What is included in the Fender American Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo kit?

The kit includes the bridge plate with six stamped saddles, six mounting screws, a tremolo claw, tension springs, a tremolo arm with a tip and tension spring, a string tree, and a .050 hex wrench.

Which guitar models will this tremolo assembly fit?

It is designed specifically to fit Fender American Vintage Series Stratocaster guitars. It uses a traditional six-screw mounting pattern that may not align with modern two-point bridge routings.

What is the typical price for this bridge assembly?

The typical price range for this specific Fender replacement part is approximately GBP 159. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

How does this differ from the American Standard bridge?

The American Vintage bridge uses a six-screw mounting system and stamped steel saddles. In contrast, the American Standard bridge usually features a two-point pivot system and modern block-style saddles.

Are the saddles stamped with any branding?

Yes, the assembly features six vintage-style saddles that are individually stamped with the Fender brand name, consistent with original 1950s and 60s specifications.

What tool is used to adjust the saddle height?

The assembly comes with a .050 hex adjustment wrench. This tool is used to turn the small screws on each saddle to set the individual string action.

Does this assembly include a tremolo arm?

Yes, a tremolo arm is included in the package. It comes complete with a plastic tip and a tension spring that helps prevent the arm from swinging too loosely.

What finish is applied to this bridge assembly?

This specific model features a chrome finish. This provides a high-shine, durable surface that is resistant to corrosion and matches traditional Fender aesthetics.

How many mounting screws are used for installation?

This is a vintage-style bridge that requires six mounting screws. These screws act as the pivot point for the tremolo's movement against the guitar body.

Is a string tree included with the bridge parts?

Yes, the manufacturer includes a string tree as part of this specific spares package. This helps maintain the correct string angle at the headstock.

Can this bridge be used on a Jazzmaster?

No, this is a Stratocaster-specific tremolo assembly. Products like Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers are part of a different hardware ecosystem and are not compatible with this bridge.

Which famous artists are associated with guitars using this gear?

Artists such as Sting, Falco, and James Hetfield have been known to use Fender instruments equipped with this style of bridge hardware. It is a staple for professional musicians seeking classic tones.

Gear article

Fender American Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Assembly

The Fender American Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Assembly is a vintage-style bridge system designed to replicate the original hardware found on mid-century Fender Stratocasters. It features a six-screw mounting design and stamped steel saddles, serving as the standard replacement for the American Vintage Series instruments.

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Background and Design

The Fender American Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Assembly is a faithful recreation of the 'synchronized tremolo' system originally introduced by Leo Fender in 1954. Unlike modern variations that often utilise two-point pivot systems, this assembly adheres to the historic six-screw mounting configuration. The design has remained essentially unchanged for decades, prioritising the mechanical feel and aesthetic of the golden era of electric guitar production.

The assembly is constructed with a chrome finish and features six individual saddles, each stamped with the 'Fender' name, maintaining the period-correct look required for high-end restorations and specific series builds.

Components and Functionality

The assembly is provided as a comprehensive kit for installation or replacement. It includes:

Six 'Fender' stamped saddles with height adjustment screws.
A tremolo claw and tension springs for counterbalancing string tension.
A tremolo arm complete with a plastic tip and a small tension spring to assist with arm positioning.
Six mounting screws for securing the plate to the guitar body.
A string tree and a .050 hex adjustment wrench for saddle height calibration.

Operation relies on the balance between the guitar strings and the internal springs, allowing the player to fluctuate pitch by moving the tremolo arm.

Sound Character and Performance

This bridge assembly is noted for its contribution to the classic 'Stratocaster quack' and chime. The use of stamped steel saddles is widely considered to produce a brighter, more harmonically rich tone compared to modern block saddles. The six-screw mounting system offers a firm connection to the body, which many purists argue enhances the resonance and sustain of the instrument, albeit with a different mechanical response than modern floating bridges.

Suitability and Artist Use

This hardware is specifically designed for the American Vintage Series Stratocaster. It is the ideal choice for players seeking to maintain historical accuracy or for those who prefer the traditional feel of a vintage bridge. Notable musicians associated with the use of Stratocaster platforms featuring this style of hardware include Sting, Falco, and James Hetfield. It is less suited for modern 'super-strat' players who require the extreme pitch stability of locking systems, but remains the industry standard for blues, rock, and pop styles.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to the Fender American Standard Stratocaster Tremolo Bridge, the American Vintage version differs significantly in its mounting. The American Standard typically uses a two-point pivot system for smoother travel, whereas the American Vintage uses the traditional six-screw method. Additionally, while Gotoh offers alternatives like the 203B-4 for bassists, the American Vintage remains the primary choice for those committed to the specific dimensions and tonal profile of 1950s and 60s Fender specifications.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Fender American Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo kit?: The kit includes the bridge plate with six stamped saddles, six mounting screws, a tremolo claw, tension springs, a tremolo arm with a tip and tension spring, a string tree, and a .050 hex wrench.
Which guitar models will this tremolo assembly fit?: It is designed specifically to fit Fender American Vintage Series Stratocaster guitars. It uses a traditional six-screw mounting pattern that may not align with modern two-point bridge routings.
What is the typical price for this bridge assembly?: The typical price range for this specific Fender replacement part is approximately GBP 159. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
How does this differ from the American Standard bridge?: The American Vintage bridge uses a six-screw mounting system and stamped steel saddles. In contrast, the American Standard bridge usually features a two-point pivot system and modern block-style saddles.
Are the saddles stamped with any branding?: Yes, the assembly features six vintage-style saddles that are individually stamped with the Fender brand name, consistent with original 1950s and 60s specifications.
What tool is used to adjust the saddle height?: The assembly comes with a .050 hex adjustment wrench. This tool is used to turn the small screws on each saddle to set the individual string action.
Does this assembly include a tremolo arm?: Yes, a tremolo arm is included in the package. It comes complete with a plastic tip and a tension spring that helps prevent the arm from swinging too loosely.
What finish is applied to this bridge assembly?: This specific model features a chrome finish. This provides a high-shine, durable surface that is resistant to corrosion and matches traditional Fender aesthetics.
How many mounting screws are used for installation?: This is a vintage-style bridge that requires six mounting screws. These screws act as the pivot point for the tremolo's movement against the guitar body.
Is a string tree included with the bridge parts?: Yes, the manufacturer includes a string tree as part of this specific spares package. This helps maintain the correct string angle at the headstock.
Can this bridge be used on a Jazzmaster?: No, this is a Stratocaster-specific tremolo assembly. Products like Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers are part of a different hardware ecosystem and are not compatible with this bridge.
Which famous artists are associated with guitars using this gear?: Artists such as Sting, Falco, and James Hetfield have been known to use Fender instruments equipped with this style of bridge hardware. It is a staple for professional musicians seeking classic tones.