Squier Strat Tremolo Block Upgrade

[Strat-O-Dawg]

I have a couple of Squier Strats, a Classic Vibe 50's and a Deluxe Strat (with the 2 post tremolo). I want to upgrade the stock tremolo blocks on both to full size steel blocks. I don't want to upgrade the whole tremolo assembly, just the blocks. Has anyone actually done this and if you have, which block fits? Guitar Fetish has 3 versions, import, Mexican and American. I know that import seems to be the obvious answer but please read on.

The American one probably won't fit. Some have said the Mexican sized one will fit but as I mentioned previously, you'd think the import one would be the logical choice. I've also read that the GFS blocks are too wide and you have to enlarge the tremolo route in the guitar. I'd like to avoid this since the tremolo route goes through nearly the entire thickness of the body. Kind of a hassle. I found some blocks on ebay but those are supposed to fit import bodies only. Anyone got a bit of advice? Thanks!

 

[Hammer 4]

I've done it on my 2 and 6 point Squier's, for a 6 point trem, a mim block is a drop in, on the 2 point trem, I would suggest getting a Callaham block, solid machined steel, but you do have to buy their trem bars, no others will fit, they are super high quality, and cost more than a mim block does. I think GFS also has some blocks that will fit both.

 

[Strat-O-Dawg]

Wow, thanks Hammer 4! Great info. This will make things easier.

Let me just make sure I understand. For the 6 point tremolo on my Squier Vintage Vibe Strat, a made in Mexico style block will fit.

I'm not clear as to which Callaham block I will need for the 2 point tremolo on my Squier Deluxe Strat. Is it the one they make for Mexican Strats or one of the others? There are several to choose from.

 

[Guitarmageddon]

the MIM block will FIT, but your tremolo arm hole will end up being in the wrong place....

It's crucial to measure that correctly and get the appropriate block - I've never done the upgrade myself - I find the difference in tone is negligible....

 

[Strat-O-Dawg]

So here's another question: Is changing the tremolo block even worth the cost and effort? There are many who will agree with RyanHifi and say the difference is negligible. Here's a good comparison video. I could hear a difference immediately. It's not dramatic but the sound is fatter with a bit less high end. I listened with earbuds rather than speakers. What do y'all think? (Side note: It's misnamed. It should be called vibrato block, right?)

 

[Yovek]

So here's another question: Is changing the tremolo block even worth the cost and effort? There are many who will agree with RyanHifi and say the difference is negligible. Here's a good comparison video. I could hear a difference immediately. It's not dramatic but the sound is fatter with a bit less high end. I listened with earbuds rather than speakers. What do y'all think? (Side note: It's misnamed. It should be called vibrato block, right?)

I think you can get the same result by setting your EQ, it's cheaper. I swaped my block with a brass one from KGC and to be honest... yep the difference is negligible : worth the cost ? to me the answer is no. I tried, now I know.

 

[Vindibona1]

So here's another question: Is changing the tremolo block even worth the cost and effort? There are many who will agree with RyanHifi and say the difference is negligible

My experience say IT DEPENDS. What I've found is that while changing blocks or even pickups will most likely create a change, WILL IT BE A GOOD CHANGE? What are you trying to accomplish? Tone change? Sustain? You will most likely change the tonal nodes on the instrument for good OR bad. Or perhaps have no effect at all. A couple cases in point...

I have a Squier Fat Strat, completely stock with stock pickups and small trem block. Tone is great. Sustain is wonderful. I actually have a large zinc block (or is it brass, I forget) in my bin that I could try. But what would I gain? I dunno. In this case the risk is a few minutes of labor to see. But would I spend money on this guitar to try a different block? There is no point.

Second examples... I have two MIM's ('06 & '14) and have tried BRASS blocks in both. No perceptible change in tone or sustain and I returned to the original zinc blocks. Would a Callaham improve something? Maybe. But it depends on how much I want to invest in them.

Lastly, I did put a brass block in a Squier SE and it did see a massive improvement. HOWEVER, at the time GFS was selling these blocks for MIM's and the holes did not line up. It required a complete trem/bridge change and even then the GFS block trem hole did not line up perfectly with their own bridge. I've since ordered their "new" MIM brass block and it was made better.

To be honest I haven't tried steel in any of my guitars. I've often wondered what a Callaham block or even entire assembly might do. But my MIA seems fine the way it is and I'm not sure I want to spend that much on anything other than an American Standard that felt like it needed something extra.

YMMV

 

[Guitarmageddon]

So here's another question: Is changing the tremolo block even worth the cost and effort? There are many who will agree with RyanHifi and say the difference is negligible. Here's a good comparison video. I could hear a difference immediately. It's not dramatic but the sound is fatter with a bit less high end. I listened with earbuds rather than speakers. What do y'all think? (Side note: It's misnamed. It should be called vibrato block, right?)

That video has the guitar going through a highly processed signal chain. I might be able to tell more if it was clean with no reverb, chorus, or any kind of effects...

