Why would you block a tremolo?
A: Blocking a tremolo means to set it up so that it can only go down in pitch, not up. It’s a must if you change among alternate tunings; since the tremolo doesn’t float, the strings are easier to re-tune. If a string breaks, the guitar tends to stay in tune.
Does Eric Clapton block his tremolo?
But the whammy bar has never been an integral part of his sound in the same way it was for, say, Jeff Beck. Clapton is known to “block” the vibrato (i.e. add a chunk of wood or some other object to impede its operation) on his Stratocasters.
Can you play without tremolo?
you don’t need a trem for anything, but there are some things that if you want to cover correctly, you’ll get frustrated without it. There are a lot of great players that just use it very subtly too. A whammy pedal just doesn’t sound the same really, it’s cool for it’s own effects, but it’s no real tremolo substitute.
Can you put a tremolo on a hardtail Strat?
There are two main methods to convert a Stratocaster with a floating tremolo bridge to a hardtail Stratocaster. The other is to “deck” the tremolo by adding extra springs and tightening the spring claw to deck the bridge against the body.
Did Eric Clapton use a whammy bar?
Eric doesn’t use a whammy bar. Instead he has the vibrato blocked behind the bridge and has the vibrato springs tightened to keep the sound solid. Blackie would be the main guitar used on every one of Eric’s albums for 15 years.
Are tremolos worth it?
it’s worth it if you use one, it’s not if you don’t. it’s pretty much as simple as that. EDIT: just make sure you don’t get a crap quality locking (or non-locking, but especially locking, as some of the cheapo licensed floyds are horrendous and may put you off trems for life!)
What’s a hardtail Strat?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The term hard-tail has several meanings: A hardtail guitar bridge for an electric guitar or archtop guitar incorporates hardware that anchors the strings at or behind the bridge and is fastened securely to the top of the instrument.
Is there a tremolo block for a Squier Stratocaster?
Above is a tremolo block for a Squier Stratocaster. If you know Strat trem systems at all, you can see it looks nothing like what goes into the Mexico or American Fender Stratocaster models. It’s shorter to fit the slim profile body of the Squier, tapered, and thinner.
How big of a block do I need for a tremolo?
The Strat I’m working with is set up with three springs, which is common for most floating tremolos. Take that cover off ya dingus! Measure the distance between the spring block and the the back of the body cavity. This will tell you how big of a wood block you need.
How does a tremolo system work on a bridge?
If you have no idea what a tremolo block is, this is the thing that attaches to the underside of the bridge and what allows the tremolo system to do what it does. It is held in place by screws at the bridge and claw springs on the other side. The six holes you see are the channels that the strings go through.
How do you block a bridge on a Stratocaster?
There are two main methods to convert a Stratocaster with a floating tremolo bridge to a hardtail Stratocaster. One involves “blocking” the bridge by wedging a wood block between the trem system and the body of the guitar.