replacement tremelo

[colin]

Hi
I have a 60th anniversary fender Stratocaster, desert sand and gold hardware, but I struggle with the trem arm thread,I have a spring in the bottom of the block to take up the slack, but with constantly removing the arm to fit in the case it is getting too sloppy and gets less responsive when used, I have the pop in trem on my American series and find it brilliant … so I would like to change the screw in arm for a push in one.
now I know you can buy the full replacement bridge/ saddles/etc, but I would like to ask if any of you guys have done this change, can you just buy the block with a trem arm to suite, keeping the same bridge and saddles, or is it more fitting to replace the lot, my bridge I have is the 2point system, any advice would be much appreciated
Colin

[Stu's Dad]

Just put a bit of PTFE tape around the threads. You'll need to replace it now and then but it keeps the trem arm nicely in place.

Len

[ubique]

Hi Colin.
Check out Callaham replacement bridges and parts. Had the vintage bridge on my 76 Strat for about 10 years with no problems. Not cheap but excellent quality. Have you tried plumbers tape round the threads as a temporary fix?

www.charlesguitars.co.uk/manufacturers/callaham-guitars?page=4&sortOrder=DisplayOrder&includeOutOfStock=True#product-page-4

Cheers. Neil

[colin]

I have used ptfe constantly, its ok for a while, if all I did was use to use the guitar at home , that's fine it would stay put. I need to change it, and stop the issue.

[garystrat]

I second the Callaham option, you can get reduced arm lengths for them as well!

Gary

[andyj47]

had this one before, all you need to do is wrap the thread with some sewing cotton, and wind back in its worked for me since the 60s. on lots of different strats

[silvervox]

Hi. I have this problem with two strats one a American 57 reissue,keep fitting ptfe tape doesn't last long,the other a stat copy I made years ago just bought another trem system not expensive,fitted it still loose,you only get what you pay for.i am going to try the cotton.Pete

[alanbakewell]

Colin, buy a new case. My Professional Strat came with a case that makes the removal of the tremolo arm unnecessary. I too Have the Callaham tremolo system in my 50th anniversary Strat and my Custom Shop Strat. The tweed case in both instances makes the removal of the tremolo arm uneccessary due to the extra space involved. A new case will solve your problem and be an immediate fix. Cheers, Alan.

[bor64]

I've ordered over the years some tremblocks for Fenders of all make and years MIM MIA MIJ MIC MIK by Kevin of celtrocka he's a memeber here although I didn't see him for ages here.

On a not to mention website he's kevinh3324

He can deliver just the steel or brass blocks for every type,so you can keep the parts in view...
He can deliver a matched arm too, and wit standard screw in or screw in with a nylon/rubber sleeve inside the block...no wobbling any more.
I'm not sure he's still dealing, but just a PM could do no harm.

Cheers Rob

[glyderslead]

Some use PTFE tape. some use cotton. Both will work.

However, have you tried a garden plastic zip tie?

i always use these now:

1/ put the end of a SMALL size zip tie into the hole.

2/screw in the arm as far as you like it to go

3/ cut off the remainder of the tie and keep for use in the garden.

4/ Too loose? use a bigger tie.

5/ too tight? unscrew the arm a turn.

Mick

[peterbower]

Colin, check out Wilkinson replacement trems for Fender Strats, you can get a zinc or steel block and both have push in arms and torque adjusting screws, Check JHS website, they sell his products and they are not crazy prices either

Pete

[alanfgb]

Hi Colin,

A solution that I read about in a magazine, Stevie Ray Vaughn's (RIP) guitar tech was interviewed. Apparently, SRV's guitars had the same problem. The tech just stuffed small amounts of cotton from a cotton ball or from cotton swabs. Add more cotton as needed. I have used this technique for a while now. It absolutely works, is very cheap and requires hardly any effort to do. I have my trem tight and with no play at all.

Alan

[alanfgb]

To clarify my post: take out the trem bar, stuff the cotton, then screw in the trem bar.

Alan

[colin]

Thanks for all your suggestions and remedies, I have decided to go for the Wilkinson trem system, it looks identical to the fender, with a sensible price, once I have fitted it, I will post my findings
cheers
colin

[peterbower]

Colin, one feature of the Wilkinson trems that I have not seen else ware although there may be others, the block and top plate string holes are drilled in a stagger to take into account the intonation stagger pattern of each string.
I found that tightening the arm torque screw in the block under the top plate a tad fiddly but make sure you use the correct size Allen wrench and I found that making the arm a fairly tight push fit eliminates any wobble but still maintains an easy swing. Also, the 6 pivot hole models are all knife edges which is another bonus

Hope this helps
Pete

[colin]

well unfortunately I received the Wilkinson trem block today ….the WV2, but it isn't a straight swop as thought,all the measurements are exactly the same as my fender, with the exception of the 2 point pivot. the studs are a slightly bigger diameter, and my bridge has slotted holes,the Wilkinson ones are not, just shows when you think visually, and meticulas measuring that it will fit..it doesn't, if I was to extract the body studs and fit the Wilkinson ones it would work ..but hey ho . now if my guitar was chrome hardware it wouldn't be a problem, as there are many other manufactures that I could try, but my 60th anniversary strat is in gold finish, and that really does limit your choice , even fenders replacement at £140 is a chrome only finish... after searching the internet, the callaham block only, looks a possibility, but it does have the trem arm partly screwed and held firmly with a bush, so its not truly just a push in style... I will get there in the end
colin

[garystrat]

Hi Colin,

I had a Callahan block fitted for years and had no problems at all with the screw in arm, I ordered it with a 130mm arm which is worth thinking about.

