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Blocked Tremolo on Clapton Strat

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The Gumper

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Apr 1, 2000, 3:00:00 AM4/1/00
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Hi all,

I just picked up a Clapton Strat - one very fine guitar. I especially love
the feel of the "V" neck.

The guitar is made with the tremolo blocked, which I assume is the way
Clapton setup "Blackie." I would like to regain use of the tremolo, but I'm
not sure of the procedure required to remove the block. I'd appreciate any
assistance.

Also...Does anyone know the advantage of the "blocked" tremolo? Why not just
design the guitar as a "hardtail"?

Thanks...G

WBr1409363

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Apr 1, 2000, 3:00:00 AM4/1/00
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Take the wood block out and that's it!

Peer B

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Apr 1, 2000, 3:00:00 AM4/1/00
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The Gumper <mgif...@rochester.rr.com> schreef in berichtnieuws
6CfF4.13346$K9.1...@typhoon.nyroc.rr.com...
> Hi all,

>
> Also...Does anyone know the advantage of the "blocked" tremolo? Why not
just
> design the guitar as a "hardtail"?
blackie wasn't designed; she had a trem and Clap didnt like it, hence he
blocked it... some say it sounds different and there some truth in that..


jl

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Apr 3, 2000, 3:00:00 AM4/3/00
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WBr1409363 <wbr14...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20000401002908...@ng-bk1.aol.com...

> Take the wood block out and that's it!
>

It ain't that easy! Loosen the screws that set the tension on the trem
spring claw; remove block; then REALLY loosen the screws. Get (or cut) a
small wood wedge to set the back of the bridge "lift" to about a 1/32". Tune
your guitar. Now, evenly and slowly tighten the screws that pull the spring
claw and springs to tension. You'll know you're done when the wood wedge
falls out.

Lincoln

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Apr 4, 2000, 3:00:00 AM4/4/00
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Hard tails are kind of rare. They lots of players block the tail since
Fender trems don't stay in tune very well.

The other way to use the trem is to keep the springs really tight,
(use all 5 springs) and it will act like its blocked, but you can use
the bar to go down only. When it comes up, the tail will lay flat.

The hard tail does sound a little different. On factor other than the
tail itself is the springs. The springs pickup sounds and affect the
sound and the vibration of the springs.

Lincoln

>Hi all,
>
>I just picked up a Clapton Strat - one very fine guitar. I especially love
>the feel of the "V" neck.
>
>The guitar is made with the tremolo blocked, which I assume is the way
>Clapton setup "Blackie." I would like to regain use of the tremolo, but I'm
>not sure of the procedure required to remove the block. I'd appreciate any
>assistance.
>

>Also...Does anyone know the advantage of the "blocked" tremolo? Why not just
>design the guitar as a "hardtail"?
>

>Thanks...G
>
>
>
>


Nick®

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Apr 4, 2000, 3:00:00 AM4/4/00
to

Peer B said a right thig, Clapton doesen't like tremolo so he full his
tremolo with 5 hard-springs
to block it. Now in the reissue of his guitar tremolo is blocked.

May I ask you a thing ? The booster on your Ec stratocaster works with a
battery ? If ,yes where
is placed ?

When It was build (year) ?

see you
Nick

-----------------------------------------------------------
E-Mail : nic...@nsoft.it
URL : http://www.geocities.com/blues_nick/
ICQ : 26032113
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jl

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Apr 5, 2000, 3:00:00 AM4/5/00
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> The booster on your Ec stratocaster works with a
> battery ?

Yes

>If ,yes where is placed ?

In a routed slot under the trem spring cover. IMO, it's a good idea; it's
easily accessed and the guitar retains a stock appearance.


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