Big trem blocks. Any difference?

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

Brass saddles are certainly one of the things that are in our future plans... along with a number of other things. Do you guys think there would be a big enough market for them to make it worth producing them? How many of you guys would have interest in brass saddles?

I don't honestly know. There's a lot of vintage Charvel guys out there that love the brass stuff and it goes for outrageous amounts. My guess would be look at how many complete bridges you sell and base what and how much you're going to produce from that. I'm guessing you use a CNC or Mill for your other stuff, so the keyhole or American standard type saddles shouldn't be to difficult to setup.

I personally prefer the bent style saddles, but I could make due with either.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

FWIW, I have one of these old Blazers with a full Brass trem, block and saddles, dunno about baseplat. It sounds great and was the right victim for the StraBro90s. But it is a different guitar, it's not a regular sounding Strat by any means:

 

[killerguitar]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

Is there anyone else that would have interest in Brass Saddles? Bent or solid? Let me know what you guys want!

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

I'd like to see brass Floyd saddle sets, but that would be pretty expensive.

I think the Killer brass neckplate is cool. I was confused about the "double-thick" statement though... it appears as if the plating is double-thick, not the plate itself. I'd buy an actual, double-thickness plate though and I'd recess it into the body.

 

[Despair]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

Hm, didn't see anyone address the titanium block thing. That's not about mass dampening spring vibration, that's about the metal transmitting all the frequencies instead of filtering them. That's the argument, anyways. If that really works, I think it'd probably be the better choice for a dive-only setup.

A lot of people feel that lighter (but stronger) metals are actually better for tone in a fixed bridge. I'm not convinced that applies in a floating bridge, though, particularly for the block.

I'm not convinced a brass claw makes sense, either. Wouldn't a harder part make more sense? Does anyone make a thick steel one?

I'd probably try a mix of parts. I'd love tusq saddles, brass block, titanium baseplate...

 

[uOpt]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

I seriously doubt that any kind of neutrality is the goal here.

The trem block makes a large part of the sound.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

Hm, didn't see anyone address the titanium block thing. That's not about mass dampening spring vibration, that's about the metal transmitting all the frequencies instead of filtering them. That's the argument, anyways. If that really works, I think it'd probably be the better choice for a dive-only setup.

A lot of people feel that lighter (but stronger) metals are actually better for tone in a fixed bridge. I'm not convinced that applies in a floating bridge, though, particularly for the block.

I'm not convinced a brass claw makes sense, either. Wouldn't a harder part make more sense? Does anyone make a thick steel one?

I'd probably try a mix of parts. I'd love tusq saddles, brass block, titanium baseplate...

I'm wondering about the titanium lock inserts for Floyds. Since it's the part that actually connects the string to the rest of the mass of the unit, the material should help (or hinder) the transmission of vibrations. I just installed a Gotoh Floyd and I can tell you it certainly did NOT thin my tone or hurt it in the least... It's different from the Wilkinson 6-hole, but I think I like it better. I put Raw Vintage springs (all 5) and the tone difference was huge, to my ear over the stock springs. Of course, the "reverby" sound of 5-spring setups isn't for everybody, but for my rig every note is more "alive" to me.

I'm becoming more convinced that tone is definitely helped or hindered after the saddle, more than some people realize.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

I seriously doubt that any kind of neutrality is the goal here.

The trem block makes a large part of the sound.

I think the titanium option is for folks who don't want the metal (brass, steel or zinc alloy) to "color" their tone. Ti is supposed to be a more "transparent" material tone-wise. It's not for everybody and not everybody is going for a "vintage correct" sound. I didn't buy the RV springs so my Strat would sound "vintage", which would be a silly goal considering what it is. I liked the physics and concept of it. A Floyd with 5 springs? How crazy. Yes, I am! I'm not interested in a Ti block, but the lock inserts sound appealing to me.

 

[killerguitar]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

I'm not convinced a brass claw makes sense, either. Wouldn't a harder part make more sense? Does anyone make a thick steel one?

I'd probably try a mix of parts. I'd love tusq saddles, brass block, titanium baseplate...

Believe it or not....We have had RAVE reviews from our customers that have installed our Killer Claw. It actually does make a noticeable difference in sustain, tone, balance and stability. Everyone thinks that the claw is insignificant, but the truth is that it is very important to your overall sound. It is just another one of the components that the OEM manufacturers have cheaped out on over the years... along with the trem block, springs and some other hardware.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

I'm not buying any of the "more neutral", "less coloring" BS.

Each of the materials will have it's own way of messing with the sound. Just pick what you like best.

My full-brass trem guitar sounds nothing like similar guitars with regular trems.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

Believe it or not....We have had RAVE reviews from our customers that have installed our Killer Claw. It actually does make a noticeable difference in sustain, tone, balance and stability. Everyone thinks that the claw is insignificant, but the truth is that it is very important to your overall sound. It is just another one of the components that the OEM manufacturers have cheaped out on over the years... along with the trem block, springs and some other hardware.

I don't doubt it. I didn't expect THAT much difference in tone by just changing springs and adding two more, but it's HUGE, at least to me.

 

[Despair]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

Believe it or not....We have had RAVE reviews from our customers that have installed our Killer Claw. It actually does make a noticeable difference in sustain, tone, balance and stability. Everyone thinks that the claw is insignificant, but the truth is that it is very important to your overall sound. It is just another one of the components that the OEM manufacturers have cheaped out on over the years... along with the trem block, springs and some other hardware.

