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Post by somebodyelseuk on Jan 26, 2013 8:54:27 GMT
Pete: Callaham trems are un- knockable BUT expensive, at the end of the day , the choice is yours, I have simply pointed out an alternative that works, all I can do is reiterate what I have already stated , that the ones from Bingley do the job admirably at a third of the cost: Regards: Frank : Hiya. The Callahan ones are guaranteed lead free steel. A leaded steel block, from a tonal point of view, is no better/different than the standard zinc or aluminium alloy blocks. Even the steel blocks on CS Fenders aren't up to that spec. The spec of the steel is the key. Cheers.
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Post by allclaphands on Jan 26, 2013 9:35:40 GMT
Hi Frank and Julian I was not stating a preference but a alternative in who to go to for it I'm sure both are superior better than the originals supplied by Fender. What did interest me was how the sound given out would be altered by changing the block from what would be deemed a dull metal to a sharp steel .This can only be achieved by using only a pure metal without and impurities to this effect,also that all these blocks are bushed one with a delrin bush and others using a plastic insert to this effect which takes out the slack and keeps it firmer. Releasing the pressure on the arm and block threads When watching HBM is trem arm seems to work and stay just were he wants it to be.Cause i suppose he would have the dogs bo---cks of a guitar looked after by a army of guitar technicians. Right back to practicing "The Miracle" Pete
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Post by frankmarvin on Jan 26, 2013 13:01:09 GMT
Julian you are of course quite right in condeming leaded steel it would defeat the object, the steel my block is made from is cold rolled mild steel and guaranteed lead free, however it does not contain the Delrin bush, but as discussed earlier , thats an easy fix costing nothing should the need arise: The tone has markedly improved and the lack of *free play* is a relief: Cheers: Frank:
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Post by Charlie Hall on Jan 26, 2013 13:32:45 GMT
I wonder if Hank ever tried that. The Shadows did a number called Cotton Pickin. Regards, Charlie
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Post by SPIKE on Jan 26, 2013 13:56:39 GMT
;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by frankmarvin on Jan 26, 2013 14:44:18 GMT
Charlie that made me chuckle Frank:
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Post by oldynewby on Jan 26, 2013 15:38:36 GMT
Julian you are of course quite right in condeming leaded steel it would defeat the object, the steel my block is made from is cold rolled mild steel and guaranteed lead free, however it does not contain the Delrin bush, but as discussed earlier , thats an easy fix costing nothing should the need arise: The tone has markedly improved and the lack of *free play* is a relief: Cheers: Frank: I've used these in the past: www.guitarfetish.com/Upgrade-Steel-and-Brass-Tremolo-Blocks_c_219.htmlThe steel is certified lead-free and the tone of my Fender MIJ Strat is much improved over the full sized (but zinc) block that was on it previously. They currently work out at £13.90 plus postage. I made the mistake of ordering the "Asian" option for my guitar but it ended up using an American. I didn't bother returning the Asian, nor the Mexican I subsequently ordered at that price so if anyone wants to try a steel block on their Squier or MIM , PM me. btw Their pickups aren't half bad either. Paul.
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Post by frankmarvin on Jan 26, 2013 15:51:12 GMT
Looks like a handy place to know about Paul, thanks for that: Frank:
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2013 15:55:05 GMT
I fitted a hardened, steel trem block to my Mex HM strat to replace the standard one that was made of custard.
I never noticed a scrap of difference.
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Post by frankmarvin on Jan 26, 2013 23:15:08 GMT
ecca, I can believe that, those old custard ones take some beating. Frank
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Post by SPIKE on Jan 27, 2013 0:37:16 GMT
The last crack up will take some beating ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by s4wgb on Jan 27, 2013 8:39:09 GMT
Has anyone else seen this NEW design bridge plate/block etc Take a look. www.wudtone.com/
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Post by sheendigs on Jan 27, 2013 12:08:06 GMT
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Post by allclaphands on Jan 27, 2013 13:26:05 GMT
Just like to say I had a look at the last two postings and found them very interesting especially the video explaining the working action of the tremolo bridge Thanks both for posting these leads.Worth watching. Pete
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Post by somebodyelseuk on Jan 27, 2013 15:40:49 GMT
Has anyone else seen this NEW design bridge plate/block etc Take a look. www.wudtone.com/LOL It's almost word for word lifted from the Callahan site. The 'contact with the body' stuff about sustain and tone is cobblers, too. Gimme a chocolate block anyday. Cheers, Julian
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Post by frankmarvin on Jan 28, 2013 11:28:20 GMT
I wish you would stop it with the custard and chocolate thing, I'm trying to lose weight pfffff: Frank:
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Post by mojomuddywulf on Jan 31, 2013 21:23:48 GMT
yep its an awesome piece of kit, Frank Verrillli is one of the first Luthiers to really put it through its paces he is commenting on shadowmusic.bdme.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=8846&p=62929#p62929 "I'm a custom guitar builder here in the USA. (http://www.FVcustomguitars.com) I was really curious about Wudtones constant pivot trem when I saw it. And since I love trying new products, I had to try one of these. A lot of my customers like to have me set up their guitars with the trem decked (tied to the body to avoid intonation problems with certain licks) most builders would agree its a lot easier to get a strat trem to stay in tune when its floating. So I first tested Wudtones trem with it tied down. After really abusing the trem arm pulling down and checking my tuner periodically. I gotta say his trem held in tune better then any other vintage style trem I tried. I've tried it briefly floating with excellent results as well. As far as the effect on tone, I think I'm hearing a difference especially with the shim under the bridge. But I still need to do some more objective tests. I'll get back . I'm also a fan of hand rubbed finish's and I'm also having good results with those as well.
