Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: 5F6-A on May 08, 2013, 06:05:36 AM

Title: Strat block mod
Post by: 5F6-A on May 08, 2013, 06:05:36 AM
I took sometime today to polish the plate and the top side of the steel block of my Strat and the plate (a la Eric Johnson) to a near mirror finish. It made a noticeable difference. Now the guitar sounds even more piano-like and playing complex chords sound fuller yet clearer. Anybody has cared to do anything similar?

I believe Callaham finish their blocks in a similar fashion.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/5F6-A/2e739358-47e4-419b-9b12-13d896a5ba3b_zpse251387a.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/5F6-A/media/2e739358-47e4-419b-9b12-13d896a5ba3b_zpse251387a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Strat block mod
Post by: JJretroTONEGOD on May 08, 2013, 11:17:08 AM
I just use autosol polish but have never noticed any difference in tone from doing it.
Title: Re: Strat block mod
Post by: tekbow on May 09, 2013, 11:11:59 AM
I think when he says mirror finish he means in the mechanical sense, i.e. he's sanded the contact surfaces between block and back of the bridge down using progressively finer grades of sandpaper/belts/ to a flawless smooth finish creating 2 extremely flat surfaces increasing the amount of surface area contact between the 2 components.

Should, in theory, increase the efficiency of energy transfer between the 2, meaning no dampening effects etc.
Title: Re: Strat block mod
Post by: 5F6-A on May 10, 2013, 06:20:25 PM
correct
Title: Re: Strat block mod
Post by: tekbow on May 11, 2013, 02:32:57 AM
So you're noting a definite difference? I've been thinking about a callaham block for a while
Title: Re: Strat block mod
Post by: xXNicFlairXx on May 11, 2013, 03:18:34 AM
I got a Callaham S-Bridge in my Strat. It's the only bridge i've had in this paticular guitar so i can't comment on any tonal improvements over the stock bridge but i've had lots of Strats in the past and this definitely has the best feel and action of any i've played.