We know how David gets his ethereal sound other than his hands. This was one of Fender's innovative device, the vibrato bridge nicknamed "Tremolo" (we know this is the wrong nomenclature!). To him, this is a crucial part to his tone and performance, so it is key to get all the pieces right for the Tremolo on Jewel.
There you have it! The Fender Custom Shop Tremolo! Man, was there a lot to see here when I got it! I'll go through each part quickly (most of these parts won't be use on the final build) and give you the layout of the Tremolo set I'll use on putting together this ultimate Black Strat Tremolo!
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| Fender Custom Shop DG Black Strat Tremolo Block Beveled Edges |
This is one of a few important details in parts needed for the Tremolo, the Tremolo Block. The Black Strat has a late 60's Tremolo installed, and during that era, Fender decided to use a block that has beveled edges rather than rounded like the earlier models and soon vintage reissues. This block has a similar mass much like its predecessor. This block will had a bit of a polish done before its final assembly to the Bridge Plate. It is only available through the Fender Custom Shop NOS or RELIC.
Second up is the Tremolo Bridge Plate. It is you basic chrome Tremolo Bridge Plate found on vintage Stratocasters. Note the gouges on the top of the plate (more on this upon guitar assembly.) This will be replaced with a Genuine Fender Vintage Chrome Bridge Plate (001-9470-000).
The second most important part in detail are the Bridge Saddles and hardware (more on this on another post.) Here is a breakdown and name to the components that make up the the Bridge Saddles. With this, you'll get a better understanding of why this will need to be modified later on the build!
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| #3 String Bridge Saddle Set |
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| #3 String Bridge Saddle Set Breakdown |
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#3 String Custom Saddle Height Adjustment Screws (Par t# N/A)
*Black Strat NOS or Relic ONLY |
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#6 & #3 String Custom Saddle Height Adjustment Screws (Part # N/A)
*Black Strat NOS or Relic ONLY |
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| Intonation Screw (001-5693-000) |
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Custom Intonation Springs (Part # N/A)
*Black Strat NOS or Relic ONLY |
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| "Fender/Fender" Bridge Saddle (Top) |
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| "Fender/Fender" Bridge Saddle (Bottom) |
Below are all photographs and captions of other parts designated for the Tremolo set.
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| Bridge Plate to Block Mounting Screws (001-9659-049) |
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| Bridge Plate to Body Mounting Screws (001-6170-049) |
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| Tremolo Springs (003-1643-000) |
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Tremolo Claw Adjusting Screws
(Angela Instruments Nickel Neck Plate Screws) |
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Tremolo Claw (Top)
*Black Strat NOS or Relic ONLY |
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Tremolo Claw (Bottom)
*Black Strat NOS or Relic ONLY |
Lastly, the one part that every knows when it comes to the Tremolo, the Shortened Tremolo Arm. This will be used as a reference to one that works for me (that'll have to wait for shop day!).
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Shortened Tremolo Arm
*Black Strat NOS or Relic ONLY | |
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| Shortened Tremolo Arm & Tip |
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Tremolo Arm Tip
(Will not be used on this build!) |
As for all the other components pictured, most will be used on this build. This will be the Strap Buttons, Strap Button Screws, and Extra Tremolo Spring Pouch with Tremolo Springs (all with working part numbers too!). Everything else is just for you to see the components on a NOS Black Strat. Parts that do not have a part number are probably only available through the Black Strat (it will be noted on the picture of the item). Like I mentioned before, EVERYTHING is available to buy online or at any music store.
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| Strap Buttons (099-4915-000) |
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| Strap Button Screws (099-4915-000) |
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Jack Ferrule (Outside)
Replaced with (099-1940-100)
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Jack Ferrule (Inside)
Replaced with (099-1940-100)
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Tremolo Back Plate Cover (Outside)
Possibly replace with FCS Black Plate |
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Tremolo Back Plate Cover (Inside)
Possibly replace with FCS Black Plate |
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| Tremolo Springs Pouch |
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Here's a picture of the Tremolo fully assembled.
There you have it! This is what is offered with the Fender CS NOS Black Strat. Looks like there's going to be a few things that I'll need to upgrade or simply replace. Looks like that will be for another post! Now that I got the third most important parts, looks like I'll to find the famous black acrylic pickguard!
David Sarmiento
