Jump to content

Is there a reason people remove the trem backplate on a Strat?


turnip

Recommended Posts

  • Members

The massive trem block on my strat protrudes about just enough to touch the plate. Once I replaced the trem and realized it was going to touch, I put the cover in the drawer never to come out again. Probably not an issue on most guitars, but the body on mine appears a slight thinner (unknown manufacturer poplar body) than an american body.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

These were what the original Strat backplates that started getting pulled from Strats looked like:


56_Strat_Back.jpg

1986%20FR%2062%20Strat%20Back.jpg

You have to align the hole in the backplate and the hole in the inertia block for ease in string changing. The trem tension balance and stop point set for the player's personal preference could very well not have the holes in the inertia block in perfect alignment with the holes in the backplate.


Under the stress of a broken string during performance as well as possibly limited lighting conditions this alignment could be an infuriating and unnecessary obstacle. A lot of backplates got removed from the guitars.





Later Fender wised up a bit and redesigned the backplate with a wider slot so that the backplate would be less of an obstacle:


8492b945.jpg

However, by that time the absence of a backplate had become a very accepted and perhaps even the usual appearance for a Stratocaster.

 

That, and even with the slot it isn't always easy. My US Std (1994) has the slot, and it doesn't line up with the holes in the block as my trem is set up to float.

 

I'm sure I also read that the slot wasn't liked by.... one of the Davies Brothers? One of the Shadows?.... someone.... because his suit jacket buttons used to get stuck in it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

I have mine off my Jackson because I went to a much larger trem block and now the block whacks against it anytime you do more than a slight bend. So off it is. :thu:

 

It sounds WAY better now than it did before, but I changed the entire floyd, block, and bridge pup at the same time so I don't know how much of each went into the improvement ... :idk:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

Count me in also as one that thinks it looks cheap with no plate on, as if something is missing which it is lol. I think EJ has finally come to his senses since he sold all his vintage guitars except one, and now states what they make him in the CS sounds as good as anything vintage. Maybe it could of just been that he drove himself insane tone chasing all those years that he lost out on a ton of money making only two albums when he was hotter than hell.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...