|
|
Post by angelodp on Jul 26, 2009 10:11:03 GMT -5
I am doing some work on my 74 Strat and I see that the bridge is a 1 piece bridge. It has some issues, as the mounting holes have vertical collars ( 1/8" ) instead of the conical beveled relief to a knife edge..... see Dan Erlewine's book on this aspect. Question is, will a replacement two piece bridge that is vintage style from Callaham make a qualitative difference in sound. I suspect it will. In the meantime I am filing back those mounting holes and doing a reset and cleanup of the bridge to see if I can get better performance out of this bridge. The trem ( vibrato ) action is stiff and unresponsive. Love to hear from any players that have mad bridge changes for the better, tone, sustain, staying in tune etc.
best ange
|
|
|
|
Post by cynical1 on Jul 26, 2009 10:52:35 GMT -5
Everything I've heard and read about Callaham parts has been good. I've never used them, but based on the description of your current bridge I think you'll be more then pleased with the replacement.
Happy Trails
Cynical One
|
|
|
|
Post by sumgai on Jul 26, 2009 11:49:32 GMT -5
ange, You might wanna rethink that bridge filing business..... I have a friend who had his '71 Strat appraised last summer, for insurance purposes only. (It's simply not for sale - he's the original owner!) It came back with an estimate of $9,000!! This thing could maybe put one your grandkids through college!  Jes' an opinion...... But yeah, Callaham is the shizz-nitz! I've seen (and played) one of his Strat copies, and I've seen several of his necks and other parts on various other guitars. I don't think you'll have any problems. ;D sumgai |
|
|
|
Post by angelodp on Jul 26, 2009 12:09:27 GMT -5
Whoa!!! Did it, just put a conical taper on those holes, so that a knife edge is against the six screws. I set them according to Erlwine's recipe..... tighten without springs until the tip begin to occur and then back off. This is a fine adjustment and almost imperceptible, better done by feel. I am going with three springs with the treble spring straight back, the middle spring straight back and the bass spring slanted in to center. Its a whole new Strat, truly. The tone is just better, more sparkle more separation and it holds intonation. BTW I also gently filed back the slant portion of the underside of the bridge so it is dead flat. I also filed back the three metal plugs ( underneath and just upstream from the slant ) in this type bridge that are slightly proud to dead flat. This guitar will be passed along in the family, hopefully in-perpetuity. I am not planning on any early departures so its a hypothetical. Anyhoooo, it sounds great.
over & out.
later on the callaham
|
|
|
|
Post by ChrisK on Jul 26, 2009 21:22:12 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by angelodp on Aug 4, 2009 20:53:56 GMT -5
Ok guys I put in the callaham bridge and its really is a wonderful piece of gear. I can say that the tone has improved, sustain is increased and intonation and maintaining tuning are neaqr perfection. I also used the bridge plate form callaham. At first the slight loss of higher frequencies was a question mark, but as i have been playing with it installed and appreciating the dynamic changes to mids and bass, I am quite pleased with this mod as well. I have been able to bring some of the highs back on the amp end. All in all a dramatic step towards tonal bliss. I am keeping all the original parts, of course, and can reconstitute this 74 to original status no problem.
|
|
