What is included in the Fender Pure Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Spring/Claw Kit?

The kit includes four tremolo springs, one metal tremolo claw, and two tremolo claw mounting screws. These components provide everything needed to anchor a Stratocaster bridge to the body cavity.

Is this kit compatible with modern Fender Stratocasters?

Yes, the kit is designed to be compatible with most modern Fender Stratocaster models as well as vintage-style instruments. It uses standard dimensions suitable for the synchronized tremolo system.

Can I use this kit for a vintage restoration?

Yes, this kit is specifically designed to be 'period-correct' for Fender instruments. It is marketed for players who want to maintain the historical accuracy of their classic Stratocasters.

How many springs are included in the package?

The kit includes exactly four tremolo springs. This allows for various configurations depending on the string gauge and bridge tension preferred by the player.

Do I need to solder anything when installing the tremolo claw?

Yes, the tremolo claw typically requires a ground wire to be soldered to it from the guitar's electronics. This helps reduce electrical hum and noise when playing.

What is the typical price for this kit?

The Fender Pure Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Spring/Claw Kit usually retails for approximately £16 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Are the mounting screws included in the kit?

Yes, the kit includes two long mounting screws specifically designed to secure the tremolo claw to the body of the Stratocaster. These allow for tension adjustment.

Why would I choose the 'Pure Vintage' kit over standard parts?

The Pure Vintage line is manufactured to closer historical specifications compared to generic parts. It is ideal for players who want their guitar components to match the original factory standards of early Fender models.

Can these parts be used on a Fender Jazzmaster?

No, this kit is specifically designed for the Stratocaster's synchronized tremolo system. Jazzmasters use a different vibrato tailpiece system that does not utilize this specific claw and spring configuration.

Is this kit suitable for Squier Stratocasters?

While designed for Fender instruments, these parts generally fit Squier Stratocasters as they share the same basic design. However, some minor adjustments to pilot holes might be necessary on certain budget models.

Does the kit come with a tremolo bridge?

No, this kit only contains the springs, claw, and screws. The tremolo bridge assembly, such as the American Standard Stratocaster Tremolo Bridge, must be purchased separately.

Can I install five springs using this kit?

The kit only includes four springs. If you prefer a five-spring setup for maximum tension, you would need to purchase an additional individual spring separately.

Gear article

Fender Pure Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Spring/Claw Kit

The Fender Pure Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Spring/Claw Kit is a dedicated hardware set designed for the maintenance, modification, or restoration of vintage and modern Fender Stratocaster electric guitars. It provides period-correct components including a tremolo claw, mounting screws, and a set of four tension springs.

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Overview

The Fender Pure Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Spring/Claw Kit is a specialized replacement parts package aimed at guitarists seeking to maintain or upgrade their instrument's vibrato system. As part of Fender's 'Pure Vintage' line, the kit is manufactured to meet specific historical standards, ensuring that players can achieve a high level of period-correct accuracy when restoring older instruments or building new ones with a vintage aesthetic.

The kit is compatible with the vast majority of both vintage-specification and modern Fender Stratocaster models that utilize a traditional synchronized tremolo bridge. It serves as the primary anchoring system that counterbalances string tension, allowing the bridge to 'float' or remain flush against the body.

Components and Key Features

Each kit is comprehensive, containing the essential hardware required for a full tremolo cavity overhaul:

4 Tremolo Springs: High-tension steel springs that connect the tremolo block to the claw.
Tremolo Claw: A metal bracket designed to hold the springs and provide a grounding point for the guitar's electronics.
2 Mounting Screws: Long-threaded screws used to secure the claw to the guitar body and adjust the spring tension.

These components are designed to withstand the physical demands of frequent vibrato arm use while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the bridge assembly.

Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers Aged White

Historical Accuracy and Customisation

A primary objective of the Pure Vintage series is to provide parts that are indistinguishable from those found on classic 1950s and 60s Fender instruments. This makes the kit particularly useful for players who are sensitive to the historical specifications of their instruments. Beyond restoration, the kit offers customisation options; for instance, while many modern setups use three springs, this kit includes four, allowing players to increase the tension for heavier string gauges or a stiffer bridge feel.

Installation and Compatibility

Installation typically requires basic soldering skills, as the tremolo claw serves as a critical ground connection for the guitar's circuit to reduce hum. The claw is mounted inside the rear cavity of the Stratocaster body using the two included screws. While designed specifically for the Fender Stratocaster, the dimensions are standard enough that the kit may be used on similar S-type guitars, though it is officially marketed for Fender instruments. The use of official Fender parts ensures that the threading and tension characteristics match the original American Standard or Vintage series bridge assemblies.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Fender Pure Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Spring/Claw Kit?: The kit includes four tremolo springs, one metal tremolo claw, and two tremolo claw mounting screws. These components provide everything needed to anchor a Stratocaster bridge to the body cavity.
Is this kit compatible with modern Fender Stratocasters?: Yes, the kit is designed to be compatible with most modern Fender Stratocaster models as well as vintage-style instruments. It uses standard dimensions suitable for the synchronized tremolo system.
Can I use this kit for a vintage restoration?: Yes, this kit is specifically designed to be 'period-correct' for Fender instruments. It is marketed for players who want to maintain the historical accuracy of their classic Stratocasters.
How many springs are included in the package?: The kit includes exactly four tremolo springs. This allows for various configurations depending on the string gauge and bridge tension preferred by the player.
Do I need to solder anything when installing the tremolo claw?: Yes, the tremolo claw typically requires a ground wire to be soldered to it from the guitar's electronics. This helps reduce electrical hum and noise when playing.
What is the typical price for this kit?: The Fender Pure Vintage Stratocaster Tremolo Spring/Claw Kit usually retails for approximately £16 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Are the mounting screws included in the kit?: Yes, the kit includes two long mounting screws specifically designed to secure the tremolo claw to the body of the Stratocaster. These allow for tension adjustment.
Why would I choose the 'Pure Vintage' kit over standard parts?: The Pure Vintage line is manufactured to closer historical specifications compared to generic parts. It is ideal for players who want their guitar components to match the original factory standards of early Fender models.
Can these parts be used on a Fender Jazzmaster?: No, this kit is specifically designed for the Stratocaster's synchronized tremolo system. Jazzmasters use a different vibrato tailpiece system that does not utilize this specific claw and spring configuration.
Is this kit suitable for Squier Stratocasters?: While designed for Fender instruments, these parts generally fit Squier Stratocasters as they share the same basic design. However, some minor adjustments to pilot holes might be necessary on certain budget models.
Does the kit come with a tremolo bridge?: No, this kit only contains the springs, claw, and screws. The tremolo bridge assembly, such as the American Standard Stratocaster Tremolo Bridge, must be purchased separately.
Can I install five springs using this kit?: The kit only includes four springs. If you prefer a five-spring setup for maximum tension, you would need to purchase an additional individual spring separately.