Anyone changed the block of their american standard tremolo?

[Mattias Svensson]

Is there anyone who have changed their american standard tremolo block for a solid steel one? Callaham for example. i'm interested in those who have changed on a tremolo built after 2008 when fender did a upgrade. Is there a notable difference? Is it big, how would you describe the change? Is it worth it?

Thanx

 

[Superlizard]

I did a Callaham kit, but on a ~2001 Am Std Strat, not 2008 or newer.

 

[Mattias Svensson]

I've come to realize that  the american standard tremolo Warmoth and other sells got to be the old tremolo that was used on the american standard guitars prior 1008, am I right?

Whats the difference in materials they used in the blocks before and after 2008? It's seem like it's even a greater reason for me to  the replace the block if I get the old block.


Superlizard: how much did your upgrade affect the sound?

 

[Superlizard]

Superlizard: how much did your upgrade affect the sound?

I'll re-post:

I love my Am Std trem - it works great; smooth movement.

But to get the tone right, I did a Callaham conversion kit which included stamped steel saddles,
a cold-rolled steel block and arm.  Because the stock powdered-covered zinc block saddles sucked ass
and always imparted this annoying pinging treble on the unwound strings.  The block was cheap
pot metal too (zinc).  Before, it pinged... now it crangs.

 

[Mattias Svensson]

Nice! I've now placed an order for a Callaham block and arm to the old american standard tremolo that I will put on my new Warmoth strat.

 

[Superlizard]

Nice! I've now placed an order for a Callaham block and arm to the old american standard tremolo that I will put on my new Warmoth strat.

Groovy.  But you should've gotten the stamped saddles as well for authentic Strat "crang".  :icon_thumright:

(said "crang" I speak of is the upper-midrange/treble in the tone which cuts through, but isn't harsh or pingy)

 

[Mattias Svensson]

Sorry, can't use them as I will have the graph tech piezo-system with their stringsaver saddles, hope that will turn out to a good combo

Nice! I've now placed an order for a Callaham block and arm to the old american standard tremolo that I will put on my new Warmoth strat.

Groovy.  But you should've gotten the stamped saddles as well for authentic Strat "crang".   :icon_thumright:

(said "crang" I speak of is the upper-midrange/treble in the tone which cuts through, but isn't harsh or pingy)