Replacement Tremolo Block?

[rfield54]

Does anyone out there have experience with switching out their tremolo block for one made of steel or brass, and the tonal differences that have occurred? I'm toying with the switch to brass on my Cobra (HF2-M3-M1), which is equipped with the Fishman Power Bridge. I wouldn't mind more sustain, if that's possibly an outcome of switching.

Thanks, Roy

[tom]

the fishman block is steel. to me brass is darker sounding. if you are going to retain the piezo saddles you'll need to be very careful routing the wire onto a new block.

[rfield54]

Thanks for the input, Tom. I thought it might've been zinc. I guess steel is just fine. I would have guessed brass to be brighter... - Roy

[wolf]

I did EXACTLY that.
I fitted a brass block that I had specially made by Killerguitarcomponents.com

It is a fantastic addition... it added more bottom end and sweetend the mid and top for me.
I sent them my original steel block and they made an exact copy.

I'm sure Sandy would still have the details if you asked him.

[rfield54]

I looked at their website a few days ago. Do you have a Fishman Power Bridge? Is your guitar similar to mine (wood, pickups, etc)?

[wolf]

Mine has the Fishman bridge but not with the acoustic electronics.

I have a Drop Top, Alder/maple so it was very bright acoustically.

For my guitar the brass block really filled out the frequencies I think it lacked but as yours is a Cobra, I'm not sure what it would do.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x182/wolf5151/ANDERSON3.jpg

[wolf]

If you're simply after more sustain, one thing I'd also recommend is a set of these...
http://www.rawvintage.com/eng/item_springs.php

I have them in ALL my guitars.
A set of 5 has the feel of a regular set of 3 but totally improves tuning and sustain.
It's a really cheap and easy mod and well worth doing.

[rfield54]

I'm going to try the vintage springs. I installed a Tremsetter last year, which is mostly awesome by the way, so I'll try using 4 springs in place of the two I use now (the Tremsetter takes the place of one middle spring).

I think I'll wait for more replies as to the brass trem block. There would be a bit of surgery involved with regard to routing the piezo wires, which would eliminate the possibility of returning the block if it doesn't help the sound.

[wolf]

Based on that, I'd not bother with a new block at all.

I think it would have a detrimental effect on the acoustic element.

Def go with the springs though.. and maybe even remove the tremsetter because for me, tuning and stability are rock solid with the 5 springs.

[rfield54]

. . . and maybe even remove the tremsetter because for me, tuning and stability are rock solid with the 5 springs.
BUT, the fact that with the Tremsetter I can keep a floating bridge while being able to drop D (or break a string) without affecting the intonation is a big plus for me. Plus, I can bend one string without any of the others going flat...which causes a waste of energy to have to bend farther to reach the desired note. :eek:

[wolf]

Sounds like 4 springs and the tremsetter will solve your problems.

Let me know the results :D :D