 

[Vindibona1]

One or two more things...

As I was was watching the video post I noticed a video talking about tonal changes with different trem springs. It reminded me that one of the biggest changes in my American Deluxe was when I changed the spring configuration. Just sayin'.

Also, as I listened to the video posted as well as other similar videos I noticed that the original blocks in the samples are the smaller cut down block, replaced with full size blocks. My impression was that while it thickened the sound it didn't change the tone as much as I would have expected.

My Fat Strat is due for a string change. Might be time for a trem block experiment.

 

[Hillster151]

I just replaced my 2015 CV 50's block with a brass GFS block. Mine used the Mexico block, perfect fit with no wood removal. Both Squier and MIM strats use Asian made bridges and can sometimes vary. The only sure way to tell which one to buy is to look at the photo at GFS website and make sure the trem arm hole is in the right spot in relation to the 3 mounting screw holes. If it is centered to the mounting holes, then the import is your block. If the arm hole is offset torward the butt end of the guitar body from the 3 mounting holes, then the Mexico version is the one. Take a wood ruler or pencil and lay it across the bridge aligning it with the three mounting screws under the saddles and you will be able to tell which block to order. Also I should note that you will need to order a new Trem arm that fits an American block. The GFS blocks use 10-32 thread pattern and will not fit the Asian 6mm arm threads. Another thing to note is your Delux strat may have a thinner body thickness so the back spring cover will have to be left off. The CV is a standard full thinckness body and will work fine.

 

[Strat-O-Dawg]

Both the Squier Deluxe & CV Strats have 1-3/4" bodies. I measured them with a digital caliper just to be sure. Good point though. On 1-1/2" bodies a full length block will supposedly stick out the back of the guitar & interfere with trem operation as Hillster151 mentioned. Thanks for the awesome post by the way. Thanks to everyone else here too.

I'm trying to get my guitars to sound as full, resonant and complex as possible without an ice pick top end while still retaining the classic Strat sound. An increase in note sustain is another goal. Essentially, I want the un-amplified sound to be as full & acoustic guitar like as possible. Then, amplify THAT sound. I've owned many Squiers and for the most part, the electronics sound surprisingly good so that's not an issue.

What the heck. Since we're here, I might as well open another can of proverbial worms. What about changing the saddles?

 

[Highwaystrat]

If the squier's mounting spacing is 2 2/16th a mexican strat tremolo arm as well as a 20060later highwayone tremolo arm will fit, as well as certain callaham tremolo arms. You just have to make sure the base plate will be comparable. I don;t like squier base plates for like 3 or 4 different reasons, you can get a mexican one that fits for $9 if compatible. It comes with the base plate and MIM zinc block.
The callaham, if compatible will fit, it just won't have the effect as having no play like a callaham block with the callaham arm. There is also a fender vintage style tremolo arm that guitar shops sell now that will fir, it is bent differently. I found one out a guitar shot in Washington, it is different from a MIM arm, and a highway one arm.

So you have a few choices. I have the parts number for the later arm I mentioned if you want it.

 

[Highwaystrat]

^ thats if you go with a MIM block or callaham block, that is compatible. The base plate might not be compatible. As for the 2 point trem, I don't mess with those....

 

[Jason99]

I've been through this with my Squier Deluxe. The mounting spacing is much wider on the 2 point posts than the MIA. The most cost effective solution I found was to get a block from GFS. I forget what they call it, I think GFS refers to them as import. All the holes do line up with the top plate perfectly including the trem arm hole. Be advised, the GFS blocks are threaded for the American 10/32 arm.

 

[buddhuu]

I put a full-sized steel block in my CV50. It made little if any difference to the sound but I'm happier having it in there. One less detail to nag at my mind.

 

[Yogi]

the MIM block will FIT, but your tremolo arm hole will end up being in the wrong place....

It's crucial to measure that correctly and get the appropriate block - I've never done the upgrade myself - I find the difference in tone is negligible....

actually on the CVs the mim block from GFS is the one you want. the import will not line up with the trem hole

 

[Strat-O-Dawg]

I agree with your sentiment buddhu! Sometimes we must modify our gear if only to ease our own minds.

 

[davidKOS]

It's crucial to measure that correctly and get the appropriate block - I've never done the upgrade myself - I find the difference in tone is negligible....

So do I. This whole "block replacement" thing is way overblown, sometimes I think it's just another way to sell aftermarket parts.

I have never felt the need to replace the block in any Strat-type guitar I ever owned.

 

[davidKOS]

I put a full-sized steel block in my CV50. It made little if any difference to the sound but I'm happier having it in there. One less detail to nag at my mind.

In all respect, if the mod "made little if any difference to the sound" then what good was it?

 

[Bodean]

I did the swap in a couple of Squiers to prove or disprove the theory that it makes a difference. The difference was not audible to my ears. I still like the bridge plates on Fenders versus Squiers because they are not flat on the edge where the screws are, giving you a truer tilt when using the vibrato.