1989 Squier II Stratocaster rides again

After years of not being played, I finally found the new parts I needed to get this guitar back together.

And now the story of my first guitar, my '89 Squier Stratocaster II and how I got this thing back working again.

Yes, it's my first guitar, but it's been modified somewhat heavily. The electronics have been redone (but the pickups are original), it has been refretted, 5-way switch replaced, and the awful original tuners with plastic tuner buttons replaced with proper metal Fender slotted tuners with metal oval buttons.

The #1 problem with these guitars (other than the tuners) is the tremolo system bridge block. It's made of a zinc alloy and literally crumbles apart after about 15 to 20 years. Can you replace this block with a Fender block? No. Too big, too long. You must use the infamous short/skinny Squier block.

There are only two ways to get this block. Buy an entire new Squier guitar that has it, or buy a complete tremolo system.

For years I searched for how to buy just the block and always ended up empty-handed. But then I had a thought. What if instead of searching for the block, I searched for the whole tremolo system?

I did some searching. Amazon had nothing. eBay had nothing. I then searched China sites since this block is still used in new Squier Strats and ta-da, found it...

...but I didn't know if it would fit. It was under 10 bucks with shipping, and the photos of the product showed the block. This was the closest I ever got to getting one of these blocks new. It was worth the risk. I bought it.

The box arrives, and yes, it is a complete trem system. Bridge, screws, claw, springs, saddles (with key to adjust height, nice touch), the works. But most importantly, YES IT CAME WITH THE BRIDGE BLOCK.

I grabbed my '89 Squier and did a test fit...

THE HOLES MATCH UP. I know the photo above makes it look like they don't, but the treble side slid over slightly since there are no screws in it just yet. But yes, the holes on the bridge match the holes on the body.

But did the block fit in the cavity on the rear without sticking out of the back of the guitar?

YES.

Oh, I was so excited. Still am.

Before even getting to installing the thing, I ran to my computer and placed another order for a second trem system. I wanted a backup. This bridge block has been eluding me for years and given the entire system is 10 bucks with shipping, oh yeah, I'm buying another.

Now it was time to get those screws in the body.

I lubricated all the screws with some bar soap, then installed the two end screws for hole 1 and hole 6. No problem. They went right in. I then went ahead and put in screws 2, 3, 4 and 5 about 75% of the way. Doing this allows me to set the bridge float the way I want, and once set, I can then tighten down the other screws.

On the back, I used the new claw springs but kept the original 1989 claw and claw screws.

After doing that I adjusted the saddles, set intonation and did the other basic guitar setup stuff...

...and it all worked. I finally have my '89 Squier Strat back in action again with a proper trem system that is correct for the guitar. And no new mods were needed to do it.

Will the bridge block last?

For about 15 to 20 years it will, and then crumble apart just like the first one did. This is why I bought a second one.

Will the second block crumble apart just like the first even if it goes unused? No. That one won't have any stress put on it from claw springs pulling on it, so it won't weaken.

The second block is a "just in case I need it" thing. It's probably true I'll never use it, but I feel better having it around if for whatever reason the replacement block starts to crumble early.

I don't plan on actually using the trem system, which will make the block last longer.

In the end, I finally found the bridge block I needed and the guitar is working again.

I like this so much that there may be another Strat in my future...

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Published 2019 Nov 26