The upgrade in one sentence
Every Stratocaster-style tremolo relies on the block to anchor the strings and transmit energy into the body. Most stock blocks — especially on imports — are cast zinc, which is light, damped, and anaemic. Swapping to a solid brass block dramatically improves low-end weight, sustain, and tuning return under heavy vibrato.
Measure these four things before you buy
A tremolo block is a drop-in upgrade only if four dimensions match your guitar. Get callipers; it takes five minutes.
Block width and height — thin 32–36 mm blocks fit import Strats and Squier-style bodies; 38–42 mm blocks fit American-spec bodies.
String spacing at the saddles — vintage 52.5 mm / 2-1/16″, or modern 56 mm / 2-3/16″.
Tremolo arm thread — M6 (most imports) or 10-32 (most USA Fender).
Number of springs / claw pitch — 3-, 4-, and 5-spring claws have different hole patterns.
Brass vs steel blocks
Brass is the classic upgrade: warmer, fatter, and the easiest path to more sustain. Steel blocks are the lesser-seen alternative and read tighter with a cleaner transient — closer to the stock American sound with more weight behind it. Most players we ship to pick brass.
Two-point vs six-screw bridges
Our blocks cover both archetypes. Two-point tremolos (American Standard, Ultra, Player Plus) use a narrower pair of pivot studs and usually need a specific block geometry — the two-point block is slightly different from the vintage six-screw block and they are not interchangeable. Order by bridge type, not just by body.
What ships with the block
Every Aumsen tremolo block ships with a printed spec sheet and, where needed, a pre-tapped spring claw screw set. Springs are available separately — we keep vintage-tension and hot-rod sets in stock.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to re-set up the guitar after swapping the block?
Yes. The float height, spring tension, and intonation will all need a quick pass. Allow 20 minutes if the saddles stay on; an hour if you swap saddles at the same time.
Will a brass block fit my Squier?
Most Squier Strats use a thin block (32–36 mm) with 2-1/16″ string spacing and an M6 tremolo-arm thread. Our 32 mm and 36 mm import blocks match that geometry — verify before ordering.
Does the block colour change anything tonally?
No. Finish (hand-polished, brushed, plated) affects looks and corrosion resistance but not tone.