Tech guitar question

[Dude Profile]

Hey,

Is it possible to swap the floating tremolo system on a guitar with a fixed-bridge, non-tremolo setup?

I'm sure if I take it to a shop, and throw enough money at them, they'll pretty much make any modifications I want -- but will this screw with the "character" of the the guitar, i.e. tone, sustain, etc.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[johnthebrucelee Profile]

Stratattack, Deansolo, Charvelised, and others might be able to help you.

First of all, what kind of guitar do you have? I'm pretty sure that if your guitar's body is not string-thru body, then you can't switch... I may be wrong, but correct me!

[MetalHead Profile]

i think you could

check out those wraparound tailpieces used on LP's

the only things is, your body is probably routed for
the tremoloblock and the springs, so if you change it, you'll have
a decent gap through the guitar

[Deansolo Profile Website]

It'd be a bit ugly if you have the rout under the trem to enable you to pull up. did that make sense?

[jefnel1 Profile Website]

I've seen it done before. The process involves fusing a block of wood in the tremolo rout. I personally wouldn't recommend it. Is your guitar neck-through body? If not, you'd be better off just replacing the entire body. It's a cheaper option, would provide more stability, and would make the guitar sound much better tone-wise.

[MetalHead Profile]

couldn't you just block the Floyd too ?

[Dude Profile]

Thanks all for your replies.

I should have mentioned this originally, but the guitar is an early 90's Charvel "strat" style -- the neck is a bolt-on, and the back is carved out to house the tremolo springs, as one would expect. There are also 3 locking nuts at the top of the neck.

I long ago dropped any "whammy bar" use from my playing -- thus the desire to convert the hardware.

Eventually I'll contact a shop to get their feedback, but I figured the best advice would come from enthusiasts/practitioners such as those found on this site.

Thanks again