Mag-Lok and raw vintage springs

[Boogie92801]

Has any body here put both of these on your Strat? Does the mag-lok defeat the springs tonal effect?

I tried a mag-lok equipped strat and was impressed by the benefits, double stop stability and subtle shimmery trem contrary to what some have said here. Once engaged the center fulcrum felt very free to me and only when I let go did the magnets engage and then very softly. It was not discernible in the amp or acoustically. Well set up strat btw.

So I'm getting a Mag-lok for my strat but while I'm "in there" I'm thinking of going all the way with a Callahan block and some RV springs. Any experience with both of these here? I searched mag-lok but it has no returns in the forum.

 

[mslugano]

I had a Suhr S Classic with Callaham bridge, RV springs and, first, Mag-Lok and then Tremol-no. It was my number 1 for years.

First, the Mag-Lok is OK but it doesn't allow you to lock it in place. You may ask why that matters...well, being able to lock it not only makes for great double stops (and I do a lot of country) but it also allows you to do tune to drop D in about 2 seconds. I also like being able to lock my bridge in place when I change strings or remove them altogether to work on the guitar. Makes string changes and then retuning easier.

Second, I am a big fan of RV springs. I think there might be an improvement in tone as a result of the material and maybe because you can add one or two extra springs without significantly more pull. IME, though, they also helped the guitar stay in tune better by finding the zero point better.

Finally, you can't go wrong with a Callaham bridge. I was able to put a narrow spaced bridge on the Suhr and I liked the closer spacing. They are very rugged and they sound great.

If I were you, FWIW, I'd go with Tremol-no, RV springs and Callaham in a heartbeat.

 

[Boogie92801]

Interesting. The tremolo no looked great for function but I don't want to reach behind and change. I have lots of guitars for other stuff I was more interested in improving my Strats trem function. When I was doing double stop bends on the strat I tried, the mag lok worked well with little or no pitch drop. I will definitely include the springs then. I think I'm going to add the springs and a mag-lok first then add the Callahan block if I get tired of the strat arm wiggle. I heat shrank the arm and it's better... For now.

 

[zul]

I use the mag-lock with Bladerunner and RV springs. Works great for me.

Previously I have always decked my strat bridges since I like the response and tone and do not like the sag that floaters exhibit especially on the low E.

I presently float the bridge for a major third pull on the G (plus a hair for vibrato) and appreciate the fact that I can maintain the same punch and immediacy with a floater. I have used this setup for close to a year now and have learned to set it quite precisely where the return to zero, with or without mag-lock engaged, is identical and consistent. No slop and hair trigger response. No flutter either, which I prefer.

It is extremely liberating to be able to be as aggressive in ones playing and bar use as needed and not have to worry about tuning stability. It engages when the bar is used and engages when it’s not. Couldn’t be simpler. Set it, then forget it. Moreover, Drop D, albeit achieved serendipitously, works without a hitch too.

Hope this helps since I know not many here subscribed.

 

[mslugano]

Interesting. The tremolo no looked great for function but I don't want to reach behind and change. I have lots of guitars for other stuff I was more interested in improving my Strats trem function. When I was doing double stop bends on the strat I tried, the mag lok worked well with little or no pitch drop. I will definitely include the springs then. I think I'm going to add the springs and a mag-lok first then add the Callahan block if I get tired of the strat arm wiggle. I heat shrank the arm and it's better... For now.

Tremol-no takes no more than two seconds to lock-unlock.

No need for heat shrink...teflon tape and you're done. Change it every few weeks.

 

[Boogie92801]

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

 

[Boogie92801]

I installed the Callahan block, term arm and the RV springs (4), then I meticulously set it up and so far I am very impressed with the improved function. I think the tone is a little better but I attribute that to my set up as much as the materials. It absolutly works much better.

Now I think Ill get a mag-lok. Other than double stops the function is perfect, nice shimmer and realy good tuning stability with a little float; not quite a half step on the g.

Thanks for all of the input.