80's Jap Strat Parts

[citadelmusic]

Howdy all guitar wizards,

I have an 86 strat (not a Squire) and the fine tuners of the trem bridge are starting to cross-thread. I've been told to throw the guitar into the trash but it has some sentimental value to me. There is a pic of an identical version of this bridge here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...me=STRK:MEWA:IT

I would like to find replacements for the fine tuners alone or the entire bridge.

Any kind input would be apppreciated.

[soapbarstrat]

I've been told to throw the guitar into the trash

Because of the stripped fine-tuners ?

Great necks on those guitars. I dream of the day when I find one in the trash.

Consider putting another bridge on it. I hate the locking nuts that go with those things.

If the fine-tuners ever strip on mine, I don't think I'll try to find replacements.

I break more strings on that guitar, and it must be because of that bridge.

[Mickguard]

I have an MIJ Fender, 1989 according to the number. It's a rock solid guitar, never goes out of tune, completely reliable (although the switch is a little dodgy).

But yeah, the bridge...mine has a standard Fender type trem...but the holes into the trem block were worn away and loved to eat strings...I cleaned them up, but I still sheath the strings in tubing just to be sure. I also replaced the saddles, which had pretty much rusted away.

[marksound]

I had the one with the funky Kahler bridge. After the fine tuners went south I stuck a Wilkinson on it. Dropped right in. Do some measuring and see what you come up with. Those Japanese models are worth the trouble.

[RAI6]

I've been told to throw the guitar into the trash

I break more strings on that guitar, and it must be because of that bridge.

I had a Strat with that same bridge, and had the same problem you have...

Breaking strings like crazy.

That guitar went back to the shop in no time.

Got myself an Ibanez instead.

Problem solved.

[Robert_the_damned]

did a bit of searching and found this site it sells spare parts for the system 1 tremelo's (which I think is what you've got). But at $9 each for the fine tuners (that's if its just the treads on them that's gone and not the threads in the base plate too) you might be better off getting a new trem like Marksounds says!

Robert

[Hoser Rob]

www.stewmac.com is a good place to look too.

[soapbarstrat]

Damn, I sold a system 1 bridge for $15.00 a few years ago, 'cause it was missing 2 intonation saddle adjustment screws and the screw thing the trem arm pops into. I think it had all the fine tuners. Locking nut was included too. I think the allen screws were missing on that.

[Racer X]

Yeah, that's a system 1 trem unit. Had one on one of myold Fenders, and it was one of the best trems I ever had: Stayed in tune, perfectly, and you could get incredible warbles off of it, easily, on command.

The parts are out there, for these. If you like it, screw the others who say to trash it. I say stick with it, and get the parts for it. If I find the resources, I'll pass the link on.

Well, that was quick. Here's what you need. Check him out, he's a good guy, and he has just the parts. Follow the links part way down the pages:

http://www.fretsonthenet.net/hardware.htm

http://www.fretsonthenet.net/used_parts.ht...dware_and_Parts

Let us know how you do, and good luck.

Edited May 20, 2006 by Racer X

[soapbarstrat]

Seems the ones on that webpage are sold out.

I suppose you could drill and tap the holes, so you can use floyd fine tuners. No one will yell at you for altering a "vintage instrument". Done right, it would simply be an upgrade.

But I'm not a fan of that trem after breaking dozens of high E strings on it. Soldering the ball ends does help.

[Racer X]

Whoops! Sorry, mate. I had the page bookmarked, and didn't quite pay attention to the finer print. If I find other links, I'll pass it on. Only THIS TIME, I'll check the availability, first.

[soapbarstrat]

Before any drilling/tapping, check the thickness of the bridge where the fine-tuners go, plus check to make sure floyd fine tuners wouldn't hit each other (maybe the system 1 has the fine tuners spaced a little closer together)

[citadelmusic]

O.K. Deep breathe and here I go...

Soapbarstrat, thanks for the input. I don’t think the “throw it in the trash” statements were because of the stripped fine tuners. I think they were referring to general quality (not vintage). Nor were they warranted. I’ve used that guitar now for it’s entire existence because of its ability to stay in tune. As far as the strings breaking is concerned, I haven’t had that problem. I play an average of 5 days a week at least and stretch strings (GHS Boomers GBXL009) generally a half, whole, and three half steps at a time. I might break a high E after four to six months but usually change strings more often than that. I replaced the locking nut w/ one that has flip tabs instead of allen screws (I forget the manufacturer, if anybody remembers those I’d love to know) for a much quicker tuning adjustment when necessary. Ouch…really wish I’d been the guy you sold the old system 1 trem to. I’ll do everything I can to keep this one stock before tapping it out for new fine tuners but as a last resort I will do it. Thanks again.

Marksound…I’m curious about the one w/ a kahler bridge on it. Do you happen to know a link where I can see one. One of the things I like about System 1 is the ability to bend up and down w/out having to cut away a fairly good sized hole in the top of the basswood. I’ll check into Wilkinson. Thanks.

Robert the Damned…You rock…It’s worth 9 bucks to me to try at least one. I looked at the bridge and the f. tuners closely and I’m pretty sure it’s the latter.

Racer X… I truly appreciate the words of encouragement. This has been my favorite guitar since 1986 when I bought it off the rack at what I think was the second Guitar Center ever built (in West Covina Calif.). I will milk it for as much time as it will give. Not to worry about the fretsonthenet thing. It warmed me up considerably to see an actual picture of the fine tuners other than on my guitar. Now that I know what to look for I’ll search too but any input would still be appreciated. Also, is your title in reference to speed racer or paul gilbert or neither? If it’s Paul Gilbert, you intimidate me if only in name. Rock on!!

Thanks to everybody for the input.