If you have hung with us so far in our custom guitar building guides, you have already selected your neck, body and pickups and are ready to select the hardware and finishing parts to complete the project.

Tremolo/Bridges

There are many options when selecting the right bridge. First we need to look at what type of body you have chosen.  For a hardtail strat or tele, the choice is simple. You need a hardtail bridge. However you will need to decide if you want to use the vintage style ashtray bridge with the three adjustable brass saddles or the modern style with the six individual adjustable saddles. Neither is the wrong choice, but we highly recomend the modern style. It allows more flexibility and you can dial in your intonation much more easily. However, if you are going for that authentic VINTAGE look, the ashtray is the way to go. You are more limited with that option, but if you want that look then go for it.

Now tremolos are a different story. There many more variables, the most popular being VINTAGE six hole and MODERN two post systems.  Once again, this is a matter of choice, but the modern system is much easier to use. You can also select from gold, chrome, or black. All of our systems come with screws, springs, claw, trem arm, saddles, bridge, and block so installation is a snap.

Plates

You will need a jack plate. This is the part of the guitar that holds the jack in place. Not many options here other than color. You will also need a standard mono 1/4" jack and two small screws.

Neck plates, once again pretty standard. All come with four bolts for mounting the neck to the body and you also have the choice of color.

Pickguards

Selecting a Tele pickguard is simple. Just choose a color and go with it, but a Strat pickguard requires more planning. You need to get a pickguard routed for the pickup configuration you have decided on. The most popular setups are HUM/HUM, S/S/HUM and of course, the traditional S/S/S. You will also need 11 pickguard screws available in chrome,black and gold.

Tuning Keys

The first step of this process is to measure the tuner holes in the headstock of the neck you selected for the project. Most are either 1/4" or 3/8". Make sure the tuners you desire are the right size. You can select from vintage open style, standard sealed Fender style (most common), or newer locking style tuners. The latter is recomended if you are very active with your tremolo or do a lot of screaming bends, to keep your guitar in tune during long performances. You also can select staggered tuners that are specific to each string position. This option also helps with staying in tune as well as eliminating the need for string trees. This is a complete judgment call for you as long as you get the right size, anything goes.

String Trees

We touched on these slightly in the last paragraph. String trees help align the higher strings and keep them in tune. They are needed on most guitars but can be bypassed with staggered tuners.

Strap Buttons

You can go with traditional strap buttons or you can upgrade to modern strap lock type systems. Strap locks are good for working musicians who move around a lot on stage. However, if you are seeking an original vintage look they are not recomended.

Now that you have your parts selected and your hardware all in order. ITS TIME FOR CONSTRUCTION.

We will address that in our next guide. hope to talk with you soon!

Metal Shop Music