Sorry I’m late! Really interesting. Sounds to me, the Callaham added more mids. Thickened it out a bit, dropped some highs the tiniest bit. At least through the mics etc. I prefer Blue with the Callaham. Great vid!
Indeed! Guitars are, sadly, one of the few things a regular person even *can* tinker with these days. So much other stuff is just meant to be disposable: use it till it doesn't work right and just throw it in the landfill and buy another one. Or the other end of the spectrum, like your car, where you now need a whole garage and a lift and a special (very expensive) computer just to get a basic tune-up done...
yeah, glad all my five strat copies are set, just tried the EHX Silencer pedal, really good! Ive got another Noise Reductioner in my ZOOM G2, but this one in front of it and its dead quiet with vwry heavy leads, and still enough sustain...even found an old setting I like very much, and I also like the Silencer with some clean tone, colours the tone soo minimally!...Pedals are an inspiration to me...
"Two bits of wood bolted together". Spoken like a true Stratman. They we're made for us commoners to not only play, but also repair. Intonation....the bane of my existence.
The main reason to get an upgraded strat bridge is for better trem action.. you nailed it. Took forever into this video to get to it but I’m glad your brought it up. Look at someone like Bill Frisell. MONSTER player. Also a monster tinkerer. He’s Frankenstein’d a bunch of guitars in the same pursuit. Overall the conclusion is the same: how does the neck feel? How does the guitar sound? And it’s usually worth pursuing the tone. Great series 👍
I truly was not expecting to hear a difference, especially here on RUclips, but I could. The Callaham had a noticeable chime to it. The Fender bridge sounded wonderful but the Callaham , wow. Fascinating demonstration. Thanks Mick.
Doyle Bramhall is keeping me company tonight along with Catherine....(insert momentary pause to make us think “shit! Is he really there!?!?). Well played Mick...well played. 🤣 I too have gone the route of the Callaham on my #1 Strat. I was very pleased with the craftsmanship and tonal improvements
To my ear, there is a clear difference, especially unplugged. The new bridge sounded more chimey and resonant, and less "old" - which is probably all down to that lower-mids muddiness you talk about. Whether the sound is "better" for That Pedal Shed is debatable, but as you always say - it can sound perfect on its own and then be lost when the rest of the band kicks in. Sounds like the Callahan has the clarity and presence you need to cut through and be heard. Loving the journey, and can't wait to hear what those custom pickups sound like! PS Don't forget to upgrade that ground wire...
Nothing beats turning your own strat into a relic yourself. But putting metal bits and dropping tools on the a naked guitar body is making me wince. Ron Thorn Fender Custom Shop masterbuilder suggests this sequence to not go mad going round in a circle. T.R.A.I.N Tune Rod, truss adjustment Action Intonation Noodle (strum, solo, play it and check that everything’s to your satisfaction)
I'm at about Lenny on my first watch. So far, it mirrors my own findings when I put a callaham on my strat. In short, it pushed it toward a Tele. Gave a faster and sharper attack, and a rise in the frequency of it's most forward voice. Dynamically, it made it better at louder and rock-leaning, but worse at delicate and notey-chordy lower gain stuff. So, in the end, it made it less what I wanted from a strat, so it came back off. I still have it. If I want to make a rock strat I'll use it. But, for me, I reach for a strat when I want touchy feely and massive Dynamic range. Cheers! Thanks for this!
Fret, Flat, Forward. The mnemonic was worth the whole video for me. I always had a hard time remembering which way the bridge goes and had to go to the book. Not anymore, thanks!
I love my main guitar (strat) more than I do most people, but I too am not as precious with it as you are, so I completely understand the way you treat Blue... It was fun watching this even if I did not learn anything I did not already know, but that is not why I tune in any way... I just like spending my time with you guys! Thank you for spending your time with me Mick, it is much appreciated. Cheers from Croatia!
I'm very far from being an expert either, but I think you're right that action would come before intonation, because when you raise or lower the strings, you (respectively) increase or decrease the tension and pitch. This occurred to me recently when I upped the string gauge on my Les Paul, and then raised the strings a bit, and the intonation had changed.
Mick, I find your attitude towards the delicacies of the guitar maintenance refreshing ie in terms of should have a neck rest/ protection under the body for when turning the guitar etc but not being overly bothered about it and correctly stating that’s it’s just 2 bits of wood bolted together. I find It particularly refreshing as I’m a PRS owner and a member of several PRS groups where the level of presciousness (if that’s a word) over the guitars is laughable at times!
‘Do it properly’ ’but it’s the way I like ’yeah but I can’t play your guitars’ ‘yeah but I can’t play your 9s that feel like they’re touching the frets’ ‘But that’s the way they’re supposed to be set up’ ‘...’
If I may, I would like to share a few tips with you if you don’t already know them. First, string height and neck relief is ALWAYS done before intonation as they greatly effect string length. Second, your bolt-on neck heel may not be sitting flush against the back of the neck pocket, particularly if you have done any trussrod adjustments (where the adjustment screw is in the neck heel) requiring the loosening of the neck to get at the adjustment screw ( a really terrible design if I may say so). When the strings are in tune, very slightly loosen the neck screws, no more than ¼ turn should do. You may hear the wood groan a bit. This is good. It means that the strings have pulled the neck heel up against the back of the neck pocket where it belongs. If it was already there, then no harm. However, getting the neck to sit properly in the pocket will greatly enhance tone, sustain, overall feel and response. Of course, then tighten down the neck screws as much as you can without stripping the screw heads. Third, you’ve probably heard this but I have found that using the 12th fret harmonic to intonate the guitar is not as good a method as actually noting at the 12th fret as well as at the fifth and whatever other frets you wish. You may find that when the intonation is perfect at the 12th fret, it is not so at other frets. This is not at all unusual. In such instance you will want to make compromises so that the guitar is in its best overall intonation. I agree that overly obsessing with intonation is not practical; however, starting off with a good base-line intonation makes later regular tuning and playing a bit better-sounding, I think. Fourth, a bit of good lube and/or #2 pencil lead in the nut slots and under the string trees makes all go much smoother when bending strings and using the vibrato arm. I recently installed a Callahan trem block in my ’62 Strat. Heresy, you say? Well, maybe not since the block that was in it was not original to the guitar anyway but was from a ’64 Strat and was installed many years ago when the vibrato arm broke off in the original block (which I now use as a paperweight). The top of the Callahan block is very smooth, almost mirror-finished and makes excellent contact with the bridge plate. This installation made a big difference in an already legendary-sounding guitar. I found the upper mids were greatly enhanced as well as a slight increase in volume. Also the Callahan vibrato arm is sooo much better with no slack at all. A good bit of rabbit-holing, for sure. I know that you are trying to make “Blue” as good as it can be and I agree that you should. However, notwithstanding the great expense of it, I think that what you really require is a good pre-CBS Strat. I know that you know how magical they are and also that they’re not all equal. The good (best) ones are hard to find as players don’t usually part with them. Still…
The Callaham bridge was brighter, but in a nice way to my ear. It was clearer and seemed to have a slight bit more presence. Driven they both sounded great. Good sounding axe and it has a great tone either way...I think the Callaham was a clear winner for band situations as your are gonna have your zone nailed...
