Trying to find a 2 pivot strat trem with vintage looking saddles

[fleaherald]

Hello. I'm working on my first strat build, and have run into a bit of a speed bump concerning the trem system.   

I selected the "American Standard" bridge option when I ordered my body, thinking that I'd be able to add a bridge that looks similar to what American Standards currently include.  Unfortunately, all that Warmoth carries is this bridge, which looks too modern to me: http://www.warmoth.com/Fenderreg-American-Series-Tremolo-Chrome-P544C698.aspx.

I'd prefer to find something that looks like this: https://shop.fender.com/en-US/parts/bridges/american-standard-stratocaster-tremolo-bridge-assembly-08-present/0075091049.html. The saddles have that vintage flavor to them.

I contacted Fender and they said the diameter for the inserts on this bridge are .392", which I'm assuming won't fit the .375" diameter insert holes that Warmoth drilled (I've attached the bridge measurements for reference).

How would you approach this problem?  Is there an alternate trem I should consider that would fit my body?  Should I have a guitar tech modify the insert holes and go with the Fender trem?  Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[stratamania]

You could just use the American Standard tremolo and swap out the saddles.

For example.

https://www.callahamguitars.com/strat_trem_amstdsaddleset_catalog.htm

Or a complete upgrade kit including saddles.

https://www.callahamguitars.com/strat_trem_amstandardupkit_catalog.htm

Another replacement saddle supplier.

http://www.highwood-guitarparts.com/

 

[fleaherald]

Okay, thanks. That makes sense. I'll buy the Fender standard trem system and swap in the Callaham saddles. Does it make sense to implement the full upgrade?  Would it be a noticeable enough difference to warrant the $130 price point?

 

[stratamania]

I suppose it depends on how much things like a pop in arm and an upgraded block are to you versus $130.

You could always start with the saddles and at a later time get a block and pop in arm, and change them out when doing a string change.

I have some Callaham stuff myself, but mainly full bridges. I find them very good.