Re: Callaham Strat bridges worth the extra hundred plus bucks?
If you want the best possible material and build for your vintage 6 screw bridge, the Callaham is the bomb. The metal he uses, combined with his attention to detail make a huge difference, not to mention the trem block he uses....add's tons of sustain and brings the whole thing to life. If you are not going to go with his full bridge system, it's still a big upgrade in parts, but IMO you have to get the whole deal.
When I made my Mary Kay strat, I used his entire hardware package for a strat, tuners, string tree's, jackplate, bridge, saddles....everything. They are nothing short of perfect and work as advertised.
If you read enough of his site, he takes the time to make sure his hardware is vintage correct and precise enough to be as close to original fender specs as humanly possible, while using the most advanced and sophisticated materials and processes.
It's like the difference between a stock Japanese humbucker and a custom shop SD humbucker. Both will do the job, but one is going to look and sound a whole lot better, not to mention last longer.
I've put callaham hardware on every strat I've ever owned, from Hwy 1's to Am Standards. Never once regretted the money I spent.
