how do I block a strat tremolo?

[devilfish]

Hi,

I've got a Fender MIM bridge in my strat project, but the body is an old squier from my very first guitar, and the springs are a little too long even when screwed in most of the way so I want to block it.

How do I go about doing this?

Also, will i need to ground the tremolo claw and put a spring on it at least 'for show' to ground the bridge?

Thanks

 

[dave67]

Re: how do I block a strat tremolo?

Most block the trem by putting 5 springs on the trem and tighten it down. Then installed a block of wood behind the trem, between the trem block and the body. This block should be shape to match the trem cavity and fit snug. You want to do this while the guitar is in tune. At this point some will loosen the spring a little. The block will stop the trem from moving.
Yes you will still need to ground the claw and have springs installed.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: how do I block a strat tremolo?

I see what you're saying --- the springs are too long to be under tension.

Basically, you have to get a block of your favorite hardwood and cut it and sand it to fit your space exactly. I have never used a block of wood, but I hear that is the best way.

I blocked a Wilkinson trem block with a spark plug socket wrench, and it sounded really great to me, so maybe it's any very hard or dense material that gives you the connectivity and energy transfer that is necessary for success.

You could simply solder a wire from your block to your claw, if you don't want a spring flopping around (since you mentioned the springs are too long to come under tension)

 

[CaughtLikeFire]

Re: how do I block a strat tremolo?

I don't like the steeper saddle angle with a 2-point bridge lying flat. I had a tech set the trem parallel with the body (about 1/8" above the body - Fender recommended height) and put one wood block on each side of the trem. One spring was kept to ground the bridge but it's 100% solid by itself. I have a Callaham block so it's not too difficult - some of the Am STD and DLX blocks are angled and require some fitting (i.e., you have to have wedges cut instead of rectangles).

this is what I had done (not an actual photo of my Strat - mine's prettier )

 

[devilfish]

Re: how do I block a strat tremolo?

the springs do come under tension, but not along to bring the bridge near flush with the body. I NEVER use a tremolo, so I will be blocking it. Does the wood matter?

I'm not blocking it to change the sound, rather to eliminate any tuning issues/complications a tremolo held solely with springs might bring.

 

[devilfish]

Re: how do I block a strat tremolo?

bump

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: how do I block a strat tremolo?

I don't like the steeper saddle angle with a 2-point bridge lying flat. I had a tech set the trem parallel with the body (about 1/8" above the body - Fender recommended height) and put one wood block on each side of the trem. One spring was kept to ground the bridge but it's 100% solid by itself. I have a Callaham block so it's not too difficult - some of the Am STD and DLX blocks are angled and require some fitting (i.e., you have to have wedges cut instead of rectangles).

this is what I had done (not an actual photo of my Strat - mine's prettier )

holy crap look at all that frickin' paint in the cavity:eek5::chairfall

 

[Stratman]

Re: how do I block a strat tremolo?

holy crap look at all that frickin' paint in the cavity:eek5::chairfall

Wow! Pure tone killer having all that poly paint in there (And most likely elsewhere)

 

[j9fd3s]

Re: how do I block a strat tremolo?

ive got a 2000ish poplar MIM strat, and it was a second, i think because the paint is so thick the trem springs hit the body, it sounds interesting coming thru the amp...

but anyways, that guitar sounds really nice, 1/2" of paint or not

 

[CaughtLikeFire]

Re: how do I block a strat tremolo?

the springs do come under tension, but not along to bring the bridge near flush with the body. I NEVER use a tremolo, so I will be blocking it. Does the wood matter?

I'm not blocking it to change the sound, rather to eliminate any tuning issues/complications a tremolo held solely with springs might bring.

use wood that is nice and dry and was intended for musical instruments - pieces of maple, alder, mahogany etc. using any old scrap from a local lumber yard might not be the best idea when trying to preserve your tone.

if you block both sides, you'll have the equivalent of a hardtail in tuning stability and feel.