Which bridge for my strat?

[Lajacoß]

Hey,
I am making my perfect strat and I need opinions about what bridge I should get. I just wrote this about all my choices and stuff, but tgp logged me off and I am in a hurry, so I will make this quick.
I am new to modding guitars and guitar parts like that. I like trem arms and ash tray covers. I am no a big fan of hardtails. I don't really like wilkinsons, I'm more of a fender guy. My choices would be between a american standard series bridge and fender vintage style bridge. I will get links later. I would really appreciate your guy's opinion about a good bridge.

Thanks,
Jacob

 

[jay42]

If you look at what boutique builders use, you'll often find a number of Gotoh pieces. Be aware that the E - e distance is not always the same. There are 2 1/16", 2 1/8", 2 3/16"...probably some in between for the metric-inclined.

 

[Rumble]

Have you seen what GFS has to offer? http://store.guitarfetish.com/tremelos.html

 

[rockstarjay]

If you use the bar a lot get the american standard bridge. I prefer the ones with the block saddles for heavy trem use.

If not I would say get the american vinatage bridge which you can get for about $65 online. The difference between the AV bridge steel block and the high end callham is the anti rust paint Fender applies, You can toss the block in some paint stripper if you desire a slightly brighter sound.

 

[VaughnC]

Callaham.

 

[Lajacoß]

Thanks guys. I forgot about GFS. I have a classic 60's body, if that helps and I do use the whammy bar A LOT!

 

[Atomic Punk]

Floyd Rose. It's the only way to whammy. Contrary to what a lot of guys say, they're not that bad to deal with and they don't "suck tone".

 

[Lajacoß]

Floyd Rose. It's the only way to whammy. Contrary to what a lot of guys say, they're not that bad to deal with and they don't "suck tone".

Thanks, but floyd roses have never really been my thing. Plus I really dislike how they look, especially on strats.

 

[rockstarjay]

Floyd Rose. It's the only way to whammy. Contrary to what a lot of guys say, they're not that bad to deal with and they don't "suck tone".

Actually IMO they are high quality, good sounding steel bridges. I don't like the feel of bends with the nut locked though. YMMV

Callaham.

Can't argue with high quality made in U.S.A. craftsmanship. Its a bit better but twice as much as the fender vintage bridge so it depends on how much cash you plan on dropping into it.

If you want to go all Jimi on the trem, I still think the AmSe bridge is the best one, especially with a tremsetter.

 

[rockstarjay]

Thanks guys. I forgot about GFS. I have a classic 60's body, if that helps and I do use the whammy bar A LOT!

Is your perfect strat made of cheap import parts? Or made with pride in the nation that invented the Strat and rock and roll?

GFS stuff is great for Squiers and low end beater guitars. It is what it is.

Buy American.

 

[Lajacoß]

Thanks for the input rockstarjay, I think I'll get an american bridge. And bump for any more opinions.

 

[mlynn02]

i vote for callaham also. or the high end gotoh stuff.

 

[Lajacoß]

bump.

 

[Eagle1]

Gotoh 510TS

 

[Steeltoe]

I replaced the stock bridge in my jeff beck strat with
a callaham six saddle. Comparing the two side by side,
the callaham is more precision-made, a bit deeper,and is heavier too.
I got the 3/4 length trem arm, which is much better/tighter than any fender. If you like "the finer things", it's worth it.

 

[Lajacoß]

Thanks guys. I was thinking of something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-American-Series-Fender-Strat-TREMOLO-Bridge-USA_W0QQitemZ360129209797QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item360129209797&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
Would it fit in a classic 60's body? Is that a good price?
Again, thank you guys for all the help.

 

[mlynn02]

Thanks guys. I was thinking of something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-American-Series-Fender-Strat-TREMOLO-Bridge-USA_W0QQitemZ360129209797QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item360129209797&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
Would it fit in a classic 60's body? Is that a good price?
Again, thank you guys for all the help.

that's the one i just replaced with a callaham. the difference was night/day. seriously worth the extra 25 bucks or so, in my opinion.

that said, i could give you a good deal on my leftover trem parts. american standard. i had to reuse the trem plate though. but i have the block, trem arm and saddles. let me know if you're interested!