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

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8/29/1999 4:07 AM

Mark Abbott

Callaham replacement tremolo block, and the finish on early "57" reissue strats. Has anyone tried this replacement block? (I'm doubtful about it and I'm trying to get as may opinions from those who've tried them).     The finish on my 82 "57" reissue Stra is quite soft, (it always has been this way). Recently I've heard of people who've had their guitars refinished and the guitars have become tonally more alive.         Any opinions?         Thanks Mark.

 

8/31/1999 7:51 PM

Doc

What's the description and improvement claims of this replacement tremelo block?         I've read that polyeurethane color can be sprayed without catalyst, then top-coated with clear nitro, for a closer-to all nitro paint job than the hard, thick, catalyzed poly. They say it doesn't dry as hard, though. Maybe this early reissue was not coated with an all-nitro system. Or, maybe it was but it's been repeatedly polished with Pledge.         You could strip the old finish off your guitar body and start over with an all lacquer system. Apply only the minimum coatings to color & seal the wood. This would ensure the thinnest possible skin on top of the wood.

 

9/1/1999 4:30 AM
Hi	Doc;     The story is that Callaham manufactures the inertial block to be balanced so that the tremelo bar always returns to a neutral position. They make one sized for "modern" strats and another for "vintage" strats; I don't know if it works or not, I can't say as I know anyone who has used one as a replacement or anyone who has bought a replica "vintage" strat from Callaham.     Hi

 

9/1/1999 4:36 AM
Hi	Mark;     I have a 1982 made r.i. strat, and the finish is not soft. I suspect Doc is right about either some sort of mis-step in its original finishing or some kind of polish-related damage.     Hi

 

9/16/1999 12:57 PM

Mook

Re: Callaham replacement tremolo block, and the finish on early I was at his shop this past Monday picking up     an amp. But while I was there, I asked him     about the block. He showed me that it had more     mass and volume (he said the American Strat block     has a portion missing).         Well I bought one. I got home that evening and     installed it. His claim is correct....his replactement     block is heavier and does have more material).         I did sense more "meat" in the tone of the guitar.         It wasn't a day-and-night difference, but enough     to justify $45 dollars worth.         Mook

 

9/2/1999 8:53 AM

Mark Abbott

the finish on early "57" reissue strats. The finish on this guitar is definately soft. I have touched up the finish with some nitro paint given to me by luthiers doing work on my guitar. If I rub my fingernail on the original finish it leaves a mark, if I do the same to the nitro paint touch up paint there is no mark left.     The big question is Will the soft finish adversely affect tone?         thanks Mark.

 

9/3/1999 4:10 PM

Liam

I've got a Squier with really soft finish (or at least what's left of the finish now.) I think the tone is awesome. I personally believe the finish on electric guitars doesn't have a huge effect on the tone, as I have stripped guitars before without it making any audible difference (to me anyway). This obviously isn't the case with semi's or acoustics, as the finish tends to stiffen the soundboard a lot, and so kill the bottom end and mids. The real problem with the soft finish is that it marks so easily. Let us know if you find a solution to that problem.

 

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