Re: Callaham replacement tremolo block, and the finish on early "57" reissue strats.

9/9/1999 3:25 PM

Jim S.

Re: Callaham replacement tremolo block, and the finish on early "57" reissue strats. I have one on one of my custom-made strats (Tom Anderson neck and body, from before he stopped selling components). The trem bridge is a Fender American Standard with the Callaham replacement block. I don't use the trem bar and have the spring claw screwed all the way in to keep the bridge from moving.         My understanding is that the block is made from heavier and better quality metal (steel, not zinc alloy) and that this is supposed to contribute to better tone and sustain. I've never had any other bridge or trem block installed in this guitar before, so I can't really compare it to anything else, but the guitar does have excellent sustain for a strat. Also, the workmanship is vey good -- it's a nice piece of metal to look at and beautifully finished.         Another thing about the Callaham trem block: the ball ends of the strings stop right at the bottom of the block -- they don't go in a ways and stop somewhere inside the slots, closer to the saddle pieces. This means that the total string length - from ball end to tuning gear post - is a bit longer than when using many other modern bridges. This results in a slightly stiffer string tension. This alone might influence tone somewhat.         I hope this helps with your decision to buy one.