QUESTION

I am confused about a few questions concerning the Fender Stratocaster tremolo block from the 1960′s. First of all did the sting hole depth in the back of the  block change over the years , and is it normal for the top bridge plate to have rough cast edges . I know there is a bunch of posts on this subject but i figured you would know with all your hands on experience.

REPLY

Thank you for your kind words. I Will give you info from what i have found over the years. The back of the block were the ball end of the string goes in had two depths. In the 1950″s to mid 1960″s the holes dilled in the block were more shallow. for instance when you look at the back of the block you can see the depth of the  hole about 1/2 of an inch  or a tad more i do not have one to measure the exact depth but it is visible lets say . By the later part of the od the 1960 ‘s say around 1967 the hole in the block to accommodate the strings ball end was much deeper lets say and inch or a bit more . This was to accommodate for new string designs i was told by an old timer.  Both are correct and both are real but that is the approximate time line i believe for the change . Again for the 1967 era remember Leo Fender never threw anything away so it is possible lets say in 1968 or earl y 1969 to still see a shallow hole block sometimes old stock was found and used .this is just a reference year but I have seen deep blocks from around 1967.

The bridge plate that screws onto the top of the block does has rough cast edges. Why I have no idea and fender certainly had the technology to clean them up but all era fenders have this rough cast edge on the blocks and that is a fact. I wouldassume it was just another cost cutting and time saving method since it does not look bad and most do not even notice,  I hope this helps you can always send us  the block to evaluated for you for free or if you a re not sure or send us pictures we will be glad to help.

A quick note to a company retrospec makes a vintage Fender Tremolo block that is virtually impossible to tell they even age them so be careful. These are the best I have ever seen and I am sure many crooks will try and pass these as real so buy from someone who will guarantee authenticity . If you have any further questions fee free to e mail me at THE PARTS DRAWER and I Will answer all e mails within 48 hours

Jim Pasch

2010 has arrived and I am sure you like the rest of us is glad that 2009 is over. What a ride and a terrible one at that. Just when you thought it could not get worse it did and finally we can say goodbye to the mess that was 2009. There are some glimpses of hope I see for 2010 so lets keep our fingers crossed.

In the vintage guitar and vintage guitar parts world much was the same as the rest of the world gloom and doom with brief glimpses of hope. The vintage guitar market took the real hit and the good news was vintage guitar parts although down significantly still sold on a regular basis and pulled us through. It showed me that even in bad times one needs relief and if you cant buy a vintage guitar restore the one you had seems to be the message i got.Basically with limited funds people put their guitar back to stock rather than buying other more original ones. This solved their vintage guitar jones at a fraction of the price. The result is that parts sold people were happy and now their guitars are worth more a win win situation.

From a business stand point I would be lying to say we rocked and had a great year. The truth is we got by and thank God parts are selling but business was off. around November we got signs of a stronger recovery and it appears to be continuing and as of today sales are still good and we are also still able to buy great parts. I hope this year will be better for everyone.

The other good news for both is prices have come down on parts . This is great news  for the consumer and us as a buyer. We can sell for less because we are buying parts for less. Unlike the frenzy two years ago now seems to be a good time for everyone to buy vintage parts because the prices have settledand there is a good supply around. The fact that great parts are flowing out onto the market again is because people need money and they realized all those parts sitting in drawers are found money. I know from experience that people have been sending us literally photos of piles of parts they have and this has not happened in ages . People were holding on to them like stocks in the frenzy seeing crazy prices but realize now that now is as goodas anytime to sell. So I expect a great year for parts because of this fact.

Thanks again for all you support and help any questions please send me an e mail at THE PARTS DRAWER and i will answer all e mails within 48 hours

JIm Pasch

Happy Holidays From The Parts Drawer. We would like to thanks all our customers for another great year and for all there business and support. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday and that next years will be a good one for everyone.

We are now offering for a limited time until December 31 2009 a 10% discount on all parts orders over $1000.00 and a 15% discount on all parts orders over $1600 . Simply mention this post or cut an paste it in your email to us and we will  deduct it from your purchace.