ANY MORE!!!!!
I guess I showed her!

[refin]

Originally Posted by overdriver

But cranking down the trem claw with 5 springs does the same job for me. one strat I have not bothered with the block , just cranked her down.

That's what I do.....

[overdriver]

^ yeah thats really all a person needs to do. Mr. Callaham claims a wooden block dampens the vibrations of the block resulting in less sustain , tone . Kinda makes sense. I don't know! Others claim it enhances stuff. go figure!

[classic]

I've done it once on my MIM Powerhouse Strat with mid boost to get that 'Clapton-feeling' ...
I should try it again on one of my two strats ... never use the trem arm ...

Good idea, mate, Thanks for the pic and the thread ...
Is it really equal, what kind of wood or steel you'd use ???
I'm really impressed by your ebony block ...

[5F6-A]

Originally Posted by classic

Is it really equal, what kind of wood or steel you'd use ???
I'm really impressed by your ebony block ...

thanks... the ebony was shaped very patiently by using some very fine sanding paper and a finishing touch in the form of a dab of fret doctor oil that works wonders. It's a very cute piece of wood.

Originally Posted by overdriver

^ Mr. Callaham claims a wooden block dampens the vibrations of the block resulting in less sustain , tone . Kinda makes sense. !

you know what?? I think I agree with him.
After playing for some time I realised that I don't like how it sounds with the block. It feels stiffer ( which I don't really like as I play fingerstyle ) and some of the floating sustain that makes a Strat a Strat is gone.

I'm almost positive I'm going to take it out and reset the bridge.

I'll keep you posted.

[classic]

Originally Posted by 5F6-A

I'll keep you posted.

Oh YES, please ...

... I wouldn't like losing those nice vibrations which I'm feeling in my tummy whenever I'm playing my Strats ...
It's so wonderful ... from the neck / left hand through the guitar body to the guts ...
Who was it ... who had stated that playing a guitar seems to be like a woman's touch ????

[overdriver]

Originally Posted by classic

Oh YES, please ...

... I wouldn't like losing those nice vibrations which I'm feeling in my tummy whenever I'm playing my Strats ...
It's so wonderful ... from the neck / left hand through the guitar body to the guts ...
Who was it ... who had stated that playing a guitar seems to be like a woman's touch ????

You still get that and IMO more so with the trem resting on the body without a block just springs tightened down and all 5 in more natural reverb sound too.
The statement Buddy Guy I think?

[The_Sentry]

Yup. the bridge is blocked out with tone wood on my '68 reissue....

[worn]

2 Strats, both "hardtailed" with 5 springs and maple blocks

[TrinityFive]

5 springs, screw down the frontpiece and two wood screws to block the trem. Bollocks to the tone, I can't tell any difference, it sounds good.

[stonevibe]

I have six Strats, four with trems (three of which have Callaham blocks) and two hard tailed.

Totally different sounding guitars if you get down to the nitty gritty.

I used to block the trem when I was about 16 but stopped doing so years ago as I like the vibration of the trem block/spring setup.


Sort of adds a faux reverb to your sound. Not quite but you probably know what I mean if you own a Strat.

[Iceman0124]

I think on some guitars blocking yields a positive change, on some it kills tone, every axe is different, as is every set of ears. The only trem mod that I've seen that universally gives a good improvement to my ears is removal of the cavity cover, its a subtle change, but I can alwasys tell when its on or off....and I like em off.

[hank49]

I just put together a Warmoth Strat with a Wilkinson tremelo. If I adjust the springs so the bridge is 1/8" off the body, the bridge gives when I bend a whole note. I don't notice it unless I'm bending up and hitting the B string for the same not...then it's flat.
I've screwed the claw screws in tight but then the bridge sits flat on the body and I can hear it slam back a bit if I bend or use the trem.
I have two other strats with vintage, 6 screw trems and they have sort of a natural curve it seems. I can tighten the claws way down with 4 springs but it doesn't set the trem down on the body. Maybe the Wilkinson isn't right for strats? Or never mind bending up to the same note on the next string up....which really only happens when playing above the 12th fret. That's the only time I notice anything negative. Other than that it's my favorite guitar.
Never ending tweaking continues....