I can believe it, I just wonder if a thick steel one would be better (particularly more durable), particularly in a dark or dull guitar.

A lot of people talk about hardware affecting tone, but a lot of the differences are less in tone and more in body resonance and sustain. Which impact tone, but not as overtly as attack or the frequency balance (particularly of the first second or two). But they REALLY impact what you can do with the guitar...

More neutral just means the titanium doesn't filter away as much lower frequencies (like cheap pot-metal and steel alloys do) or higher frequencies (like brass does). I don't have trouble believing it could be a good thing in many guitars, but I suspect there are cheaper ways to reach that goal, maybe even without giving up the sustain you get from a heavier block.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

The reason our blocks are more expensive is that they are made from a certain, secret, alloy of brass that we have determined to be of the highest musical qualities (it costs more).

I'm just quoting this for ah... no reason, really.

 

[killerguitar]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

I'm just quoting this for ah... no reason, really.

This is true. Our alloy is different than others out there. It provides a more balanced tone and enhances sustain more than other alloys. The resonance with these blocks is amazing. We heavily researched many alloys when we first started manufacturing these blocks - this happens to be the one we chose as being the best and most musical.

Above that, our components are hand finished to be as perfect as possible. The outer face is mirror-polished, all edges are beveled, all surfaces have a nice finish, all holes are counter-sunk. Any machinist can take a hunk of brass and drill and tap some holes into it. That is not what we are about.

These are the nicest looking and highest quality components you can buy. Almost every single customer who has bought one has sent me back a message telling me that it was the best money they ever spent on their guitar. I know you guys think I'm tooting my own horn, but it is the truth. Once you try one of these - you will never even consider any other company's upgrades again.... and our money-back guarantee backs that up.

 

[killerguitar]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

I can believe it, I just wonder if a thick steel one would be better (particularly more durable), particularly in a dark or dull guitar.

A lot of people talk about hardware affecting tone, but a lot of the differences are less in tone and more in body resonance and sustain. Which impact tone, but not as overtly as attack or the frequency balance (particularly of the first second or two). But they REALLY impact what you can do with the guitar...

More neutral just means the titanium doesn't filter away as much lower frequencies (like cheap pot-metal and steel alloys do) or higher frequencies (like brass does). I don't have trouble believing it could be a good thing in many guitars, but I suspect there are cheaper ways to reach that goal, maybe even without giving up the sustain you get from a heavier block.

Steel may be a more durable metal than brass, but with our claw, durability is not an issue. It is milled from solid billet - rather than being bent like other claws. It is extra thick/heavy-duty - there is really no reason to be concerned about durability here.

It improves tone by warming things up a bit and also increases body resonance and sustain while helping to balance and stabilize your trem.

Our brass IS a filter... It filters "undesirable harmonics". In other words, when looking at a spectrum analysis you notice that it actually eliminates spikes that "mud up" notes. The result is cleaner, truer notes.

Also...You will not be giving up any sustain with our blocks - I will personally guarantee that you won't find any other single component on the face of this earth that will increase sustain more.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

This is true. Our alloy is different than others out there. It provides a more balanced tone and enhances sustain more than other alloys. The resonance with these blocks is amazing. We heavily researched many alloys when we first started manufacturing these blocks - this happens to be the one we chose as being the best and most musical.

Above that, our components are hand finished to be as perfect as possible. The outer face is mirror-polished, all edges are beveled, all surfaces have a nice finish, all holes are counter-sunk. Any machinist can take a hunk of brass and drill and tap some holes into it. That is not what we are about.

These are the nicest looking and highest quality components you can buy. Almost every single customer who has bought one has sent me back a message telling me that it was the best money they ever spent on their guitar. I know you guys think I'm tooting my own horn, but it is the truth. Once you try one of these - you will never even consider any other company's upgrades again.... and our money-back guarantee backs that up.

I don't doubt the quality of your products. It's clear that you take great care and pride in providing the highest quality components possible, and I respect that.

I'm just naturally skeptical of any product that the manufacturer claims to be made from a "super secret magical material", etc. PRS makes the same claim about their "unobtainium" nut material. Very difficult to quantify/validate those claims.

But... that being said... it doesn't mean I wouldn't buy one.

 

[killerguitar]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

I don't doubt the quality of your products. It's clear that you take great care and pride in providing the highest quality components possible, and I respect that.

I'm just naturally skeptical of any product that the manufacturer claims to be made from a "super secret magical material", etc. PRS makes the same claim about their "unobtainium" nut material. Very difficult to quantify/validate those claims.

But... that being said... it doesn't mean I wouldn't buy one.

I understand that... and we have actually been trying to get away from the word secret as I have learned that maybe it conveys the wrong message. The bottom line is that we use an alloy that is different from others out there. It isn't an alloy that we made ourselves or that you couldn't buy at your local metal supplier - we just aren't telling anyone what it is...That's the secret.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

I understand that... and we have actually been trying to get away from the word secret as I have learned that maybe it conveys the wrong message. The bottom line is that we use an alloy that is different from others out there. It isn't an alloy that we made ourselves or that you couldn't buy at your local metal supplier - we just aren't telling anyone what it is...That's the secret.

Cool. I can get behind that.

So what is it?


JK

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

So what is it?

It is a s_cr_t.


( I also got away from the word. )

 

[killerguitar]

Re: Big trem blocks. Any difference?

Cool. I can get behind that.

So what is it?


JK

:biglaugh: It is a brass alloy that is a certain combination of copper, zinc, lead and other metals....