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Stratocaster Guitar

December 29th, 2009 admin No comments

Stratocaster Guitar
What is the best bridge that i can put on my fender stratocaster guitar? AND, CAN I PUT A BIGSBY ON MY STRAT?

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I am replacing the bridge on my fender strat. Links to the best ones i can get would be great, thanks in advance!

CAN I PUT A BIGSBY ON MY STRAT?

Hello there! For the basic two types of pivot systems, my preference is the two-point, rather than the vintage 6-point arrangement. Since the two-point system has fewer fulcrum contact points, it tends to be smoother and more stable in operation. The Fender American Deluxe bridge (http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0036449000 ) is what I have used for the past 15 years on my 1993 American Standard, and it has performed flawlessly. On my 1994 ’57 American Reissue, I swapped out the stock Fender bridge with a Wilkinson 5+1 bridge (http://www.wdmusic.com/wilkinson_contemporary_5_1_hole_tremolo_chrome.html ), and have been very pleased with the greater stability. Maybe the bent steel saddles make a minute difference tone-wise, but I am not able to hear it! Wilkinson also manufactures two-point systems ( http://www.wdmusic.com/wilkinson_tremolos.html ), and the overall quality of their products is excellent. Of course you could always go with the Floyd Rose arrangement ( http://www.wdmusic.com/floyd_rose_tremolos.html ), but my personal experience with that arrangement was not too positive. Yes, it was very smooth and stable; however, when it came time to change strings, it was more trouble than it was worth to me! If you want to spend the money, (arguably) the most carefully constructed and precision-machined system on the market is the Callaham bridge ( http://www.callahamguitars.com/partsstr.htm ). Really impressive features, but not worth the extra money to me. Yes, you can install a Bigsby-style bridge on your Stratocaster. You will need a tailpiece (see http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Bigsby_vibrato_tailpieces/1/Bigsby_Vibrato_Tailpieces.html ) and a rocker bridge (see http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Bigsby_vibrato_tailpieces/5/Bigsby_Vibrato_Tailpieces.html , or better still, http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/product/5276 ). Remember, you cannot do deep tone dips with the Bigsby; the system produces a much more subtle vibrato effect. Further, if you ever decide to sell your Bigsby-equipped Stratocaster, you will have substantially devalued it; even if removed, the holes and depressions will be visible. Best of luck with your project! Best regards, Dana