The Haywire Blocked Tremolo or Hard Tail Tremolo
The Haywire blocked tremolo makes the bridge behave more like a hard tail
All of our guitars at Haywire Custom Shop with standard 6 point
tremolos are easily reversible hard tails. What do we mean by that?
Well, simply put, they are all blocked
tremolo style with the exception of the Floyd Rose models.
Why does Haywire block the tremolo?
Aside from the obvious fact that the outdated tremolo design has been
used since the early 1950’s, here are some more real good reasons why
we use a blocked tremolo as a “standard” feature:
Tremolo Headaches:
1- If all strings are removed at once it is time consuming to re-tune the guitar.
2- When one string breaks, all other strings go out of tune.
3- Intonation is a much longer and inaccurate process.
4- String bending can cause other strings to go slightly out of tune and sustain is lost.
5- Action with a “floating synchronized tremolo system” changes constantly and frustrates players.
What is a blocked tremolo, how does Haywire accomplish it and why do it?
A blocked tremolo requires tightening of the inertia block with the
two tremolo claw screws at the back wall of the tremolo cavity to
prevent it from moving. This makes the bridge behave more like a hard
tail bridge, eliminating common headaches. Remember this unit design
has not changed since 1948 but playing techniques have. Players are more
aware of out of tune problems today.
What is a blocked tremolo
Long ago electronic tuners that were not around back then.
Fortunately this change does not modify the instrument, nor is it
permanent. It can always be reversed, making it ideal for collectible
instruments that need to stay original. The Strat bridge is blocked and
basically tightened with the claw screws under the tremolo cover plate
in the back of the guitar body. The springs are so tight that the
tremolo will not move thereby rendering it a hard tail or a “blocked
tremolo” or “decked tremolo”.
Well two reasons: The re-sale value is much better if we don’t
physically change anything that can’t be reversed since lots of players
still want a tremolo or whammy bar. On your guitar just loosen the 2
claw screws that have been tightened in the back under the tremolo
cover. To put the tremolo back into service and have a usable tremolo
system once again, just loosen. Finally, there is a bit more added
sustain with the tremolo bridge because it has a great deal more metal
that a small hard tail bridge. It also has the benefit of the springs
which add even more sustain….so…There you have it! My suggestion, if I
may, Try a blocked tremolo for yourself and you’ll love it because it
stays in perfect tune and the whole process is not permanent or invasive
to your instrument and it’s completely reversible!