I’m with you Mick, it’s not so much about how much better this sounds than that, it’s more about keeping the relationship alive between yourself and the music you want to make. You have to be inspired to play, and sometimes that inspiration comes from a bridge, a nut, or a new guitar. Anyways, cool vlog!
I thought there was a very noticeable difference. The new bridge had more clarity and bite; on the audio anyway . Amazing that it can make such a difference.
This video will be of great value for my install. The original bridge/saddle on my 74 strat have "string-worn" grooves which is the main reason I'm considering this Callaham. It already has a Warmoth compound radius neck with jumbo stainless frets, locking tuners and an Everything Axe loaded pickguard with Seymour Duncan pickups. I've had the old bridge pretty locked down ( no wang bar use) but am looking forward to a bit of tremolo bar use with the new bridge.
I replaced the stock bridge on my 80s Japanese Strat with a Callaham almost three years ago--with trepidation, not knowing if it would be worth the expense. Definite improvement in mids, but also more resonant. The overtones ring out more. This can be heard on your demo as well. It's as much about feel though as it is about tonal qualities in my opinion. I've had a sonic research strobe tuner (the one that Dan likes on the TPS pedal board) for several years and it will give you spot on intonation if that's what you are looking for. Great Vlog, thanks for sharing your journey!!
I love going down the rabbit hole and trying new gear, but I’m also aware that spending the same money on an hour skype lesson with Joey Landreth would do more for my playing and tone than replacing any component of my guitars. Fun experiment though.
With regards to using something to cushion the guitar, my boss at the first guitar shop I worked at used old sweatshirts to cushion guitars he was repairing and boxers to polish them. Worked a charm!
I swear from the instagram teaser, I hear the callaham is a bit brighter for the first comparison. I guess the most obvious improvement would be the feel
Erjim Delos Reyes hey I agree. I did this to the Strat I bought in 08. It was not very different in sound with the Callaham but it really feels more quality in your hands, and then it felt a bit better when playing it, and there were less little creaks or mechanical sounds when using it. But it was not a drastic improvement. But I was happy to do it for those reasons. I just kept the old parts in case. It is the feel though you’re right.
The last 5 minutes of that vlog should be required viewing for every guitarist on the ‘tone quest’ that we are all on!! I think, to often, we get so bogged down in the ‘cork sniffery’ of buying gear and forget what is important. Playing, communicating, being inspired or just practicing. Great vlog Mick!!
I've got the same guitar, 2008 model, and my new callaham is not as heavy as stock fender (not a huge difference). Which was welcome to me..the slightly different weight in my two strats starts to hurt after about 2 hours of playing. I was definitely questioning if it made a difference in tone as well. Oh well, I did change to their Vintage screw spacing/ but narrow string spacing specs (V/N). The very small change in spacing from E to E has helped me more than anything else I've changed.
beardogyup Ive got a mim body and a vintage spec pat pend trem spare. i wanna swap them. did you dowl the holes and drill vintage spec holes. Then did you change the nut cheers
@@bonkerstv4575 Ahh okay. So my avri 62' has the vintage screw spacing. That's why this vintage/narrow (V/N) callaham was perfect for me. It was exactly what I was looking for. I was so used to the string spacing on my MIM 60's classic series (52mm) So it was basically plug and play. I thought I might have to do some things as you're saying, but callaham came to the rescue. No nut change yet! Inwas rather confused on which spacing came with which models for strats, callaham definitely sorted things out for me!
The Callaham bridge does change the tone as you and others have commented. Whether or not this is good or not is subjective to the player. One thing that I also did was to install springs from Raw Vintage with the Callaham bridge. These really made the trem action much smoother and fattened up the tone both when plugged in and acoustically. I thoroughly recommend you give them a go.
Here's a soldering tip, as you anticipated. When soldering to a smooth metal surface, such as the back of the trem claw you were connecting the ground wire to, it's a great idea to rough up the surface with sandpaper or a file. This rougher surface is easier for the solder to adhere to, and won't ball up into those shiny little beads that get stuck in your guitar. I do this all the time when wiring pots to ground, as it makes it so much easier for the solder to spread out evenly.
Man, you need an, "A/B" song. One song to test them all. Pedals, mics, bridges, strings, Dan replacements. That has helped me learn the voices of my mics
I know you guys don’t want to be a “gear demo” channel, but you teach so much by the quality of info you put out.. it really is a culture shift from the days of gear forums. We all genuinely trust your opinion.. because.. you put forth the effort to put out quality demos.. keep up the good work. This is legacy building stuff.. not just RUclips videos
On hearing Mick talk about his 'heart breaking' over removing the new strings from his Strat I have the following piece of advice for anyone who owns a Strat and a guitar loaded with a Floyd Rose (as long as it doesn't feature a reverse headstock). Rather than cutting the strings off the Strat simply pull back out through the bridge. Then put them on the Floyd guitar with the ball end at the headstock and cut them to the appropriate length to lock them at the bridge. "But", I hear you say, "what if my strings have lost their brightness! Why would I want to put old strings on my Floyd?" Good question. In answer, and this is based purely on my own experience (although others have told me similar things), new strings on a Floyd loaded guitar tend to sound a bit twangy and are prone to tuning instability. You want that twangy sound on a Strat but not on a Floyd in my opinion. So save a bit of money, help the environment, and recycle your old strings if you can. 👌👍
Cool video. I put the Callaham bridge on my Classic 60’s Strat ages ago. It made a huge difference! My Strat has a magnesium block though. I immediately noticed more resonance and sustain with a more focused and present upper midrange. I’ve never looked back. Top quality build.
