Stratocaster trem block
 

Anybody know of a drop-in trem block, something that could be inserted and removed easily? Preferably made of alder? I could make one but where we live now I don’t have space for a proper wood shop.

Buy a pack of shims for $3 at the hardware store, and cut to shape

Why would it need to be alder?

I haven't ever seen such a thing. I've achieved much the same result as a block by using 5 springs at maximum tension, and cranking down the 6 pivot screws, so that the trem sits flush to the body.

Alternatively, you could just use these :)

https://mobileimages.lowes.com/produ...1996812654.jpg

It’s a musical instrument, not a kitchen floor. A block that connects to the strings via the trem block should be made of the same wood as the body: alder.

I think you might be over-reacting just a tad.

Don’t think so. To me, Strats aren’t “planks”. Wood matters.

I don't disagree. I do, however, seriously doubt that anyone could pick up any tonal differences that could be attributed to the type of wood a Strat trem block is made of.

I would. Imagine using closed cell foam, or balsa. Either would absorb string energy instead of transmitting it to the body.

Clapton uses blocks. Do you think they are made of cheap hardware store shims?

Clapton played a hardtail (Blackie), he did not like the sound of a trem guitar...

As to absorption of atring energy? By the trem pivot screws. By your reasoning a floating trem would bring no string energy to the body...

I neither know, nor do I care.

I do know, however, that using a :) in a post that is intended to be jocular apparently doesn't work for some folks.

Over and out.

Not necessarily. I've modded a gaggle of Strats and to be honest, you can't totally predict the results. I've found that unless you pin the trem with something metallic like quarters the sound itself doesn't change much. However I'd support the idea that the wooden shims would work well without disturbing anything.

Personally, for my own playing, I'm not fond of blocking the trem. I can achieve similar results with spring tension. Also, even on my decked trems I tend to back off the tension just enough so that the strings don't feel so stiff, yet don't make the other strings go out of tune much when bending. JMO

I think using 5 springs and adjusting the screws that the trem plate completely touches the top is a good idea, and one I've done in the past. Unless of course I'm in surf mode.

You don't even need to crank down the pivot screws - FYI this used to be called the "Van Halen Mod," since Eddie used it before Floyds came on the market; good news is that it allows you to do down-bends when/if you choose, you get the benefit of the bridge/tailpiece coupling with the top, and you don't lose that "acoustic reverb" that five-spring Strats used to be known for back in the day...

PSA: since Louie builds guitars (do a search on the Custom Shop subforum), IME he knows what he's talking about...

FWIW I've been in this game for 55 years, and one of the things I love about the AGF is that I learn something new every day...

Looks like today is your day... :cool:

I love my hardtail Strat .
Was the Brownie a hardtail ? You know , the guitar that supplied the neck for the Blind Faith Tele .

With five springs and the claw in tight, my strats have great energy transfer and don’t need blocking, and I put 11s or 12s on it. Those trem springs are mighty strong!