Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

[revolution]

Hello All,
My 86 E-Series MIJ Squire Strat seems to have an issue with the E string slipping over the neck when I play sometimes. Jumbo frets and a new bone nut have remedied this problem greatly, but I still notice it's there every now and then. I am beginning to suspect the trem may be the culprit because I notice the E string plays best when the string is slide to the inside of the saddle instead of the middle. This is not one of the "Fender" labled trems and I believe the body is from their "57 reissue" stock. I may be all wet, but it looks exactly like a 1986 USA 57 Reissue Strat without the vintage keys and bridge. Any thoughts on a possible trem upgrade? ...and thanks!


Mine: https://forum.seymourduncan.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=67263&d=1444070406

USA Reissue: https://reverb.com/item/5722135-1986-usa-fender-57-reissue-stratocaster-brand-new-time-capsule

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

Measure two things for me. The six screw mounting screws (guessing 2 7/32") and then the E to E string spacing.

 

[revolution]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

ok...thanks!!

 

[revolution]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

Measure two things for me. The six screw mounting screws (guessing 2 7/32") and then the E to E string spacing.

The E string measurement is 2 1/8 when I even them with the saddle. Both E strings naturally want to gravitate towards the middle. The screw measurement is 2 and between 1/8 and 1/4. My tape measure is crude. Thanks again!

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

2 1/8" string spacing is about as narrow as you are going to get. You wrote that you just replaced the nut, right? Was a pre-slotted thing, or a custom? How far in are your two E strings at the nut?

 

[revolution]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

2 1/8" string spacing is about as narrow as you are going to get. You wrote that you just replaced the nut, right? Was a pre-slotted thing, or a custom? How far in are your two E strings at the nut?

View attachment 85222

It was done by a guitar builder and really helped it. It was terrible with the stock nut.

 

[revolution]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

It looks like 1/8, but I am using a tape measure. Thanks for your help!

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

A 1/8" is where most have it.

With a narrow spaced bridge and a proper nut, you should not be falling off the board edge. Does this happen on a different guitar? Could the frets have to severe of a bevel?

 

[revolution]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

A 1/8" is where most have it.

With a narrow spaced bridge and a proper nut, you should not be falling off the board edge. Does this happen on a different guitar? Could the frets have to severe of a bevel?

No, he's a pro and builds amazing guitars. Maybe I am measuring the bridge wrong. Is that "Vintage Narrow" bridge in the ad you post earlier the most narrow you can get?

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

Measure from the center of the two E saddle screws. I did some reading and you may have a vintage spec string spacing (2 7/32"). You can replace that bridge with one that has as narrow as 2 1/8", but just need to know for sure what fits.

 

[revolution]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

Hey thanks for the help. I took it to a shop and I guess it has a 2 1/8" trem, so I am going narrower to 2 1/16" bridge!

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Narrower Trem/80s MIJ Strat?

What model tremolo are you ordering?