MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

[ms1844]

Hi everyone,

I have a MIM Plus Top Stratocaster and want to upgrade the bridge. The current bridge in mine has vintage-style saddles and is a 2-point (not the 6 screws you might usually see). Any recommendations? I want a bridge with the more modern-style saddles on it.

Would the American Deluxe Strat Bridge be a good upgrade? Any non-fender bridges that would be better? I need one that will fit perfectly b/c I don't want to have to pay a tech to do it.

Thanks

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

Whatever Fender put on USA Standard Strats in 1987 works pretty well.

 

[AlexR]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

2 points are going to limit choices. MIM's typically have a different spacing to MIA, so I'm not sure how that plays with the 2-bolt mount bridges. I think you will need to measure the spacing of yours for both mounts and strings and see how that compares to aftermarket ones.
The other option is simply to upgrade the block, which is usually the only drawback on lower-end units....either something like Callaham or KGC.

 

[ms1844]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

So what does just switching out the block theoretically do? Like what would it help correct/improve?

 

[stratguy23]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

Yeah, 2 point bridges on MIM Strats are rare. I'm used to 6 point bridges, so I'm not terribly familiar with the aftermarket market for 2 point bridges.

If the saddles are your main gripe, just swap out the saddles (make sure to measure the spacing to get the right replacements). I like the Graph Tech String Saver Classics, which keep the vintage tone. You can remove and replace the saddles with a common screwdriver, though working with the height adjustment screws requires the right size allen wrench (commonly included with new Strats).

The block is similarly replaceable with a screwdriver. You would likewise measure the spacing of the 3 screws to get the right size block - see here for more details:
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Upgrade-Steel-and-Brass-Tremolo-Blocks_c_219.html

I've replaced saddles and blocks myself with a screwdriver, and I'm not mechanically inclined at all. Once I've installed them, however, I've always had professionals adjust them and do overall setups.

 

[stratguy23]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

So what does just switching out the block theoretically do? Like what would it help correct/improve?

Switching out the block changes the tone. The main choices are brass (warmer) and steel (brighter). There's also titanium, which is lighter in weight, more expensive than brass/steel, and my understanding is that it leans toward the bright side tonally.

To save money, I would not correct anything unless you are sure there is something to correct. If it sounds fine, leave it be.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

To be totally honest, some people hear a difference in sustain block and some don't. I'm not trying to spark an argument here. IMO, the most important part of the block is how well it holds the whammy bar. For example, the cheap zinc block on my first strat got switched out with a Callaham, not because of any tonal differences, but because the stock block was totally worn and prone to wobble. The Callaham blocks prevent that with some fancy material.

 

[AlexR]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

So what does just switching out the block theoretically do? Like what would it help correct/improve?

It takes the construction to the same/better than a more expensive bridge.

Maybe the purity or grade of the baseplate and saddles is a bit different on MIM vs MIA, and the quality of plating. The tonal shifts there are much lesser. The thing that really thins out a strat tone is the trem block.

 

[Mincer]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

You can always just switch out the saddles, too. I use Graph-Tech, but there are all kinds of different ones out there. Certainly it is easier than finding a 2 point trem that fits- the spacing on some MIM Strats is narrower than the USA models. I've never experimented with blocks, though. I'd be interested in the results.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

I switched from a zinc block vibrato to the Fender Custom Shop steel block bridge/vibrato on my MIJ Squier Strats and they do sound better.

More bass for one thing.

They sound deeper and fuller.

Well worth it, IMO.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

Is it a classic player body? I have the body on my partscaster and put a schaller vintage 2000 bridge on it. I like the roller saddles a lot and overall it is a solid bridge. No idea if its better or worse than any other bridge but I can tell you it will fit.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

I think the bent steel traditional saddles sound better
I've try several roller saddles and block styles

 

[Mincer]

Re: MIM Strat Bridge Upgrade?

I do love my Super Vee Bladerunner with 2 posts. Unique idea, and it floats well (if that's your thing). It also looks really cool.