Callaham Trem?

[clivea]

Hi everyone,
Could someone please tell me about the Callaham trem/bridge system and what advantages it gives. I understand that it mainly gives a longer sustain?
Can this be purchased in the Uk as I believe it's manufactured in the States.
Rgds - Clive

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Clive,
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I thought you had already fitted one of Celtrocka's steel tremolo blocks. If so, I don't see a possible benefit by going for a Callaham system.
Regards,
Charlie

[clivea]

Hi Charlie - what a memory you've got mate!!! You're absolutely correct! - are you saying then that considering I've already fitted Celtrocka's block then the Callaham would not give any additional benefit/s for say, a longer and clearer sustain? It's just that I've read that the Callaham system gives added sound/sustain benefits - I'm learning all the time!

Rgds - Clive

[alanbakewell]

Hi Clive, some years ago I fitted a Callaham block to my CS NOS 56 Strat. I bought the block from Speciality guitars in the USA. The difference in the tone was noticable. ( Please remember that my CS Strat already had a steel block fitted. )
I also fitted a Callaham stainless steel tremolo arm. Without a shadow of a doubt the best thing I could have done. Wobbly tremolo arm stopped in it's tracks. And, still as firm after approx five years.

I recently fitted one of Kevin's ( Celrocka's ) blocks to my 50th anniversary Strat. The block on said Strat is not a steel block. I think they call it sintered.
The improvement in the tone is splendid. The sustain is certainly improved and, like the Callaham block + Stainless steel tremolo arm, no more wobbles.

Kevin made the block, ( I'm left handed ), from photographs I sent him as he'd not made a left handed version before. The result, as I've stated is first class.

In my opinion the only difference in Kevin's block and the Callaham block is the bottom line.

If you need any more info please feel free to ask.

Cheers, Alan.

[clivea]

Hi Allan, thanks for that mate. After receiving your reply, I've now sent an email to Kev to ask him for the correct spec for a Std American and on receipt I shall order one. I did have one of his steel blocks on my old Mex and yes, it certainly made a difference to the sustain. The reason for my thread was that I had heard so many praises for the Callaham which me wonder how special it was?

Rgds - Clive

[normg]

Hi clive, If you go to www.strat-talk.com and register as a member there is a step by step guide with photos showing the installation of a callham termolo arm and block. Mine arrived by post from the USA a few days ago - the service and prompt response to emails is second to none and would recommend them. The cost of the postage from USA to NZ is a killer due to the weight of the block but hopefully when i receive my guitar back from being set up (today i hope) it will be well worth it.
cheers norm

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Clive,
I've not used either of them so I am not sure, but I think the block is the most important component of the whole tremolo system for sustain.
Regards,
Charlie

[clivea]

Hi Norm, please let let me know what you think when you get your guitar back. Did you have a heavy steel block on it before?

Hi Charlie, excuse my ignorance mate, but I'm finding it difficult to understand how a block can affect the quality of sustain when the strings are really tought over the saddles, obviously the vibration of the strings carries all the way over the saddles and through to the block?

Rgds - Clive

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Clive,
The mass of the block helps the sustain. That's really the only way I can understand it and therefore explain it, but imagine that you have a guitar string that is tightened between two plastic knitting needles (if that were possible). I don't think there would be much sustain.
Regards,
Charlie

[clivea]

Hi Charlie, well explained - now I fully understand! - Will order a block from 'Celtrocka'.

Rgds - Clive

[normg]

Hi clive, well i got mine back today and what a difference its made. The difference in tone & sustain is quite remarkable. It actually sounds quite "acoustically" when unplugged from the amp. I also have the vintage type saddles from Callaham as well. The reasoning behind better tone etc is the block is made of better quality steel and is machined rather than cast. The saddles are stamped steel rather than cast. I got the shorter tremolo arm which is 3/4 inch smaller than the standard arm. Would recommend this product.
PS the vintage style saddles look better too.
cheers norm

[clivea]

Thanks Norm - I hope you enjoy! I think some members have shortened their trem arms by an inch or so and 'cos I find mine a bit awkward because of length, I may get the saw out!
Incidentally, Bill Callaham has advised me that Charlie Chandler in London stock his trem kit etc.
The wife and I are just leaving to go to Scarborough for the Shadows Gala held by the East Yorks Shads Club - looking forward to it!

Cheers - Clive

[Alcopop]

Hi all, hope you dont mind me coming in on the conversation here, instead of loosing an inch
by saw, one bend in the tremolo arm will make it an easy mute,

Regards,
Fred

[TonyL]

Have to agree with Fred, I've put a 90 deg bend in mine and it solved 2 problems at the same time.

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[clivea]

Clever!!! what a great idea - I'll certainly have a look at that guys.

Rgds - Clive

[Deleted]

Hi All

Interesting discussions about tremolo systems.

I have a locking sprung loaded arm Eggle system on mine. The locking cam is disconnected as the system is better without it.

I have great sustain and the trem system is superb. You can literally hit it let go and the system will return to precisely zero by itself. It floats beautifully so is great for shads music and other types of music too. Nothing wrong with vintage type systems but having had this Eggle system for 12 years now on my Jap Strat I would not go back to a standard system.

Here is a pic.

All the best chaps
George.

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