Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

[Jr_vw2]

As the title says. What do you prefer? I have used both. Usually a trem stopper like what is pictured if I still want dive only action. And a block of wood for a fully locked bridge. But is a tremolo stopper and 5 springs just as effective as a block of wood for "locking down" a floyd rose?

 

[metalchurch79]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

Yea Id say in a total locked position they're both about equal. I mean if it can't move, it can't move right? I see what you mean though about the contact point and while I never block a floyd and in fact I think it should be illegal in all 50 states... but IF I did I'd probably use a block of wood and make it dive only. I'd probably use wood in a locked position as well.

 

[Lucius Paisley]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

Whatever works.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

I go with 'whatever works', too. But I am all for buying the right guitar in the first place.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

Both are gross. Enjoy that trem floating, and use something else for drop D.

 

[Jr_vw2]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

Yes I am not a huge fan for blocking the trem either. But I have 6 guitars that have FR bridges. Love all of them but wouldn't mind having one setup hardtail so I can easily change tunings and string gauge and what not.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

You can install a tremsetter and an EVH D-tuna for drop D tunings.
The tremsetter will keep the bridge in check.
I had this setup in a guitar and it worked perfectly.

 

[greekdude]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

best trem stabilizer ever (especially considering it costs some 10-15 EUR) :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsxfKyhu2Do

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

I'd rather use a block of wood if necessary, but if you're going to block the trem you might as well get a different guitar.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

i always blocked my trems with a chunk of wood. works great and costs nothing since i have scraps layin around. i get the "buy a different guitar" but 90% of strats have a trem and finding a good hardtail with the features i want is a pita and again, the chunk of wood is free and doesnt take too long to size.

 

[metalchurch79]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

Great point Jeremy, and also you get the benefit of having a hardtail with fine tuners and a locking nut.

I built a guitar along those lines by making my own version of a Jake E. Lee Charvel in 2008 or so (still have it) and I used a 1994 Jackson King V Standard neck (righty neck so it's reverse for me), which had a locking nut, and for the bridge I used an Accutune trem which is more or less a Kahler 2300 copy in that it screws directly onto the body with 4 screws and it only required me to route a tad bit from the stock Strat trem route in order to fit it. I also used Kahler bass springs and there's a set screw to also inhibit movement so essentially it's a hardtail with fine tuners and a locking nut like I was saying. It's a nice bridge and has brass rollers like a Kahler and everything.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

As said, whatever works and depends if you are OCD or not. I had an RG570 that I had a block of wood in and worked fine. If you want it to look professional, get the trem stopper. But if you dont care and just want it blocked, wood or whatever is fine. I used block of wood but wrapped it in black elect tape so it didnt look so ghetto. But, if I have the extra cash, Ill use a trem stopper, cuz i AM very picky about how my gear looks.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

Great point Jeremy, and also you get the benefit of having a hardtail with fine tuners and a locking nut.
.

I would think a hardtail with fine tuners and a locking nut would be the ultimate PITA. If you have similar instruments, just sell one you don't play as much and get the right tool.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

A true hard tail and a blocked trem are not always equal. For example, when Fender first made a prototype sig strat for Clapton they based it on Brownie instead of Blackie, with the strings passing through the body and anchored in the body, tele style. But it turned out that Eric preferred the block of wood blocking the trem approach used on Blackie, because of the steel block and spring's effect on the tone.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

Chalk me up in the "block of wood" camp. Works fine, costs nothing, leaves no trace. There's nothing to be improved upon.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

As the title says. What do you prefer? I have used both. Usually a trem stopper like what is pictured if I still want dive only action. And a block of wood for a fully locked bridge. But is a tremolo stopper and 5 springs just as effective as a block of wood for "locking down" a floyd rose?

I tried using a block of mahogany to block the trem on a PRS once. It added more mids. I didn't like the tone as much but you might. I liked it better using 5 springs tightened down. Try it both ways and use what you like the better.

 

[Lucius Paisley]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

I just had the most brilliant idea ever...

Take the bar out.

 

[Tobias]

Re: Tremolo stopper vs block of wood

I blocked my stock Yamaha tremolo with a flat piece of billet aluminum (scrap motorcycle part) that just happened to be the exact thickness needed. About 5/16". I tightened the 3 springs all the way so it's jammed in tight. Then just because I'm nerdie I jammed the back side of the trem with a piece of oak. It all fits under the tremolo cover. The reason I used aluminum is because I had been reading how a bigger brass or steel tremolo block can add sustain and change/improve the tone so I thought I'd try a piece of metal thinking it would somehow increase the size of the block and resonance. I "think" I can tell a difference but even if I can't I like the tone and sustain I'm getting. It was a little work to get the steel chrome bridge plate to sit flat against the body and have all 6 tremolo pivot screws snug at the same time. I like it like this. I have a Floyd Rose on a USA Schecter Custom PT that serves all my whammy needs.