Vintage S Model Strat Bridge Assembly

This bridge came in today, and I just couldn't resist putting it in. The installation process gave me a nice hour-long study break. Yes, it took less than an hour from taking off the old strings to finishing up the intonation process, and it was a very easy process to complete. I can tell you one thing though, this is easily worth every penny. I have a Mexican Stratocaster Classic 70's Reissue that plays very well, but I was looking to get a bit more out of it tonally (to that end, I ordered a new set of pickups and this bridge). Without any other changes to the guitar, this bridge changed the sound completely for the better. The original trem block on the guitar was made of a different material—a much darker metal—than the new one, and I've read that it's probably zinc and not steel. Whatever it's made out of, the new tremolo system really brings out all the harmonics and nuances of the guitar. It made the sound so much more complex and rich. I would absolutely recommend this product for anyone who wants to get a bit more out of their Strat. I should also mention that I contacted Callaham to make sure I purchased the correct part. I received an e-mail from Bill Callaham (owner?) the next business day. The retailer, Chicago Music Exchange, sent the part and I received it a full week before the estimated delivery date. I can't be happier with the whole process involved in this purchase or the results I've had with the product. I will check in after the new strings break in a bit to update if there is a dramatic change. Update: Two Year’s later, and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about my original review. I love the bridge, and I can honestly say that my Mexican strat could go head to head with any American strat out there. I’m actually in the process of upgrading a Mexican Jimmy Vaughn Strat, and I’m going to pick up another Callaham bridge, and I can’t wait to hear the results.

Callaham makes great stuff. Just buy it chuckle head.

High quality manufacture. Oddly short trem bar and no way to adjust tension on the bar to keep it where it falls readily to hand. It’s either too tight and you have to push it away or too loose and it drops out of quick reach. Maybe I’m doing something wrong but my JPN strats have a tensioner that allows you to dial it in. That said, it’s pretty clear that nobody makes better hardware and chrome. Lovely.

Long known as a high quality replacement- better material, better machining. I have bought a few of these for client's guitars and buying from Amazon/ Chicago Music Exchange is easy and fast. This latest replacement bridge went on it minutes AND the saddles were perfectly positioned for intonation and action except for a slight raise of the 4th string.

It's really a step up in quality compared to other vintage style bridges. Very smooth and returns in tune. I would replace all my vintage style bridges with these if I didn't care about the retaining the look of the vintage ones with the Fender saddles on my vintage guitars

Best 6 screw bridge in the planet. I was going to change my pickups but the bridge fixed all my issues with the tone of my CIJ strat.

What can I say, Callaham. The best.

Chimey and awesome.