Fender hardtail bridge on an american special strat

[pac112]

hello guitar people,

are the trem bridges on an american special strat directly replaceable by a fender hardtail bridge such as this one:


If yes, what happens to the trem block? can it be removed too?

thanks as always!

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Fender hardtail bridge on an american special strat

No. The cavity would have to be filled and then drilled for the Hardtail bridge. Lot's of work to turn it into a hardtail with nice cosmetics. A hack job probably wouldn't be too hard to do but you'd have to get the spacing right for the new bridge.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Fender hardtail bridge on an american special strat

I recommend simply sticking a chrome knob between the sustain block and body to lock down the bridge. Then remove the trem spings. It sounds and works nicely and takes 2 seconds.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Fender hardtail bridge on an american special strat

Technically the top plate and saddles from a trem bridge could be used as a hardtail bridge if you were starting on a new body...

I agree, far easier to block than to fill the cavity.

 

[cliffenstein]

Re: Fender hardtail bridge on an american special strat

Just deck the bridge, add two more springs, screw in the trem spring claw a bit and remove the tremolo bar (whammy). I do this to all my Strats since I play them as if they were hard tails. Tuning stability and overall feel is practically identical to a true hard tail with the added benefit of keeping the stratocaster sound.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Fender hardtail bridge on an american special strat

Just deck the bridge, add two more springs, screw in the trem spring claw a bit and remove the tremolo bar (whammy). I do this to all my Strats since I play them as if they were hard tails. Tuning stability and overall feel is practically identical to a true hard tail with the added benefit of keeping the stratocaster sound.

I block most of my trems. Usually just on the claw side of the block, but sometimes on both sides. I Usually put a dab or two of epoxy on a little slab of wood sized just right, and let the spring tension sandwich the wood between the trem block and the body. If I ever need to revert it back, a quick tap with a screwdriver on the wood knocks it off the metal block. Have been doing this for many years.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Fender hardtail bridge on an american special strat

I use my trems a lot, but I could see the 'refill/redrill' idea being a pain. Just block it like everyone has said- there are lots of explanations here, and I am sure there are videos. What specific problem are you having?

 

[Nostalgic Distortion]

Re: Fender hardtail bridge on an american special strat

I recommend simply sticking a chrome knob between the sustain block and body to lock down the bridge. Then remove the trem spings. It sounds and works nicely and takes 2 seconds.

Yep.....