Upgrading Your Stratocaster

Important Strat Dimensions

For Bridges

For you to chose the correct Callaham bridge for your instrument, you must determine your body thickness, string spacing, and mounting spacing.

For any of our strat bridges to fit your body you first must have an 1 3/4 inch thick body. If your body is under 1 3/4, you will need a cut down block. Now nearly all Fender strats are 1 3/4 thick. Only certain Squire models are not. So if you have a Squire, be sure to check.

Above: A Callaham Stratocaster with a 1 3/4 inch thick body. All our bridges are designed for use in 1 3/4 inch thick bodies, the industry standard.

Above: A Squire model with a 1 1/2 inch thick body. A bridge for anything under 1 3/4 will require a custom cut down block.

String spacing is the distance from E to E string, measured at the saddles.

String spacing can be checked at a number of places. It is the bridge plate that determines string spacing, not the saddles. An easy place to take the measurement is at the intonation screws. The photos show a vintage '54 Strat and a newer Squire model. Measure center to center between the two E string screw heads. The vintage '54 is at 2 7/32 and the Squire is at 2 1/16.

Mounting spacing is the center to center distance between the two outside pivot mounting screws.

Again, mounting spacing is done center to center between the two outside pivot mounting screws. Vintage is at 2 7/32, and the Squire 2 1/16.

Knowing these measurements will get you the correct replacement bridge. Please note however, we only make six pivot bridges. For American Standard and American Deluxe Models we make upgrade kits. The American Deluxe model have a pop-in arm and always (at least until now) have offset saddles. The American Standard model has a thread in arm and depending on the year offset saddles or center intonation saddles.

If you are assembling a guitar from an aftermarket body, or want a body made, you want to specify vintage trem mounting or vintage hardtail mounting. If the body maker does not want to provide mounting holes, I would suggest a different supplier.

Tuning Machines and Ferrules

We only sell one set of tuning machines. They are the top of the line Gotoh vintage machine with slotted post. The ferrule requires an 11/32 (.344) hole. The post is 1/4 of an inch in diameter. These are the same machines Fender uses on the custom shop relics and artist model vintage guitars.

I do consider it an improvement installing vintage tuners to American Standards. It does require the use of conversion bushings and you need to drill the new mounting holes But the improved sound and slotted post to me are worth the change. Models like the Highway 1, Mexican Standards, and Roadhouse all fall under this category.

I also suggest if you are just replacing tuners, to keep using the stock ferrule. As long as it has a 1/4 inch hole just leave them in the peghead.