Strat Bridge Width Issues

[eBay]

I'm using a Callaham in my parts-caster and the spread is just a little too wide. It still works but I'd like it about 1/2 way between the Mexican bridge width and the standard. What are my options?

[RvChevron]

I'm using a Callaham in my parts-caster and the spread is just a little too wide. It still works but I'd like it about 1/2 way between the Mexican bridge width and the standard. What are my options?

There are pretty much 4 different widths (E to e).

The widest 2-7/32" is the standard vintage bridge, like the Callaham vintage trem. This bridge would work fine unless the fret ends on the fretboard are beveled to a steep angle.

Then the 2-3/32" which isn't that popular, found in some mexican strats.

Then the 2-1/8", most two posts trems including the American STD.

Then the narrowest or the Gibson width, 2-1/16", some Gotohs and imports.

The Hipshot trem is between 2-1/8" and 2-1/16"

My fav is the 2-1/8" width which is widely available, Wilkinsons, Gotohs and Fender USA stds. Some 6 screws and some 2 studs.

[eBay]

The 2-1/8" would be good. Does anyone have it in the 6 point 2-7/32" mounting? All I found when I searched was 2 point mounts.

[59Vampire]

thanks for this info im gonna need it

[RvChevron]

The 2-1/8" would be good. Does anyone have it in the 6 point 2-7/32" mounting? All I found when I searched was 2 point mounts.

Gotoh/Wilkinsons:

VSVG:

http://www.quest-md.com/english/images/page_37_Wilkinson2_14.gif




VSV400P:
http://www.quest-md.com/english/images/page_37_Wilkinson2_02.gif


VSV400:

http://www.quest-md.com/english/images/page_37_Wilkinson2_05.gif




The above Wilkinsons are direct drop ins and can be found at Stew-Mac, ebay and other stores. Mostly have the VSVG in stock.




Gotoh 510TS-SF2:



http://www.quest-md.com/english/images/page_24_Tremolounit2_17.gif


The 510 will need a slight mod/enlargment to the stock rounting (the top) to accomodate the bigger arm bushing.

All have 2-1/8" string spread and my personal fav is the 510TS (as used by Suhr) but it's hard to come by.


Also check for the Callaham american std conversion, I forgot if it's 2-1/16" or 2-1/8".

[mattmccloskey]

I have two of the callaham VN model. It is the exact same 6 screw vintage mount but with a 2 1/16 string spread. I love it!

[walterw]

I have two of the callaham VN model. It is the exact same 6 screw vintage mount but with a 2 1/16 string spread. I love it!
i was going to suggest the cheap-ass fender highway 1 bridge, which uses vintage pivot-screw spacing but narrower string spacing, but this would be vastly better.

[eBay]

I ended up going with the Wilkinson/Gotoh VSVG Vintage Tremolo (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar_tremolos/1/Wilkinson_Gotoh_VSVG_Vintage_Tremolo/Details.html#details) from StewMac because it followed the look of a standard bridge pretty close, has the right spacing and comes in nickel plate (crucial for my fiddle because I've got tuners that match as well as all the hardware being stainless).

I also like their floating knife edge six point idea and I think that the screws might be slotted?

The 2-1/8" spread is right. 2-1/16" is too narrow and I'd have the reverse problem. BTW, I don't know what's happened but I'm suddenly very sensitive to the splay and alignment on the guitar now. I didn't used to see it but it's painfully obvious to me just by looking... even at a picture. Weird how you get these growth insights suddenly?

Thanks everyone for your help.

Here's my build blog (http://www.canhelpyou.com/guitarquest/personal/ProjectGuitarLog.html) if anyone is interested. There's lots of specs in there about screws and stuff too so it has some useful measurements and details.

[RvChevron]

I also like their floating knife edge six point idea and I think that the screws might be slotted?



No the screws are not slotted but the knife edges/fulcrums on the plate are much sharper then stock to better prevent binding.

[eBay]

I talked to Stew-Mac hoping that they might have a screw that was slotted but they don't.

I like dealing with those guys. First off, the person on the phone was really polite and knowledgeable and they are shipping my order out this morning. That's a 12 hour turn around (I ordered on line last night).

[K-man]

I have two of the callaham VN model. It is the exact same 6 screw vintage mount but with a 2 1/16 string spread. I love it!

I have the VN model as well and it is great.

[eBay]

The 2-1/16 didn't work for me because I have the extra wide nut with a 12" radius. I need a little more spread.

[RvChevron]

I talked to Stew-Mac hoping that they might have a screw that was slotted but they don't.

I like dealing with those guys. First off, the person on the phone was really polite and knowledgeable and they are shipping my order out this morning. That's a 12 hour turn around (I ordered on line last night).

Off my head, only Driskill, Thorn and PRS have six screws trem with slotted post screws.

I totally forgot about Mann trem btw, he used to offer six screws (slotted) trem with 2-1/8" spread. Don't know if he still makes them, most models are 2-1/16".