Strats are nice, I love them.

[tremoloman***]

Tremoloman...can you please explain further in detail as to this modification and why you did it. With pics. Can you really tell any difference in sound? How did the guitars sound before you did the mod? What is your playing setup? What style of music do you crank out? Thanks. -Rob

t2tb,

Stock MIM standard models are nice, but once you've experienced one with a Callaham tremolo block, you'll never be happy with the stocker. I had a MIM that I was lukewarm with at best in stock trim. It didn't have the sustain and harmonic ability I was looking for. After a few people recommended the Callaham upgrade, I figured 'what the hell' and gave it a shot. I bought a Callaham bridge, which consists of the bridgeplate, saddles, screws, springs, tremolo block, and arm.

Once installed, it transformed my blah Powerhouse into a guitar that lives up to its name! Endless sustain, much better sound, and what suprised me the most is that the instrument FEELS much better. It adds some much needed weight to the guitar, giving it the solid feel the American series have. Install one once, and I'll bet you'll be sold on the change as much as I have! Even when you strum the guitar unplugged you will hear the difference!

As I stated previously, I won't own a Stratocaster anymore without a Callaham tremolo block installed. You don't need to upgrade the entire bridge as I did, but I like Bill's saddles because they are made of hardened steel and don't wear out easily like the stock ones do. All his parts are made of stainless steel, so they are much more durable and less prone to bending and breakage. His saddles are cut correctly so the string doesn't hang up on the saddle either.

Info on saddle differences:
http://www.callahamguitars.com/bridges.htm

Info on tremolo block differences:
http://www.specialtyguitars.com/treminfo.html

Please note: I don't work for him nor do I make any morey from this - I just cannot stress enough what a major impact this has on a Strat for such little money!

Here's some good reviews I found that speak for themselves:
http://www.allthingsguitar.com/2003R...stainblock.htm
http://www.harmony-central.com/Guita...o_Block-1.html

Comments:
http://www.telecaster.com/viewtopic....4c9b14cf60b347
http://www.guitarexperience.co.uk/ht...prod&prodID=56
http://www.wholenote.com/default.asp...asp%3Fi%3D9566
http://www.tdpri.com/reviewpost/show...rt=1&thecat=32

The blocks can be ordered for MIMs, MIAs, and MIJs. His bridges are only available in vintage specs. I had my Flip-Flop Strat recently converted to vintage specs to accept his bridge - it was well worth it!

I'll post some pics comparing the two very soon!