Hello there,

I am not clear on what you are trying to do? A little more information would be useful. Such as:

Are you replacing the entire bridge unit or are you replacing only the bridge block? The block is steel on some Stratocasters and others have an alloy block.

Also, what are you hoping to accomplish by doing this swap?

Later

Norm

There are several models of Strats MIM. Most of them will not accept a bridge (or block) from an American Strat. The saddles are bent steel and are fine. American Strat saddles will not fit on almost all MIM Strats. There are graphite saddles made to fit (string spacing) MIM Strats. I don't like those. Most folks swap from an alloy block to a steel block to improve sustain. Any tremolo bridge is a sustain killer. You really won't gain that much. Before you swap the block check to see if it is steel. Magnet. If it is, you won't improve it with any Fender bridge block.

Callaham makes a good bridge (and block swap). Some swear by it. Others feel it is a waste. See this discussion thread.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads...

You need to make sure the bridge fits - that the string spacing is the same and that the screw holes match those already drilled into the body of the guitar. I know that there is some variation between different models of Strat.

I don't see any advantage in doing as you suggest - I dont think you'll see any difference - but if you go for a cheep option the quality will probably be worse than you have already.

Don't bother with it.. The vintage trem on an MIM is just like what we had in the 70's

The key is to get the bridge to "float" 1/8" above the body in standard tuning. Then you may need to add a spring or two, to get the bridge to return to "zero" after using the whammy.

Vintage type strat trems can't be improved. Only properly set up and balanced.

EDIT : re: the Nasty Troll...I never intimated that vintage Strat trems sucked. I like my Vintage trem very much, and wouldn't trade it for anything. I've been playing vintage trems for 40 years. You just need to set them up correctly and get a proper balance of spring VS string tension. The only thing wiht strat trems is that you may find that the G string gows a little flat if you really abuse the mother. Otherwise...pish-posh, no biggie.

But the only thing I've heard that improves the trem block is to switch it out with a Brass trem block. Some say it adds a little sustain...

I must be missing something. I've never seen/owned a Strat with anything but a steel/metal bridge. Quality of the chrome plating did vary, though. I upgraded my current/last Strat (MIK) with Graphtech bridge saddles, a fine product, which was metric-sized for such imported guitars.

With consideration that the guitar is worth half what it cost new, I personally would never spend even that much for a complete replacement bridge for that guitar. The "good stuff", like a Stetsbar, would cost more.

The only thing I would recommend is upgrading the saddles with graphite saddles. The rest isn't going to change much or do anything for you, unless your current bridge is broken or not functioning correctly. I also recommend installing a bone nut if you want to upgrade your guitars hardware. From there, installing better pickups and electronics is another option for better tone.

Given the horrendous price of even a Mexican-made Fender, I'm astonished that the bridge is so crappy you need to replace it.

Another reason not to buy guitars from this over-priced manufacturer.

I think what Russell is trying to say is they were crap back in his day too, And to be honest I'd have to agree with him and Tony, I doubt you'd notice much of a difference if any