Clapton blocked trem

[scottish]

does any1 have, can take, or know where i can find a picture of how the EC strat has its trem blocked? I know ive seen a picture of it before but i cant dig it up anywhere.

Im in the process of converting a MIM to an EC so i want to do it the same way.

Cheers

[jmh151]

I have a Clapton Strat- which I bought used. I've taken it apart, and the only "block" is having all five springs on it, very tight so the trem doesn't move. If I put a trem arm in and push down enough, the trem does move, but so much force is required that it bends the arm.

I've read that the "block" is a wooden block or wedge put in the trem cavity. All I can tell you is mine doesn't have it- and I haven't seen other clapton strats to compare.

The key to the Clapton strat is the mid boost- which requires routing under the pickguard and some difficult wiring

[Lewguitar]

It's just a piece of wood a little thicker than 1/2". All you need is a piece of wood about
1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1/2" to 5/8" thick. If you have to pound it in with a lot of force it's to thick and you need to sand it thinner - if it falls out and doesn't fit snugly it's to thin.

A piece tapered from 5/8" thick or a little less on one end and tapered to 1/2" on the other end should be a good starting point.

Lew

[scottish]

It's just a piece of wood a little thicker than 1/2". All you need is a piece of wood about
1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1/2" to 5/8" thick. If you have to pound it in with a lot of force it's to thick and you need to sand it thinner - if it falls out and doesn't fit snugly it's to thin.

A piece tapered from 5/8" thick or a little less on one end and tapered to 1/2" on the other end should be a good starting point.

Lew

Thanks lew. Ill start with that. I already have an old clapton pickguard that has the lace sensor set up in it. I think im gonna use the wood to block the trem and remove all but one spring then use the trem cavity space for the circuit board and battery.

[Lewguitar]

Thanks lew. Ill start with that. I already have an old clapton pickguard that has the lace sensor set up in it. I think im gonna use the wood to block the trem and remove all but one spring then use the trem cavity space for the circuit board and battery.

You could do that if the block is tight enough. Hopefully one spring will be enough to keep the trem claw from rattling. Lew

[scottish]

You could do that if the block is tight enough. Hopefully one spring will be enough to keep the trem claw from rattling. Lew

well ill give that a shot before i start routing out space under the guard.

[jimijames]

Well, if you're blocking it anyway, can't you just take out the trem claw altogether, or do you need it for grounding purposes?

I mean, nobody says you can't just solder the wire that's on the trem claw to the exposed part of the bridge plate before you put the wood block in. I'm not a wiring expert but it should work the same.

[Ayrton]

Keep in mind the springs add to the "strat sound", which is why Clapton blocked his strat rather than go hardtail. You may or may not hear a difference or care, but worth noting.

[scottish]

Well, if you're blocking it anyway, can't you just take out the trem claw altogether, or do you need it for grounding purposes?

I mean, nobody says you can just solder the wire that's on the trem claw to the exposed part of the bridge plate before you put the wood block in. I'm not a wiring expert but it should work the same.

Honestly i was going to keep it in there mostly so that i didnt lose it, lol. Just in case i wanted to return it to stock. I'll also be using it for grounding.

[Bludave]

does any1 have, can take, or know where i can find a picture of how the EC strat has its trem blocked? I know ive seen a picture of it before but i cant dig it up anywhere.

Im in the process of converting a MIM to an EC so i want to do it the same way.

Cheers

I have 2 Clapton Strats. Even though I have unblocked both of them, all it is is a block about 2" square & about 5/16" thick that sits behind the bridge & rests against the back of the Trem cavity.

The size of the block I am not completely certain of. If you need the exact mesurements I will measure the block tonight when I get home.

[scottish]

I have 2 Clapton Strats. Even though I have unblocked both of them, all it is is a block about 2" square & about 5/16" thick that sits behind the bridge & rests against the back of the Trem cavity.

The size of the block I am not completely certain of. If you need the exact mesurements I will measure the block tonight when I get home.

So bludave old buddy, hehehe, wanna send me one of those wooden blocks??

hehe, dont worry about it if you dont, i would presume you might want to keep them incase you sell them.

Anyways, if you cant send me one then measurements would be awesome.

[scottish]

bump for dave

[Lewguitar]

Keep in mind the springs add to the "strat sound", which is why Clapton blocked his strat rather than go hardtail. You may or may not hear a difference or care, but worth noting.

Exactly. I leave the springs in my Strats even though I block the Trems to make them play more like a Tele when I bend notes. Lew

[Bludave]

So bludave old buddy, hehehe, wanna send me one of those wooden blocks??

hehe, dont worry about it if you dont, i would presume you might want to keep them incase you sell them.

Anyways, if you cant send me one then measurements would be awesome.

I will measure them up for you tonight. Sorry I didn't see this until now!