Mick, you have given me the confidence to fix the intonation on my strat. It's one of those things I've avoided out of fear of making my guitar play worse and I never seem to get around to taking it to a tech. I will update you on how it goes. Keep up the great work.
It's been six months, how did it go? You're not going to ruin your guitar by adjusting the saddles. Go for it, just take your time and make small adjustments at a time. :) Same goes for string height/action etc. Unless the whole thing is completely out of whack or you're having more involved work done, there's really not much reason to pay someone *just* to intonate it and set the action.
The only justification you need for the trip down this rabit hole was the look on your face when you played "Lenny" with the Callaham bridge. For whatever reasons you were feeling it more and it showed, and that's all that matters! Thanks for this vid, I found it fascinating from the table work at the beginning, and on through to the playing. No need to apologize for any of it, cheers!
Hey Mick, Marco here…..great VLOG!!! Really like you taking us on your journey and thought process, can very much relate to the things you are saying and am pretty sure that Blue will evolve into the magical vintage vibe status...especially if you consider that quite a lot of legendary stratocasters actually are parts-casters where neck, bodies and pickups have been swopped to achieve what you have just very nicely described. Am really looking forward to part III!!!
You would be able to use 5 springs if you used the “Raw Vintage” spring set. They are slightly lower tension and made a difference for me. I chose them with my Callahan setup. On your guitar the Callahan seems to allow the fundamental of the note to ring louder. Sounds great!
Like I said on Instagram for whatever reason after the Callaham Bridge, the guitar has more precieved higher mid range cutting frequencies. Maybe it's the action adjustment or newer strings Idk but it sounds more musical to my ears.
@GEAR of TONES not sure why that's so funny to you. When the range and resonance in which the fundamental frequencies are clearly distinct and dynamic and the harmonic resonances fill out the spectrum is what most people tend to associate with something "musical". This is in contrast to a sound that has less harmonically sympathetic resonance, and more none-musical artifact frequencies are present. Take a snare sound for example, a snare that isn't tuned well or set up well will have more random sounds and less harmonic musical intervals present. Where a snare that sings and sounds sweeter will be harmonically sympathetic with itself and the head, body and actual snare will ideally all be combining to create a more musical sound. Idk I feel like if you don't get what I'm saying then that's fine, we all have different ways of thinking and listening to music. And non musical transients definitely have their place in the character of the sound.
Hey Mick. Playing for 15 yrs now 27 yrs old. You remind me of my own musical taste and playing style. For what it’s worth listening on RUclips I just wanted to point out how wonderful your unplugged sound is. Good guitar players sound great sans electricity. No parlor trick effects or gain. Honestly I hold you in such higher esteem as a player just after hearing the playing in the video. Already thought you and Dan are pretty proper guitar players. Seen almost every video now. Cheers
You should always put some solder on your iron and then wipe it of on that (moistened) sponge, before you use it. That way it will conduct the heat way better. Ask Dan. :)
Erm, sorry to point this out, but when you tune the guitar lying flat, the weight of the neck pulls the strings sharp I have a '94 AmStan 40th anniversary Strat (2 pivot) in which I replaced everything possible. The most significant change tonewise was aCallaham bridge block. Highly recommended.
You're right: A Callaham does make a bigger difference to a 70s CBS Strat. Changed a few of these and it improved the guitars a lot. The change to a Fender CS is very subtle on the other hand. Still love the virtual pop in arm.
I’m going through the same journey right now having had my 1960 original stolen after 27 years together. I got my hands on a very good MIM and gradually bringing it up to Super Strat level.
Callanhan stuff is awesome all my guitars get their hardware within a week of buy a new axe build quality quality is high engineering grade not pressed steel more of a hand made feel.
My $.02... I either heard (or imagined), a big difference between the two. It was exactly in the frequencies that you described. Based on the recording, I preferred the fender. I found the Callaham a bit strident. But if it sounds better in the room, and feels better, and is more inspiring then your choice is clear. Thanks for the video.
Mick, on the comments about the psychological connection: I recently went from a (in my opinion) crappy Hagstrom Swede to a PRS Starla. You described it perfectly: I felt like the Hagstrom was a barrier getting in the way of my playing, and the Starla helps me get the sounds out that I want. Makes great sense; glad I'm not the only one :)
I think the Callahan Bridge sounded better. Maybe it was a bit brighter but I thought it sounded more 'harmonic' - the notes seemed to ring more harmoniously. Whether that was because of the mid scoop and these not clashing, I don't know. I think you ought to have tested to see how the sustain has changed too... Marginal differences can make a lot of difference to the player and do enough of them, they all add up too. Its like finding that 'special' Les Paul by trying lots in a shop where some people will not hear any difference (or very marginal that makes no difference to them) between them all whilst another will hear a lot of difference and be able to categorise them from best to worse...
Hey Mick.. Got my EJ strat a Callaham bridge. I kinda wanted one since I saw this vid. And then a new one popped up on Facebook marketplace.. Aaaand I stupidly broke off my trem arm. Anyway all the signs were there and I am so happy now.... It is a lot better than the Fender one.. Loving it! Thanks!
I noticed more of a difference when I changed the TremBlock on my 1995 Am Std than your change. There’s a touch of difference in your Strat. I think it’s more noticeable sans the amp.
Mick. Mick, please. Stop mentioning how people will complain in the comments. We all know that. They know they. They don't need to be the focus. Your credibility is valid. None of this will stop me enjoying your work. Thanks for all of it.
Doyle Bramhall.... Now you're talking my launguage! Not many can get close to having what that man has got... tone, vocals, soul and serious skill! Perhaps you should review of a few of the pedals he uses... He runs some pretty sweet gear!
Callaham all day. The regular fender bridge sounds muddy in comparison. The Callaham is giving a more balanced tone, where the fender seems like the high end is rolled off a bit and not as much mids. The fender sounds like what the Callaham would sound like with completely dead strings.
Acoustically I prefer the original for its fuller tone but plugged in the callaham wins - clarity is on another level, not that the original is muddy but there is a difference. Thanks for doing this, Mick!
