Is Titanium Better Than Steel In A Trem Block?

[Chistopher]

So I was looking to replace a crappy zinc tremolo block with one from gfs. My main issue with the current one I the threads are worn out. So I started looking at their trem blocks and stumbled upon a titanium one. It's a 6 on the mohs scale and is supposed to be 40% lighter than steel. Whereas steel is only a 4 on the mohs but is $40 bucks cheaper ($20 vs $60). My question is if it is worth the 40 bucks to get titanium over steel? Also, how good are gfs trem blocks?

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Is Titanium Better Than Steel In A Trem Block?

I've covered brass and titanium sustain blocks here. I've checked out one of those granite blocks, but he was supposed to send me additional sizes and versions that I've been waiting on.

I like titanium a lot. But better is another one of those relative terms that applies more to the end users goals. Unfortunately, more of the people that talk smack about titanium are whining about the costs and have never tried it for themselves.

Contact TiSonix directly and see if they have a block for your Trem. Ben is a good guy and his quality of work is excellent.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Is Titanium Better Than Steel In A Trem Block?

For GFS specifically, is there a difference in durability between the brass and steel models? I don't want the threads for the arms to strip again. The one thing I despise is trem arm wobble.

 

[Davii]

Re: Is Titanium Better Than Steel In A Trem Block?

I'm surprised you've found a Ti block for $60, most I've seen this side of the pond are in the hundreds!

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Is Titanium Better Than Steel In A Trem Block?

That's why I was wondering about it. It seems that for $60 they had to have at least cut some corners. But there is only so much you can do to cut costs on a chunk of metal.

 

[dave74]

Re: Is Titanium Better Than Steel In A Trem Block?

What kind of guitar/trem is it going in?
I wouldn't worry about durability since it's hardly ever/never going to be messed with once it's on.

These?
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Solid-Titanium-Upgrade-Tremolo-Blocks_c_522.html

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Is Titanium Better Than Steel In A Trem Block?

Down only synchronized tremolo. I've started thinking more towards brass and steel just because of their prices. Now I'm trying to decide between those too. Pickups are stated above if you think trem blocks affect tone, I personally don't notice any difference. I'm just looking for something with groves that won't wear out (I'm actually leaning towards brass because it looks cooler, not that that makes a difference once you get it in) , if there is not enough difference to justify steel, I'm going with brass.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Is Titanium Better Than Steel In A Trem Block?

If durability is your primary concern, titanium is harder. And the GFS price is substantially lower than the others I've seen so far.
Also, brass is softer than steel. If you're worried about stripping the threads, brass might not be the best way to go.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Is Titanium Better Than Steel In A Trem Block?

I'll say this.

About 10 years ago, maybe 11- I put a callaham steel block on a mim strat I had. Turned that guitar into a new animal. I'm sure whatever you choose will be a big improvement over cheap zinc blocks.