This weekend, I performed some SX Strat bridge upgrade work - I put in the vintage style tremolo bridge I got from Guitarfetish.com. I has a much bigger steel block, and it's quite a decent bridge upgrade for a cheap guitar like this. Not expensive either, somewhere around $25-27.00.
I ran into a problem right away. The six screws on the new bridge did not line up with holes in the body from the old bridge. Well, I grabbed the electronic drill and made 2 holes only, for the outer screws.
The way I installed the bridge makes it stay in tune better. Here's how:
The bridge will now pivot on the outside screws. The difficulty lies in getting the exact height on these screws. Too loose and the bridge can travel vertically, too tight and the bridge will bind and pull at the screws. It is hard to get it right - take your time and be patient. You will need to have a good nut installment also for the guitar to stay in tune well, which I don't have yet. I still have the cheap plastic nut so I need to replace that one.
Next thing I need is a new nut - I am going to find a new neck for this guitar - the stock neck has some buzzing issues and I'm not too fond of the feel of it - too "fat".
» RSS
Thanks, JKCavitt - glad to hear you like what I do! Thanks for the Warmoth link as well.
Comment added on November 21, 2007A certain NW US vendor supplies aftermarket guitar parts, including vintage trem systems. There is a mechanical drawing of their trem here: http://www.warmoth.com/hardware/bridges/pdf/Vintage_6hole_Diagram.pdf
Robert - found your site from YouTube while investigating SX Strats. You are an EXCELLENT player - too bad about the SPAM. Some folks apparently have nothing better to do....
Bob, I got this one - http://store.guitarfetish.com/viusaststsat.html
Comment added on October 24, 2007Which tremolo did you purchase at Guitarfetish? Was it the Mexico/China replacement that is supposed to be a direct replacement?
Comment added on October 23, 2007Hi.
I am very happy with my two SST57 strats. I used to have buzz on both of the necks, but it had nothing to do with the necks, it had to do with the nuts. I replaced the nuts with two brass ones and never had a buzz issue ever again. You might try that.
I asked Kurt at Rondo about a tremolo upgrade/dimmensions but he did not know. I have asked so much and around nobody knows, almost incredible...
There must be way to find out I guess? I you ever find out please let me know.
Best regards.
Cesar
Hi Cesar, thanks for the nice comments!
Are you happy with the neck on your SST57? My SX Strat neck is not perfect. It buzzes a bit, even with high action.
I don't know any dimensions, sorry. You should ask Kurt and Rondo Music.
All the best,
Robert
Hi!
I have seen you playing on Your Tube several times with your SX SST62 Strat and I think you are an awesome guitar player. The way you play is very impressive!
I have only played electric (Gibson Les Paul)for about 5 years only. However, lately, I have also been playing a very nice USA Fender Strat-1967 (given to me by my old dad) as I just love the clean/vintage sound of it...
However, four months ago I received two beautiful SX SST57 Strats (a vintage white and a sunburst) as present from my wife, and I am still so blown away with the quality and perfect finish of these low cost guitars (I have spent many hours trying to find flaws/imperfections on the wood and paint quality but in vain... can simply NOT find anything wrong) Nevertheless, although the sound was OK the way these originally arrived, I have replaced the pots and the six stock pickups (on both SX strats) with S. Duncans, and the result is just amazing as it is almost in pair with my USA Strat now... Now I am looking forward to replace the current tremolo systems (bridge & block) with a stainless steel system to increase sustain and to be able to use the wammy bar a bit better w/out having to drill new holes. My question is, would you happen to know the proper measures/dimensions required for these SX Strats in order to find a suitable quality upgrade? I have been asking around on on different places and on eBay but nobody seems to know exactly... I am willing to spend another $100.00 for a good stainless steel tremolo system if I have to as I m not on a budjet. If you know, please e-mail me and let me know at your convenience, would you?. I would really appreciate any information in order to finish my SX Strat project here.
Thank you so much for your time, and keep rocking on your SX Strat (it is indeed a great guitar!)
Cordially,
Cesar :-)