Am I the only one that really can’t wait to hear the Fender fat 60’s pickups in there? There aren’t any videos on RUclips that provide an accurate depiction of how they sound.
I have had four Callaham bridges on various strats. For me the real jewel on that system is the plate. I don't use the saddles, springs or claw or screws for that matter because I want the screws to look like the age of the rest of the guitar. I use fender avri bent steel saddles. The tiny bit of brightness that the callaham saddles added was distracting because it was ever present .. even when I was playing the lower registers.. it was a weird harmonic or something. anyway it looks like you are well on your way to redeeming blue and again, thanks for sharing this journey.
Good vid Mick.... I recently, through similar tuning issues with my 6 screw strat bridge, and after installing a fender roller nut, I spent $250 American on the Super V Bladerunner.. and so far so good here as well.. thanks !!
I prefer the fender. Richer, darker, just more full bodied generally. I guess it depends what you are after but for me you've swapped a really powerful sound for something a bit weedy if you ask me.
I got 3 strats with callaham tremolo bridge sets and callaham blocks in 3 other strats. It definitely adds more bottom note separation and upper mids that really broadens tha sound of your guitar
Interesting. It doesn't matter if the difference is subtle or pronounced, but better is better...and in the deep, dark recesses of your psyche that will always be the bottom line. If you think it's better, then it is.
Noticeable difference to my ears. The Callaham brightened up Blue and she sounds great! I can relate to the psychological connection. I have not been playing my 2013 American Standard Strat and just don’t feel connected. Perhaps it’s time for a refret and new bridge. Thanks for the video
I share your love for Doyle, Mick. Love his new stuff and still wear out the Arc Angels album. Anyhow...I love your willingness to pursue upgrades that may not have a night and day effect on things, but address a psychological barrier. Pickups have been that for me, going from one great one to another great one, along the way probably not creating any difference anyone else could hear, but somehow it freed up something in my creative brain.
The tone difference will be so minimal its really a playability and tuning stability comparison that might make this mod worth it. A tone comparison is pure cork sniffery.
How many Strat bridges have you changed? I've replaced several. It CAN make an obvious change it tone. That said, I find that changing the block to make the most difference.
Personally like the slightly more aggressive attack on the callaham. Think it would cut better in a live mix and really scream. But could totally see someone preferring the more "mellow" tone of the Fender. Really cool vlog!
Yes those cast bridges aren't great.....i swapped out the bridge on an early silver series Japanese Squier Strat for a Wilkinson one with a steel block and it made a big difference to the sound...
Slightly brighter in the upper mids as everyone has noted. Then again that Two Rock makes any strat sound like heaven. Mick, I adore that blue strat and your humble and no nonsense approach to your gear. Loving this blue strat vlog.
I always say that everything make you feel the guitar more a part of your playing and music is real. If using a penny or a credit card as a pick or even some wood or simply a pair of shoes make you play more present and connected is real!
Ok, I have the Callaham on my strat and can say I preferred the more open vintage sound of your original fender bridge. I recognise the tighter heaver tone of the Call' but this video makes me want to try the opposite. Ha! Mick, your playing is always inspirational!
Unless there is some technical reason not to, you should try to reuse screws in guitars whenever you can. The "old" screws will thread into the wood better than new ones and you will end up with a more secure connection.
Whenever I set intonation on a guitar, I used to imagine a spray can that said "sharp away" on the label. It reminds me to move the saddle away when the note is sharp.
![New Pickups For Blue Strat #1 [Mick's Strat Vlog] That Pedal Show](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/f0F06-r7MuE/mqdefault.jpg)
![New Pickups For Blue Strat #1 [Mick's Strat Vlog] That Pedal Show](/img/tr.png)
![Let’s Talk About Fender Strats [Sounds, Bridge Setup, Pickups & More] - That Pedal Show](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-ndkUzSGKNA/mqdefault.jpg)
Sorry I’m late!
Really interesting. Sounds to me, the Callaham added more mids. Thickened it out a bit, dropped some highs the tiniest bit. At least through the mics etc.
I prefer Blue with the Callaham. Great vid!
Agreed, the Callaham bridge sounded really nice, to me it sounded like every string had much more definition even when all six were strummed
Grab a beer,tinker with your guitar...one of life's little pleasures
Indeed! Guitars are, sadly, one of the few things a regular person even *can* tinker with these days. So much other stuff is just meant to be disposable: use it till it doesn't work right and just throw it in the landfill and buy another one. Or the other end of the spectrum, like your car, where you now need a whole garage and a lift and a special (very expensive) computer just to get a basic tune-up done...
Ahhh.. Yes.
@@dystopiagear6999 amen to that
Dystopia Gear so true.
yeah, glad all my five strat copies are set, just tried the EHX Silencer pedal, really good! Ive got another Noise Reductioner in my ZOOM G2, but this one in front of it and its dead quiet with vwry heavy leads, and still enough sustain...even found an old setting I like very much, and I also like the Silencer with some clean tone, colours the tone soo minimally!...Pedals are an inspiration to me...
"Two bits of wood bolted together". Spoken like a true Stratman. They we're made for us commoners to not only play, but also repair.
Intonation....the bane of my existence.
This was worth watching just for “fret flat forward,” plus much more, but thank you for that alliteration.
Love how your first reference lick is “Lenny” - it gives you everything you need to know about whether that trem is in the ballpark or not!
I'm just here to listen to Mick play really. That's all.
That smile on your face at the beginning of the A/B part of the video says it all man, cannot fake an honest reaction like that!
The main reason to get an upgraded strat bridge is for better trem action.. you nailed it. Took forever into this video to get to it but I’m glad your brought it up.
Look at someone like Bill Frisell. MONSTER player. Also a monster tinkerer. He’s Frankenstein’d a bunch of guitars in the same pursuit. Overall the conclusion is the same: how does the neck feel? How does the guitar sound? And it’s usually worth pursuing the tone.
Great series 👍
Fascinating. I heard a real difference in what you described: lower mids on the original, upper mids on the new bridge.
the callaham definitely sounds better and smoother to my ears. maybe ill change my bridge someday.
lower mids on the original ??.....No !!
definitivly not .....
I also like having a little pot handy when i am working on guitars
Well played, sir.
Always!
Agreed, my brother of the leaf...
I'm a little green that you were able to remix that phrase so well.
