If you block a Strat tremolo . . . .

[ArtieToo]

. . . does the mass / quality of the trem block matter?

I might upgrade my Strat Classic Vibe trem. The saddles are terrible, but I have one of these in stock:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series

So I might replace the whole thing. I don't mind putting a few bucks into this axe. Would a better trem block be worthwhile? I always block my trems.

Thanks.
Artie

[uOpt]

I don't think it matters any less than in a floating trem.

[ArtieToo]

I don't think it matters any less than in a floating trem.

Cool. Thanks.

[jeremy]

i block or deck all my trems and still prefer a big block

[ErikH]

I replaced mine with a Fender Standard Strat bridge. Drop-in replacement. To me, it made it difference. The guitar is more resonant and the notes have a fuller sound. I did some other work as well but the bridge was done before all that.

[JMP/HBE]

.

[ArtieToo]

I replaced mine with a Fender Standard Strat bridge. Drop-in replacement. To me, it made it difference.

Just did the same. I'll post pics shortly.

[GuitarStv]

I wouldn't expect much sound difference swapping trem block in a bridge that's decked onto the body of the guitar (maybe would make a little more difference if you're using some wood or something jammed against the block itself to block the trem). . . but swapping the whole bridge (and/or saddle material) is another matter.

[JMP/HBE]

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0071014049--fender-vintage-style-strat-tremolo-assembly-standard-series

This block looks like Zinc or potmetal to me.
Id go for brass.
Some of it is going to depend if the block is flush with the body or floating, the size of the block ect but with your guitar i doubt any of that is going to make a huge noticeable impact.

[ArtieToo]

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...tandard-series

This block looks like Zinc or potmetal to me.
Id go for brass.
Some of it is going to depend if the block is flush with the body or floating, the size of the block ect but with your guitar i doubt any of that is going to make a huge noticeable impact.

Yup. I agree. I went ahead and put in the Fender unit because I had it in stock. The block has more mass, even though it probably is cheap-ish still. Everything else is better though, including the much heavier mounting screws. I added a 4th spring, and tightened down the screws. It doesn't need any extra blocking. This isn't going anywhere.

I might add brass in the future.

[uOpt]

Ugh, those thin blocks.

[ArtieToo]

Ugh, those thin blocks.

Yeah, I think one good dive would have snapped through that arm support.

[ErikH]

Those Fender Standard bridges have a steel block. Other than the bridge swap on mine, I got some shorter saddle screws so they don't stick out so much. Even when I got the action where I wanted it with a full setup, they were still a bit pokey.

[uOpt]

You can quickly test whether it is a steel block with a magnet.

[ErikH]

Not magnetic but it looks like it would be steel. Not polished up but has the look. The Sweetwater page says die-cast. I thought it was steel. Could be zinc. My Gotoh's are zinc. I love them.