If ordering one it's a good idea to scan the base of your existing block and send it to the supplier to make sure you get the right version for your guitar.

Regards

Gary

[peterbower]

Colin, that's very unfortunate, Wilkinson make several different models including one with oval cut pivot holes and one end-hole drilled round to take into account screw spacing.
I didn't know you had a 2 pivot system, I fitted a WVS model to my Classic Vibe Strat and it dropped straight in, Yes, look at Callahan but there are other brands around that are cheaper and good, yes, the gold hardware dilemma, not always easy to find

Regards

Peter

[rogerbayliss]

FENDER POP IN TREMELO

As used in American Professional Strat 

Or try a Wilkinson style one or best Callaham

[colin]

well I was all set to order the callaham block, which is a straight swap.... great! except my existing arm has the American thread (standard fender) and the callaham block has an English thread -aarggh. so I asked if they had an arm to suite YES, but it only comes in chrome and not in gold, so my frustration level is off the scale ...the whole exercise was to simply swap from a screw in trem to a pop in type,so I don't have to screw it out and back in again every time I put it in my case when gigging, yes I could get a deeper case, yes I could go to the extent of gold plating the callaham arm... but it just becomes a messy,and costly exercise, I love playing my 60th anniversary strat, but for now it can stay as it is, and get santa to order 12 rolls of ptfe tape.. happy days
colin

[ubique]

Hi Colin
I have a complete Callaham vintage bridge set on my 76 Strat and the original Fender case. I find that if I swivel the trem arm are to face the rear strap button it lowers the arm by about 1.5 inches and it clears the case lid when the case is closed. Might just be my set up but its worth a try.
Cheers.
Neil

[garystrat]

Hi Colin,

If have a look at what they say about in this link about arm threads, the suggestion is that you can use the existing arm in an American Standard Block, although they state it’s 10/32 English?

callahamguitars.com/tech_blockdetails.htm

Might be worth dropping them an Email for clarification!

It’s worth having a look at VML Easy mute too, I think they can supply both a block and gold plated arm, but may well have a block for your existing arm.

easy-mute.co.uk

I’m not sure if they still do them, but I know at least one person who fitted their blocks and gold plated arms on two NOS 56’s that were used for gigging on a nightly basis and had no problems with the arm at all after that.

I can’t remember the details now, but when I replaced the block for a Callahan on a Mexican Strat there were two types with slightly different hole positions and although both were Mexican blocks, the first one didn’t fit. To make sure I got the right one, I emailed them a photocopy of the block base and all was good after that.

Possibly one order for 12 rolls PTFE tape cancelled?

Regards

Gary

[colin]

I contacted callaham, and they assured me that the thread on my American deluxe block is different to there threads...I tried the positioning of my arm in its case, and even as suggested, it wouldn't close without having to re-bend the arm, so really glad Gary reminded me of the VML system, who are still available, spoken with them, and I am sending my bridge to them to have the modification done, so hopefully it will be resolved ASAP, many thanks for all your suggestions and advice, it makes this site the best
cheers
Colin

[bor64]

I didn't mentioned VML, because I thought they went belly up some years ago....

I have VML products and they are the knees bees!!!

Cheers Rob

[musketeer58]

I recently sent a couple of emails to VML but didn`t get a reply so, you may be right there Rob however, their website is still up and running, I would have thought that they would have taken it down if they`re no longer in business and I would agree with you in saying how good they are, I`ve got one on one of my Strats which I`m really pleased with and I wanted to get the other one done so, it looks like I`ll have to think of something else. Ah well, there`s plenty of advice in this thread so, I`ll just have to decide which way to go.

Regards

Adrian

[garystrat]

Hi Adrian,

Colin says he's spoken to them and in the process of getting his done!

Regards

Gary

[gruntfuttock]

Replacement Tremelo 1103 views - amazing!
Dave

[musketeer58]

Dec 20, 2019 10:29:54 GMT garystrat said:

Hi Adrian,

Colin says he's spoken to them and in the process of getting his done!

Regards

Gary

Thanks for the reply Gary.

Looks like they are still up and running then. I don`t know why they`re not replying to my emails, maybe because it`s close to Christmas and everyone`s busy, I think I`ll leave it until after the festivities are over and try
again then.

Cheers

Adrian

[colin]

Hi to everyone who has helped me with my predicament … sloppy tremolo, and to say I have finally got it sorted, I have had the VML system fitted to the existing bridge block, and it is absolutely spot on, fitted back on my guitar today, and I am delighted with it, and you can adjust the tension to suite your playing need, thank you Gary for bringing VML to my attention, and to let Adrain be aware that the company is still in business, you say that you couldnt get a reply from them.... try again, the address is on googgle
cheers
colin

[musketeer58]

Jan 7, 2020 13:25:39 GMT colin said:

Hi to everyone who has helped me with my predicament … sloppy tremolo, and to say I have finally got it sorted, I have had the VML system fitted to the existing bridge block, and it is absolutely spot on, fitted back on my guitar today, and I am delighted with it, and you can adjust the tension to suite your playing need, thank you Gary for bringing VML to my attention, and to let Adrain be aware that the company is still in business, you say that you couldnt get a reply from them.... try again, the address is on googgle
cheers
colin

How`s it going Colin.

Thanks for letting me know about VML, I sent them a message via the email link on their website so, they should have received it. It`s great that you got yours done, I`m just as pleased with mine as you are that`s why I want to get the other one done. I`ll try again and see what happens this time.

Cheers

Adrian