Brass Block Tremolo Upgrade

In this video, I replace a cheap zinc alloy tremolo block with a brass block. The replacement block is made by Guitarfetish (GFS).

[zombryn]

Haha, I like the "apparently" when you say the brass block has better sustain and warmth.

[Alexanderstarreveldo]

after all that, not even a sound comparison? That's the most important thing right?

[podoz]

why didn't you include a sound comparison???

[conca]

Extremely informative and done in such a nice, friendly and professional way.
Thanks alot!

[cesarguitarra]

Hi. I wonder if it makes any sense to update de block and blocked? Resonance is vibration and blocked reduce the vibration in my humble opinion.
Thanks for the video.

[DrMtz]

It works amazing, more volume, sustain and better tone. My suggestion is:
Put 5 springs and wider claw screws if the idea is keeping it blocked.
The 2 ends of the strings are important. Big tuners & block = big sound, + a dummy pickup = happiness.

[tyrssen]

Why change it, if you're just gonna block the trem anyway???

[ianaintsaying]

Did you have to route out the tremolo cavity to make room for the block's movement? I found that when you press down on the whammy bar the block will hit the body inside the tremolo cavity. This required under cutting the cavity to allow the block to pivot freely without striking the guitar's body.

[blackfender]

I have used these for years.Bjorn the steel block will have a little brighter sound, The brass block will make it sound slightly warmer.They both add sustain.

[johnhutsenpillerjr]

great video Sir
thanks
my left handed Kramer Strats block is broke so oh well
Thanks !!!

[finket]

Where can I find a block that doesn't stick out of the bottom of a squier strat? Most tremolo blocks seem to be made for Mexican or American Stratocasters which have thicker bodies

[skukeness]

Zinc blocks will also crack and fail over time, especially if decked incorrectly

[CatInTheHat.]

He he. I replaced mine too. Difference is so tiny, you ain’t gonna catch it anyway. Bad investment.

[onzkicg]

Wow, you;re blocking it, I'm curious-is using tremolo an important skill to develop? I saw many Gibson Les Paul guitarists that sounded great without using tremolo. Another question- is it the block that affects the tone- not the type or style of saddles? I'm planning to buy Wilkinson, looks stylish & good and hoping it'll sound better than regular strat style.

[McLovin__]

Should I get the Import or the MIM? I noticed that the hole for the trem bar is different for the two

[matthewjohnloren]

The picture at 0:46 is that a stock picture or are you filipino? The sticker has quite the peculiarity HAHAHA

[jimcamp]

Almost didn't need to block the tremolo cavity as tight as the fit was in there. Pretty weird there wasn't more room in there even with the beefier brass block.

[cobowe]

Easier and cheaper upgrade is to replace the crappy springs First

[chrisdaviesguitar]

pointless, going to all that trouble and not using the whammy bar? why?

[bluwng]

I like thin blocks, I prefer lightweight and ability to dive bomb. Density and thickness of metal has nothing to do with sustain.