Upgrade Suggestions for MIM Strat Bridge

[ExplorersRock]

Hey guys,

Need some opinions. I have a '95 Fender MIM Strat that I'm gonna get leveled and crowned due to some fret wear on the lower frets (my tech says I can avoid even a partial re-fret as there is plenty of material). While I'm at it, the saddles have started to get some grooves in them after 17 years of service, so I figured I'd at least upgrade the saddles. Thinking about Graphtech classics.

BUT... since those are gonna cost me $55-$65, I wondered, should I just upgrade the whole damn bridge? Any thoughts? I was kinda thinking there might be a way to fit on a 2 point fulcrum Fender American Bridge or maybe at least the American Vintage Trem which is better quality. Not sure what will fit or whether the cost/benefit ratio is worth it.

To reference, on this guitar I rest the trem on the body so I can do alternate tunings, so floating is not particularly important here. Just wouldn't mind upgrading if the cost isn't too much more than I was intending to spend.

[gibson175]

A two point system will not fit, but a gotoh will fit.
http://www.g-gotoh.com/international...oduct=510t-sf2

[ItsaBass]

I think it's the thing that most needs upgrading on MIM Standards. You'll have more options if you plug and redrill. I plan on using a Super Vee Bladerunner and locking Sperzels when I finally make the upgrade.

[Funkfingers]

If the MIM vibrato bridge has the skinny/tapered sustain block, ditch the lot.

Gotoh is good. Callaham is good. I like the Wilkinson WV six screw model. Anything true to Leo's original and made of suitable materials.

NOTE: Before purchasing, check whether you need the vintage/original saddle width spacing or the narrower spacing found on some non-USA guitars. Vintage saddle spacing can prove too wide for some fingerboard widths. The E strings sit too close to the edges of the fingerboard.

[AlexR]

You might have to look fairly specifically...don't the MIM's have a narrower string spacing???

Callaham makes a great bridge for any strat spacing....also the Super-Vee bladerunner is great. Failing these, Gotoh is a great bridge, not only for the money.

[the guy who invented fire]

Callaham or Super-Vee and a VERY well cust nut and you'll be in MUCH better shape than you are right now.

[JeffB]

A callaham block, just on its lonesome works wonders for tone.

My KWS strat came with the avri bridge and newer graphtec saddles :steel with just the little inserts. Much better than the original style graphtech as far as tone is concerned. But they do kill some presence. I thought I would change them immediately, but so far I am OK wirh them. We wil see over time.

[ExplorersRock]

NOTE: Before purchasing, check whether you need the vintage/original saddle width spacing or the narrower spacing found on some non-USA guitars. Vintage saddle spacing can prove too wide for some fingerboard widths. The E strings sit too close to the edges of the fingerboard.

Crap! I keep forgetting this! Yeah, the American Vintage Trem has 2 & 3/16" spacing and the MIM is 2 & 1/16"! Maybe I need to just get new saddles. and maybe drop in a new block. Those two would make a big difference.

[the guy who invented fire]

Crap! I keep forgetting this! Yeah, the American Vintage Trem has 2 & 3/16" spacing and the MIM is 2 & 1/16"! Maybe I need to just get new saddles. and maybe drop in a new block. Those two would a big difference.

Callaham offers a MIM Upgrade kit as well as a full drop in MIM spaced vintage style vibrato.

http://www.callahamguitars.com/upgrades.htm

[Funkfingers]

Callaham offers an MIM Upgrade kit as well as a full drop in MIM spaced vintage style vibrato.

http://www.callahamguitars.com/upgrades.htm

^
This!

Ordering just the Callaham saddles and sustain block did wonders for my 1995 Am Std Stratocaster.

Ordering the MIM replacement parts should do the same for your guitar.