FloydUpgrades brass big block!

[CountFunkula]

I'm looking to buy one for my OFR (look forward to a review ). How are they? Do they thicken the tone? How's the sustain? Any gripes?

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

I've heard nothing but great things about them, mainly, sustaining notes better. I know Mutz&Mongrelz on here got one and liked it.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

Not only do I recommend the brass block upgrade, but you want to get one from this guy.

http://myworld.ebay.com/hoockey/

I order them in bulk, and they are nicer than the "other" guy.

 

[Phantasmagoria]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

I bought one a while ago and it definately firms up the bottom end & adds a little more clarity/note separation with high gain. Did'nt really notice any huge improvement with sustain (that was never a problem) though bends were more sensitive & did'nt 'fade out' at the end/top the way they used to. It also darkened the tone (ever so) slightly..

 

[BloodRose]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

Not only do I recommend the brass block upgrade, but you want to get one from this guy.

http://myworld.ebay.com/hoockey/

I order them in bulk, and they are nicer than the "other" guy.

You say they are nicer?? can you use the back plate on the guitar?? they less expensive than the other too?? Thanks for the tip! been wanting to get some brass jewelry for a couple of my best girls...

 

[Ayrton]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

Yes, nicer and mine came with stainless hardware. I can't say if that is standard, but when you buy them 5-6 at a time, you get some perks.

While I would not call it polished jewelry, they are finished better than the "other" place.

Finally, you can't beat the price.

Guys name is Keith Hartley and he is pleasant to deal with, and ships quick.

 

[CountFunkula]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

Yes, nicer and mine came with stainless hardware. I can't say if that is standard, but when you buy them 5-6 at a time, you get some perks.

While I would not call it polished jewelry, they are finished better than the "other" place.

Finally, you can't beat the price.

Guys name is Keith Hartley and he is pleasant to deal with, and ships quick.

No offense intended, but I'm weary about buying from another source other than the most popular source, FU. Now of course it can be MUCH better, but it's also kind of taking a gamble. Why do you say it's nicer (regardless of price)? Not trying to shoot down your opinion, but I'm just curious. That being said, that is a great price and now I'm inclined to buy it. Tell me more.

 

[Chad]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

As far as I know the blocks that come with OFRs are brass to begin with, but they are rather small/thin. Anyway, I went all out and bought 4 of the Floyd Upgrades brass Big Blocks for 4 of my OFR equipped guitars.

Verdict: yes, there is a difference, but it is VERY subtle. I made recordings before and after (but they were on a looper so I didn't save them) to confirm. I think a twist of an amp knob could provide near the same effect. YMMV as one person's "huge" is another's "subtle". One drawback, on some guitars, is that the range of pull-up gets limited if there isn't enough routing in the trem cavity.

I just recently bought another OFR equipped guitar and haven't even thought about putting on an aftermarket block. Just not that big of a deal. Mostly hype IMO.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

The really fat ones (3/4") will actually rest on the body wood when the trem is not used and I can imagine that would aid in sustain, in addition to the added mass. I'm definitely considering one. I want a 37mm tall one, since my guitar is 1 1/2" thick.

 

[KeeperOS]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

I have two from F.U. and the difference WAS huge. The tone is way fatter and the sustain is great.

However as some mentioned the added thickness means a more limited pull-up range, or in my case, none at all. However I actually WANTED my Floyds to be down-only for various reasons so for me it worked out beautifully

BloodRose, Bro, I have the backplate on both my guitars, it's simply a matter of ordering the right height. On my Swing I removed the thin metal sheet between the base plate and block to get a good clearance but that was it so no worries there

 

[Ayrton]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

Tell me more.

No problem...

The two blocks I received from the other guy had rough edges, and were covered in machining oil. I was also told I needed his screws to use his block, so I bought those too (I did not).

When I inquired about the blocks being rough cut, I was told to take some sandpaper to them. The spring holes were not even chamfered.

You can buy from whomever you want. From what I can tell you there is little difference in the brass material, but the price, finished product, and service from Keith beats anyone else I have dealt with.

 

[CountFunkula]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

Ok, thanks! I will definitely go with Keith now.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

There's a couple things about my stock Gotoh I like that I don't see on some aftermarket big blocks. The path of the spring to the hole has a groove, so the spring ends sit into the block for better clearance and less movement. It also has screws to hold down the springs (but only the outside ones and middle, the other two don't have them and I use all five springs). But I wonder... is springs popping out of blocks a problem for anybody? It's never happened to me and I'm a whammyholic.

 

[KeeperOS]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

The only instances where I've seen that happen was when the block was installed backwards.
See the holes aren't drilled vertically on the block but at an angle that keeps the springs from unlatching themselves.
Install the block backwards though and the angle works AGAINST the springs.

When everything's as it should, no, I've never seen it happen...

 

[BloodRose]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

I have two from F.U. and the difference WAS huge. The tone is way fatter and the sustain is great.

However as some mentioned the added thickness means a more limited pull-up range, or in my case, none at all. However I actually WANTED my Floyds to be down-only for various reasons so for me it worked out beautifully

BloodRose, Bro, I have the backplate on both my guitars, it's simply a matter of ordering the right height. On my Swing I removed the thin metal sheet between the base plate and block to get a good clearance but that was it so no worries there

Thanks Manos! I knew the FU ones came in dif sizes. The biggest doesnt allow you to use the back plate.. personally,my retentive self, I like the plates on.... :sad: Cracks me up (and annoys me) that every trem guitar I ever see in pawn shops has no back plates..

 

[SrDeMaFp]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

No problem...

The two blocks I received from the other guy had rough edges, and were covered in machining oil. I was also told I needed his screws to use his block, so I bought those too (I did not).

When I inquired about the blocks being rough cut, I was told to take some sandpaper to them. The spring holes were not even chamfered.

You can buy from whomever you want. From what I can tell you there is little difference in the brass material, but the price, finished product, and service from Keith beats anyone else I have dealt with.

Thanks for the review. I'll have to send my business his way! Great price too!

 

[Ayrton]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

Let me get my **** together this weekend and I will take some pics, and do a proper review.

However, there is not much to tell, it is a brass block that fits like it is supposed to.

 

[Jessie's ghost]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

But I wonder... is springs popping out of blocks a problem for anybody? It's never happened to me and I'm a whammyholic.

It's a problem if you put the block on backwards. :doh:

 

[Coma]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

I am seriously starting to crave a brass block...

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: FloydUpgrades brass big block!

For the puny pot metal blocks on a normal Floyd, a brass block is essential. Night and Day.Even the good quality brass block that comes with the new Gotoh is fairly small..I bought a fat block upgrade for it.


Do yourself a BIG favor and deal with this guy on ebay;

http://cgi.ebay.com/IBANEZ-EDGE-FLO...010?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item2c5b359422

Ive bought several brass blocks from him, and he custom made a Brass block twice for two different Takeuhi's.
100% pure class. Fast shipping and good prices.