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Post by rogerbayliss on Feb 2, 2013 16:46:44 GMT
I think Wilkinson trems have one of the best solutions where an unthreaded push in trem arm goes into a hole with a split collet inside which is tightened by a small grub screw in the block at the back.
I have one of those on my new home built bitsa strat.
On my vintage strat I fitted a rolled steel block and I put a small amount of plumbers tape in and that was 2 years ago. But the cotton idea sounds good to me !
You would have thought after all these years Fender would have sorted it out by now !
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Post by frankmarvin on Feb 16, 2013 0:40:16 GMT
George: Thanks again for the tip from Aussie Barry, I have just completed the procedure and it works perfectly: Having bought and fitted a new steel block I was going to wait but upon reflection thought * prevention is better than cure* so went ahead, - now the next bit might make you cringe somewhat, I blocked the back of the trem and did it in situ with a strong magnet taped close to the hole to catch all the drillings ( which it did) having first masked up the rest of the area, pickups etc, on the carpet and clamped with thighs, knees and feet useing a pistol drill: opened up the hole to 7mm for about 20mm deep leaving enough thread in the bottom to locate and capture the trem arm thread, fitted plastic bush - result = perfection, no wobble , slack , free play , all of which prevents subtle use of the trem and the arm stays where you put it:
Thanks again to you and Barry:
Regards, Frank:
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Post by George Lewis on Feb 18, 2013 22:24:57 GMT
Hi Frank, Glad it worked ... you are brave to drill by hand ... especially the part about clamping with "hands, knees and feet" I have Strats with both a Delrin bush (from Bill Callaham) and plain old PVC al la Barry's method and the PVC is better. Also another with the Wilkinson push in/grub screw trem and it also works well. Told my wife I would probably have to buy another to try out Gary T's cotton pickin method. ;D cheers George
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Post by frankmarvin on Feb 18, 2013 23:34:13 GMT
George: find out which colour cotton is cheapest, then you know what colour strat to buy: You see us Poms aren't daft. Oh BTW I clamped with THIGHS knees and feet, I needed me hands for the drill : I could have done it your way but holding the drill with me thighs was really tough, then there was the problem of * what to operate the trigger with * ( answers on a postcard please ) Cheers, Frank:
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Post by George Lewis on Feb 19, 2013 2:40:22 GMT
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Post by allclaphands on Feb 19, 2013 8:47:58 GMT
Hi Everyone I purchased and used the springs (thanks to Jim) and along with the cotton (thanks to Gary T) it as done a really good job.I think the springs are a must with the trem arm to anyone without them see a earlier reply by (0ldfart) and (Garystrat) Not to be used on a Squier Classic Vibe as the threaded hole is open at the bottom and the spring would drop right through. Thanks to all Pete
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Post by frankmarvin on Feb 19, 2013 11:22:03 GMT
Pete, if it drops through, you can always play * spring is in the air* Frank:
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Post by allclaphands on Feb 19, 2013 13:32:22 GMT
Good on you Frank I can not believe you think of all this laughs yourself I think you must have a script writer somewhere (Jokingly said to save getting into trouble know what I mean) Keep them coming Frank it would be duller world with out it. Best Regards Pete
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Post by frankmarvin on Feb 19, 2013 23:12:49 GMT
Pete, I was born with a fertile mind , or was it futile? I cant remember now what the nurse at Broadmore said: Thanks for the compliment : Regards, Frank:
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Post by allclaphands on Feb 20, 2013 9:08:40 GMT
Frank,I went to the doctors and he told me I had to watch what I eat. So I went and bought a ticket for Cheltenham Races. Regards Pete
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Post by frankmarvin on Feb 20, 2013 9:35:54 GMT
hahahahaha thats a cracker
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Post by somebodyelseuk on Feb 20, 2013 10:19:31 GMT
I see Findus are in trouble. It's been found that the fish they use don't have fingers...
Squier CV trem hole... not familiar with them, but if the hole is threaded to the bottom, you could put a cut down screw in from underneath to save the spring from dropping through. Better still, you could thread a short length of nylon rod in there.
Cheers, Julian
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Post by allclaphands on Feb 20, 2013 11:50:53 GMT
Thanks Julian for the information. Thats a Top Tip for the Squier CV Trem arm hole Many Thanks Pete Enjoyed your fish and parrot jokes
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