🤘🍻❤️🍻🤘 😎
I truly was not expecting to hear a difference, especially here on RUclips, but I could. The Callaham had a noticeable chime to it. The Fender bridge sounded wonderful but the Callaham , wow. Fascinating demonstration. Thanks Mick.
Doyle Bramhall is keeping me company tonight along with Catherine....(insert momentary pause to make us think “shit! Is he really there!?!?). Well played Mick...well played. 🤣
I too have gone the route of the Callaham on my #1 Strat. I was very pleased with the craftsmanship and tonal improvements
To my ear, there is a clear difference, especially unplugged.
The new bridge sounded more chimey and resonant, and less "old" - which is probably all down to that lower-mids muddiness you talk about. Whether the sound is "better" for That Pedal Shed is debatable, but as you always say - it can sound perfect on its own and then be lost when the rest of the band kicks in. Sounds like the Callahan has the clarity and presence you need to cut through and be heard.
Loving the journey, and can't wait to hear what those custom pickups sound like!
PS Don't forget to upgrade that ground wire...
Nothing beats turning your own strat into a relic yourself.
But putting metal bits and dropping tools on the a naked guitar body is making me wince.
Ron Thorn Fender Custom Shop masterbuilder suggests this sequence to not go mad going round in a circle.
T.R.A.I.N
Tune
Rod, truss adjustment
Action
Intonation
Noodle (strum, solo, play it and check that everything’s to your satisfaction)
When Mick used the back of the body as a cutting board for the ground ("earth") wire, my heart sank. XD
I just did an autumnal truss rod tweak yesterday and it made a world of difference. I felt like some sort of genius.
I'm at about Lenny on my first watch. So far, it mirrors my own findings when I put a callaham on my strat. In short, it pushed it toward a Tele. Gave a faster and sharper attack, and a rise in the frequency of it's most forward voice. Dynamically, it made it better at louder and rock-leaning, but worse at delicate and notey-chordy lower gain stuff. So, in the end, it made it less what I wanted from a strat, so it came back off. I still have it. If I want to make a rock strat I'll use it. But, for me, I reach for a strat when I want touchy feely and massive Dynamic range. Cheers! Thanks for this!
Good job. I like the practical way you go about the repair. There is no reason to handle a Strat like a baby. It’s a working tool.
Fret, Flat, Forward. The mnemonic was worth the whole video for me. I always had a hard time remembering which way the bridge goes and had to go to the book. Not anymore, thanks!
Hooray! I hoped there would be one.
@@ThatPedalShow Me too. Muchas gratias!
I was always taught sharp = short. So if the fretted note is sharp then the string is too short so the saddle goes back.
I love my main guitar (strat) more than I do most people, but I too am not as precious with it as you are, so I completely understand the way you treat Blue...
It was fun watching this even if I did not learn anything I did not already know, but that is not why I tune in any way... I just like spending my time with you guys!
Thank you for spending your time with me Mick, it is much appreciated.
Cheers from Croatia!
I'm very far from being an expert either, but I think you're right that action would come before intonation, because when you raise or lower the strings, you (respectively) increase or decrease the tension and pitch. This occurred to me recently when I upped the string gauge on my Les Paul, and then raised the strings a bit, and the intonation had changed.
As i'm watching this at work I'm reminded of how much I love messing around with guitars and drinking beer.
Mick, I find your attitude towards the delicacies of the guitar maintenance refreshing ie in terms of should have a neck rest/ protection under the body for when turning the guitar etc but not being overly bothered about it and correctly stating that’s it’s just 2 bits of wood bolted together. I find It particularly refreshing as I’m a PRS owner and a member of several PRS groups where the level of presciousness (if that’s a word) over the guitars is laughable at times!
Hahaha!!! We'll, I definitely take more care with my set neck guitars. But Fenders are largely indestructible with this kind of thing. :0)
‘Do it properly’
’but it’s the way I like
’yeah but I can’t play your guitars’
‘yeah but I can’t play your 9s that feel like they’re touching the frets’
‘But that’s the way they’re supposed to be set up’
‘...’
If I may, I would like to share a few tips with you if you don’t already know them.
First, string height and neck relief is ALWAYS done before intonation as they greatly effect string length.
Second, your bolt-on neck heel may not be sitting flush against the back of the neck pocket, particularly if you have done any trussrod adjustments (where the adjustment screw is in the neck heel) requiring the loosening of the neck to get at the adjustment screw ( a really terrible design if I may say so). When the strings are in tune, very slightly loosen the neck screws, no more than ¼ turn should do. You may hear the wood groan a bit. This is good. It means that the strings have pulled the neck heel up against the back of the neck pocket where it belongs. If it was already there, then no harm. However, getting the neck to sit properly in the pocket will greatly enhance tone, sustain, overall feel and response. Of course, then tighten down the neck screws as much as you can without stripping the screw heads.
Third, you’ve probably heard this but I have found that using the 12th fret harmonic to intonate the guitar is not as good a method as actually noting at the 12th fret as well as at the fifth and whatever other frets you wish. You may find that when the intonation is perfect at the 12th fret, it is not so at other frets. This is not at all unusual. In such instance you will want to make compromises so that the guitar is in its best overall intonation. I agree that overly obsessing with intonation is not practical; however, starting off with a good base-line intonation makes later regular tuning and playing a bit better-sounding, I think.
Fourth, a bit of good lube and/or #2 pencil lead in the nut slots and under the string trees makes all go much smoother when bending strings and using the vibrato arm.
I recently installed a Callahan trem block in my ’62 Strat. Heresy, you say? Well, maybe not since the block that was in it was not original to the guitar anyway but was from a ’64 Strat and was installed many years ago when the vibrato arm broke off in the original block (which I now use as a paperweight). The top of the Callahan block is very smooth, almost mirror-finished and makes excellent contact with the bridge plate. This installation made a big difference in an already legendary-sounding guitar. I found the upper mids were greatly enhanced as well as a slight increase in volume. Also the Callahan vibrato arm is sooo much better with no slack at all. A good bit of rabbit-holing, for sure.
I know that you are trying to make “Blue” as good as it can be and I agree that you should. However, notwithstanding the great expense of it, I think that what you really require is a good pre-CBS Strat. I know that you know how magical they are and also that they’re not all equal. The good (best) ones are hard to find as players don’t usually part with them. Still…
Thanks Glick.
