Need help with GFS trem block please!

[rompo420]

OK so I need help here....just to get this straight, I started out a PJ guitar a while back that was an Indonesian Kramer strat copy. I am almost CERTAIN that it came from the same place as many of the Indonesian bullets.

During the course of a light relicing to the metal parts of the guitar, a friend of mine volunteered his bridge (which I am assuming is a MIM.) It bolted right up but it actually left just a small part of the trem route exposed (which I don't mind.) That is one reason why i think it is MIM, because the trem bar is mounted a bit further back, and GFS indicates that a MIM would be that way.

Now to get to the point....I am looking pretty seriously at upgrading my trem block to a GFS one.

Both their "import" and "MIM" Have a 10.5 mm spacing, the only difference I am seeing is the actual size of the trem bar its self.

The MIM block will house a 10/32 trem arm while the import houses a 6MM. Once again, the 6mm that came with mine is too big- which is the second reason i am leaning toward MIM.

If I wanted to get one, and i know I will never use my trem arm (i just don't use it.) would it matter which one i bought??? My logic is 10.5=10.5 no matter what, and if the only difference is the trem arm size/ location, why not??

Of course I WOULD like it to be the right one but......alas, I am rambling.

Also, is there a real difference between the performance of BRASS vs. SOLID STEEL???

[softwarejanitor]

Originally Posted by rompo420

OK so I need help here....just to get this straight, I started out a PJ guitar a while back that was an Indonesian Kramer strat copy. I am almost CERTAIN that it came from the same place as many of the Indonesian bullets.

During the course of a light relicing to the metal parts of the guitar, a friend of mine volunteered his bridge (which I am assuming is a MIM.) It bolted right up but it actually left just a small part of the trem route exposed (which I don't mind.) That is one reason why i think it is MIM, because the trem bar is mounted a bit further back, and GFS indicates that a MIM would be that way.

Now to get to the point....I am looking pretty seriously at upgrading my trem block to a GFS one.

Both their "import" and "MIM" Have a 10.5 mm spacing, the only difference I am seeing is the actual size of the trem bar its self.

The MIM block will house a 10/32 trem arm while the import houses a 6MM. Once again, the 6mm that came with mine is too big- which is the second reason i am leaning toward MIM.

If I wanted to get one, and i know I will never use my trem arm (i just don't use it.) would it matter which one i bought??? My logic is 10.5=10.5 no matter what, and if the only difference is the trem arm size/ location, why not??

Of course I WOULD like it to be the right one but......alas, I am rambling.

Also, is there a real difference between the performance of BRASS vs. SOLID STEEL???

I'd go with the MIM size if you have that option.

Conventional wisdom says that brass will generally give you a deeper sound, steel a brighter sound.

[rompo420]

Originally Posted by softwarejanitor

Conventional wisdom says that brass will generally give you a deeper sound, steel a brighter sound.

So perhaps for bluesy stuff BRASS????

[GukkanGwnarkill]

Which is better for hard rock? Brass or Steel?

[69chargerse]

I have a steel block in my SX Hawk with P90's, it made a huge difference in sustain. I think it's brighter than it was with the zinc block. But my hearing isn't the best anyway LOL

[softwarejanitor]

Originally Posted by GukkanGwnarkill

Which is better for hard rock? Brass or Steel?

If I was trying to use single coils for hard rock, I might go with brass, if I was running a humbucker, at least in the bridge position, I'd probably go steel.

[softwarejanitor]

Originally Posted by rompo420

So perhaps for bluesy stuff BRASS????

Probably would be a good choice. And if you want country, I'd go with steel for sure.

[softwarejanitor]

Originally Posted by 69chargerse

I have a steel block in my SX Hawk with P90's, it made a huge difference in sustain. I think it's brighter than it was with the zinc block. But my hearing isn't the best anyway LOL

Zinc is just sort of dead sounding. Steel probably sounds brighter, but more than that just fuller and as you say with noticeably more sustain due primarily to the increased mass.

[adamjn]

I'd go buy both and compare them--that's what I'm planning to do when I finally pick up my CV60. Either one is going to be an improvement in sound, since the GFS blocks are bigger and made of higher density metals.

[1935streetrod]

Originally Posted by adamjn

I'd go buy both and compare them--that's what I'm planning to do when I finally pick up my CV60. Either one is going to be an improvement in sound, since the GFS blocks are bigger and made of higher density metals.

Adam, I did just that! Get em' tomorrow. Putting the brass one in an Affinity with Alinco V's and the steel one in my CV60's. Then comparing tones and sound. Let us know which one you like best.

[adamjn]

Originally Posted by 1935streetrod

Adam, I did just that! Get em' tomorrow. Putting the brass one in an Affinity with Alinco V's and the steel one in my CV60's. Then comparing tones and sound. Let us know which one you like best.

Very cool. Was thinking of putting a steel in a MIM with Mighty Mite HSS and brass in the CV60 (when I get it, that is!!).

[rompo420]

Originally Posted by adamjn

Very cool. Was thinking of putting a steel in a MIM with Mighty Mite HSS and brass in the CV60 (when I get it, that is!!).

the MIM trem bar was too big!!!!!! what do i have here???


MIA???


American?????

Can't be....