Me pleasure, mate.
The Callaham bridge was brighter, but in a nice way to my ear. It was clearer and seemed to have a slight bit more presence. Driven they both sounded great. Good sounding axe and it has a great tone either way...I think the Callaham was a clear winner for band situations as your are gonna have your zone nailed...
I’m with you Mick, it’s not so much about how much better this sounds than that, it’s more about keeping the relationship alive between yourself and the music you want to make. You have to be inspired to play, and sometimes that inspiration comes from a bridge, a nut, or a new guitar. Anyways, cool vlog!
I thought there was a very noticeable difference. The new bridge had more clarity and bite; on the audio anyway . Amazing that it can make such a difference.
This video will be of great value for my install. The original bridge/saddle on my 74 strat have "string-worn" grooves which is the main reason I'm considering this Callaham. It already has a Warmoth compound radius neck with jumbo stainless frets, locking tuners and an Everything Axe loaded pickguard with Seymour Duncan pickups. I've had the old bridge pretty locked down ( no wang bar use) but am looking forward to a bit of tremolo bar use with the new bridge.
I replaced the stock bridge on my 80s Japanese Strat with a Callaham almost three years ago--with trepidation, not knowing if it would be worth the expense. Definite improvement in mids, but also more resonant. The overtones ring out more. This can be heard on your demo as well. It's as much about feel though as it is about tonal qualities in my opinion. I've had a sonic research strobe tuner (the one that Dan likes on the TPS pedal board) for several years and it will give you spot on intonation if that's what you are looking for. Great Vlog, thanks for sharing your journey!!
Crazy ol’ grandpa Mick tinkering away. Love it!
I love going down the rabbit hole and trying new gear, but I’m also aware that spending the same money on an hour skype lesson with Joey Landreth would do more for my playing and tone than replacing any component of my guitars. Fun experiment though.
With regards to using something to cushion the guitar, my boss at the first guitar shop I worked at used old sweatshirts to cushion guitars he was repairing and boxers to polish them. Worked a charm!
I swear from the instagram teaser,
I hear the callaham is a bit brighter for the first comparison.
I guess the most obvious improvement would be the feel
Erjim Delos Reyes hey I agree. I did this to the Strat I bought in 08. It was not very different in sound with the Callaham but it really feels more quality in your hands, and then it felt a bit better when playing it, and there were less little creaks or mechanical sounds when using it. But it was not a drastic improvement. But I was happy to do it for those reasons. I just kept the old parts in case. It is the feel though you’re right.
Thought that was a haiku at first
Internet consensus seems to be that Callahan bridge and saddles do tend to brighten things up.
The last 5 minutes of that vlog should be required viewing for every guitarist on the ‘tone quest’ that we are all on!!
I think, to often, we get so bogged down in the ‘cork sniffery’ of buying gear and forget what is important. Playing, communicating, being inspired or just practicing.
Great vlog Mick!!
I've got the same guitar, 2008 model, and my new callaham is not as heavy as stock fender (not a huge difference). Which was welcome to me..the slightly different weight in my two strats starts to hurt after about 2 hours of playing. I was definitely questioning if it made a difference in tone as well. Oh well, I did change to their Vintage screw spacing/ but narrow string spacing specs (V/N). The very small change in spacing from E to E has helped me more than anything else I've changed.
beardogyup Ive got a mim body and a vintage spec pat pend trem spare. i wanna swap them. did you dowl the holes and drill vintage spec holes. Then did you change the nut cheers
@@bonkerstv4575 Ahh okay. So my avri 62' has the vintage screw spacing. That's why this vintage/narrow (V/N) callaham was perfect for me. It was exactly what I was looking for. I was so used to the string spacing on my MIM 60's classic series (52mm) So it was basically plug and play. I thought I might have to do some things as you're saying, but callaham came to the rescue. No nut change yet! Inwas rather confused on which spacing came with which models for strats, callaham definitely sorted things out for me!
@@bonkerstv4575 good luck with your mods though! Forgot to say...no, didn't change the nut. Everything else is stock so far.
Still shopping on the 23rd?!!! Welcome to That Pedal Show with Last Minute Mick!! Hahahahaha
I like the Callaham. Louder, bigger, Clearer sound with just a touch more string separation and definition.
The Callaham bridge does change the tone as you and others have commented. Whether or not this is good or not is subjective to the player. One thing that I also did was to install springs from Raw Vintage with the Callaham bridge. These really made the trem action much smoother and fattened up the tone both when plugged in and acoustically. I thoroughly recommend you give them a go.
Here's a soldering tip, as you anticipated. When soldering to a smooth metal surface, such as the back of the trem claw you were connecting the ground wire to, it's a great idea to rough up the surface with sandpaper or a file. This rougher surface is easier for the solder to adhere to, and won't ball up into those shiny little beads that get stuck in your guitar. I do this all the time when wiring pots to ground, as it makes it so much easier for the solder to spread out evenly.
Man, you need an, "A/B" song. One song to test them all. Pedals, mics, bridges, strings, Dan replacements. That has helped me learn the voices of my mics
The Callaham definitely has a more hi-fi sound across the board. The whole guitar seemed much more “clear” - even unplugged.
Okay, that "Fret Flat Forward" tip is the best thing i've ever heard... Whenever i'm adjusting intonation i have to google it, thanks Mick!
Callaham sounds more defined with extended frequency response - higher fidelity, in general.
I know you guys don’t want to be a “gear demo” channel, but you teach so much by the quality of info you put out.. it really is a culture shift from the days of gear forums. We all genuinely trust your opinion.. because.. you put forth the effort to put out quality demos.. keep up the good work. This is legacy building stuff.. not just RUclips videos
On hearing Mick talk about his 'heart breaking' over removing the new strings from his Strat I have the following piece of advice for anyone who owns a Strat and a guitar loaded with a Floyd Rose (as long as it doesn't feature a reverse headstock). Rather than cutting the strings off the Strat simply pull back out through the bridge. Then put them on the Floyd guitar with the ball end at the headstock and cut them to the appropriate length to lock them at the bridge. "But", I hear you say, "what if my strings have lost their brightness! Why would I want to put old strings on my Floyd?" Good question. In answer, and this is based purely on my own experience (although others have told me similar things), new strings on a Floyd loaded guitar tend to sound a bit twangy and are prone to tuning instability. You want that twangy sound on a Strat but not on a Floyd in my opinion. So save a bit of money, help the environment, and recycle your old strings if you can. 👌👍
Kevin Betts Bah. Humbug. Recycle my poo. It’s very high in Nitrogen.
@@BeefNEggs057 Bear with me while I compost I suitable response. 😁
Here's even better advice. Use pin locking tuners. Easy to remove, do what you need to do and reinstall. I never have to waste good strings.
Cool video. I put the Callaham bridge on my Classic 60’s Strat ages ago. It made a huge difference! My Strat has a magnesium block though. I immediately noticed more resonance and sustain with a more focused and present upper midrange. I’ve never looked back. Top quality build.
Mick, you have given me the confidence to fix the intonation on my strat. It's one of those things I've avoided out of fear of making my guitar play worse and I never seem to get around to taking it to a tech. I will update you on how it goes. Keep up the great work.
It's been six months, how did it go?
You're not going to ruin your guitar by adjusting the saddles. Go for it, just take your time and make small adjustments at a time. :) Same goes for string height/action etc. Unless the whole thing is completely out of whack or you're having more involved work done, there's really not much reason to pay someone *just* to intonate it and set the action.
The only justification you need for the trip down this rabit hole was the look on your face when you played "Lenny" with the Callaham bridge. For whatever reasons you were feeling it more and it showed, and that's all that matters! Thanks for this vid, I found it fascinating from the table work at the beginning, and on through to the playing. No need to apologize for any of it, cheers!
Thank you Moose! I appreciate that a tremendous amount!
I for one love that you understand your instrument is in fact "two bits of wood bolted together."
Leo Fender tried pretty hard to engineer something that would not be too precious.
Hey Mick, Marco here…..great VLOG!!! Really like you taking us on your journey and thought process, can very much relate to the things you are saying and am pretty sure that Blue will evolve into the magical vintage vibe status...especially if you consider that quite a lot of legendary stratocasters actually are parts-casters where neck, bodies and pickups have been swopped to achieve what you have just very nicely described. Am really looking forward to part III!!!
You would be able to use 5 springs if you used the “Raw Vintage” spring set. They are slightly lower tension and made a difference for me. I chose them with my Callahan setup. On your guitar the Callahan seems to allow the fundamental of the note to ring louder. Sounds great!
I found the same difference with my 62 RI. But using the Callaham stuff on my late 80's to early 90's strats made light years of difference.
Like I said on Instagram for whatever reason after the Callaham Bridge, the guitar has more precieved higher mid range cutting frequencies. Maybe it's the action adjustment or newer strings Idk but it sounds more musical to my ears.
Probably just the new strings, lol
What do you mean by "more musical"? 🤔
@@gearoftones8585 harmonically rich. Fundamental note fequencies are most present as well.
@@sumyupee 🤣🤣🤣
@GEAR of TONES not sure why that's so funny to you. When the range and resonance in which the fundamental frequencies are clearly distinct and dynamic and the harmonic resonances fill out the spectrum is what most people tend to associate with something "musical". This is in contrast to a sound that has less harmonically sympathetic resonance, and more none-musical artifact frequencies are present. Take a snare sound for example, a snare that isn't tuned well or set up well will have more random sounds and less harmonic musical intervals present. Where a snare that sings and sounds sweeter will be harmonically sympathetic with itself and the head, body and actual snare will ideally all be combining to create a more musical sound. Idk I feel like if you don't get what I'm saying then that's fine, we all have different ways of thinking and listening to music. And non musical transients definitely have their place in the character of the sound.
Hey Mick. Playing for 15 yrs now 27 yrs old. You remind me of my own musical taste and playing style. For what it’s worth listening on RUclips I just wanted to point out how wonderful your unplugged sound is. Good guitar players sound great sans electricity. No parlor trick effects or gain. Honestly I hold you in such higher esteem as a player just after hearing the playing in the video. Already thought you and Dan are pretty proper guitar players. Seen almost every video now. Cheers
You should always put some solder on your iron and then wipe it of on that (moistened) sponge, before you use it. That way it will conduct the heat way better. Ask Dan. :)
tinning is winning
Erm, sorry to point this out, but when you tune the guitar lying flat, the weight of the neck pulls the strings sharp I have a '94 AmStan 40th anniversary Strat (2 pivot) in which I replaced everything possible. The most significant change tonewise was aCallaham bridge block. Highly recommended.
You're right: A Callaham does make a bigger difference to a 70s CBS Strat. Changed a few of these and it improved the guitars a lot.
The change to a Fender CS is very subtle on the other hand. Still love the virtual pop in arm.
I’m going through the same journey right now having had my 1960 original stolen after 27 years together. I got my hands on a very good MIM and gradually bringing it up to Super Strat level.
OMG. Words cannot express the emotion of that. Argh. Heartbreaking. Good luck with the new one - the only way is forwards!
Callanhan stuff is awesome all my guitars get their hardware within a week of buy a new axe build quality quality is high engineering grade not pressed steel more of a hand made feel.
Try a 'Wudtone' bridge it's hard to find better for a Strat in my opinion.
My $.02... I either heard (or imagined), a big difference between the two. It was exactly in the frequencies that you described. Based on the recording, I preferred the fender. I found the Callaham a bit strident. But if it sounds better in the room, and feels better, and is more inspiring then your choice is clear. Thanks for the video.
One more scratch! You have to try a set of Zexcoil pickups!
Mick, on the comments about the psychological connection: I recently went from a (in my opinion) crappy Hagstrom Swede to a PRS Starla. You described it perfectly: I felt like the Hagstrom was a barrier getting in the way of my playing, and the Starla helps me get the sounds out that I want. Makes great sense; glad I'm not the only one :)
I think the Callahan Bridge sounded better. Maybe it was a bit brighter but I thought it sounded more 'harmonic' - the notes seemed to ring more harmoniously. Whether that was because of the mid scoop and these not clashing, I don't know.
I think you ought to have tested to see how the sustain has changed too...
Marginal differences can make a lot of difference to the player and do enough of them, they all add up too. Its like finding that 'special' Les Paul by trying lots in a shop where some people will not hear any difference (or very marginal that makes no difference to them) between them all whilst another will hear a lot of difference and be able to categorise them from best to worse...
Hey Mick.. Got my EJ strat a Callaham bridge. I kinda wanted one since I saw this vid. And then a new one popped up on Facebook marketplace.. Aaaand I stupidly broke off my trem arm. Anyway all the signs were there and I am so happy now.... It is a lot better than the Fender one.. Loving it! Thanks!
Awesome! Glad you like it!
I'm a simple man. I see Blue, I click
@22:16 unbelievable what Mick shells out when he is happy and 'in the moment'. Stellar licks!
Yup - I'll postpone working on one of my guitars until I deem the strings are "old enough" - whatever that means.
I noticed more of a difference when I changed the TremBlock on my 1995 Am Std than your change. There’s a touch of difference in your Strat. I think it’s more noticeable sans the amp.
I'm a good citizen and I pay my TV License. Can i remove Coronation Street and swop it for your channel. Great entetaining stuff. Cheers
Great tip in the 6 trem screws Mick. It sorted my tuning problem on my Strat.
Hi Mick. If you don't want your duncans I will buy them from you
Mick.
Mick, please. Stop mentioning how people will complain in the comments. We all know that. They know they. They don't need to be the focus. Your credibility is valid.
None of this will stop me enjoying your work. Thanks for all of it.
I heard little more presence or bite out of the Callahan bridge
I think that's what I hear too.
Doyle Bramhall.... Now you're talking my launguage! Not many can get close to having what that man has got... tone, vocals, soul and serious skill! Perhaps you should review of a few of the pedals he uses... He runs some pretty sweet gear!
Callaham all day. The regular fender bridge sounds muddy in comparison. The Callaham is giving a more balanced tone, where the fender seems like the high end is rolled off a bit and not as much mids. The fender sounds like what the Callaham would sound like with completely dead strings.
Acoustically I prefer the original for its fuller tone but plugged in the callaham wins - clarity is on another level, not that the original is muddy but there is a difference. Thanks for doing this, Mick!
Am I the only one that really can’t wait to hear the Fender fat 60’s pickups in there?
There aren’t any videos on RUclips that provide an accurate depiction of how they sound.
I have had four Callaham bridges on various strats. For me the real jewel on that system is the plate. I don't use the saddles, springs or claw or screws for that matter because I want the screws to look like the age of the rest of the guitar. I use fender avri bent steel saddles. The tiny bit of brightness that the callaham saddles added was distracting because it was ever present .. even when I was playing the lower registers.. it was a weird harmonic or something. anyway it looks like you are well on your way to redeeming blue and again, thanks for sharing this journey.
Hi Mick, you really need to do the intonation last, as any other changes you make could throw off the intonation slightly.
Good vid Mick.... I recently, through similar tuning issues with my 6 screw strat bridge, and after installing a fender roller nut, I spent $250 American on the Super V Bladerunner.. and so far so good here as well.. thanks !!
I prefer the fender. Richer, darker, just more full bodied generally. I guess it depends what you are after but for me you've swapped a really powerful sound for something a bit weedy if you ask me.
I got 3 strats with callaham tremolo bridge sets and callaham blocks in 3 other strats. It definitely adds more bottom note separation and upper mids that really broadens tha sound of your guitar
Interesting. It doesn't matter if the difference is subtle or pronounced, but better is better...and in the deep, dark recesses of your psyche that will always be the bottom line. If you think it's better, then it is.
There you go. Totally agree.
Noticeable difference to my ears. The Callaham brightened up Blue and she sounds great! I can relate to the psychological connection. I have not been playing my 2013 American Standard Strat and just don’t feel connected. Perhaps it’s time for a refret and new bridge. Thanks for the video
Last night I dreamed I was invited to TPS. That would be so cool... :p
I share your love for Doyle, Mick. Love his new stuff and still wear out the Arc Angels album. Anyhow...I love your willingness to pursue upgrades that may not have a night and day effect on things, but address a psychological barrier. Pickups have been that for me, going from one great one to another great one, along the way probably not creating any difference anyone else could hear, but somehow it freed up something in my creative brain.
The tone difference will be so minimal its really a playability and tuning stability comparison that might make this mod worth it. A tone comparison is pure cork sniffery.
Exactly, rolling your tone knob 1/16th of a revolution will make wayyy more of a difference then changing all of these parts.
How many Strat bridges have you changed? I've replaced several. It CAN make an obvious change it tone. That said, I find that changing the block to make the most difference.
Personally like the slightly more aggressive attack on the callaham. Think it would cut better in a live mix and really scream. But could totally see someone preferring the more "mellow" tone of the Fender. Really cool vlog!
There would me a much more noticeable difference if you were replacing a cast bridge and the small trem block. That Fender came with quite good stuff.
Yes those cast bridges aren't great.....i swapped out the bridge on an early silver series Japanese Squier Strat for a Wilkinson one with a steel block and it made a big difference to the sound...
Slightly brighter in the upper mids as everyone has noted. Then again that Two Rock makes any strat sound like heaven. Mick, I adore that blue strat and your humble and no nonsense approach to your gear. Loving this blue strat vlog.
"I need to keep looking at the monitor to make sure my heads in"- Micks porn star problems!! 😁
Fantastic work... it’s all worth it! Have had a Callaham Bridge on my solid rosewood Strat for 5 months and its been as solid as a rock.
FFS Mick, I'm supposed to be making a demo, not watching this video...! ;)
Ah sorry geez!
I always say that everything make you feel the guitar more a part of your playing and music is real. If using a penny or a credit card as a pick or even some wood or simply a pair of shoes make you play more present and connected is real!
Thanks Mick, by the way what tuning app is that on your phone?
its the peterson strobe tuner app.
Ok, I have the Callaham on my strat and can say I preferred the more open vintage sound of your original fender bridge. I recognise the tighter heaver tone of the Call' but this video makes me want to try the opposite. Ha! Mick, your playing is always inspirational!
A bit more "zing" with the new bridge, I would say...
Unless there is some technical reason not to, you should try to reuse screws in guitars whenever you can. The "old" screws will thread into the wood better than new ones and you will end up with a more secure connection.
The most important question is what's the beer?
Northern Monk session IPA it's a great beer :-)
Whenever I set intonation on a guitar, I used to imagine a spray can that said "sharp away" on the label. It reminds me to move the saddle away when the note is sharp.