Not Sure If I Like My Big Brass Block

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jeff5

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I know a lot of folks swear by this and I have done it in other guitars. I put a big brass block from FU Tone on my Ibanez Edge but I don't know if I love it. A couple things I've noticed.

While the tone may be deeper (honestly I didn't A/B so I don't know) I feel I lost some harmonics and brightness. While I know pinch harmonics are a matter of technique (I'm sure mine isn't that good), I felt they were easier to pull off with the stock block.

The trem feels clunkier now. I know the brass block adds mass so I anticipated it to be heavier. But I felt the stock block was light, easy to move and very smooth. I don't feel that way with the big brass block now.

I kind of feel like the trem isn't as balanced and goes out of tune a bit more, even when locked.

Has anyone done this upgrade and not liked it and switched back? Or did you go with another type of upgrade/material and liked it better?

Thanks,
Jeff
 
Yes. Some guitars I have liked with it and some not. It does add sustain. It also smooths out the tone. Takes the hair off the edges so to speak. Sometimes I don't like that. I have also used a copper block with the same results but I do like the copper block.
 
agreed
more depth/sustain
but also smooths out the attack

I had some attacking BK pickups to offset that and was a solid combination, but eventually, I sold the guitar. I don't know if I would do it again.
 
Yep, depends on the guitar...works great on a 'thin' sounding guitar but one that already has good, resonant tone it may be too much. Just gotta experiment.
 
Tried them and not a fan. I could see using one if the guitar is very thin and nasal sounding. But then I wouldn't be buying a guitar that sounds like that.
I do use brass trem-stoppers in my guitars (all Floyd/Edge trems) and they add just a little of that nice chunk without taking away the edginess and attack.
https://www.amazon.com/Neck-Check-Guita ... B00FUTXO8G
 
I put one in my Kamikaze. Really changed it.
Took it out. Put back in the stock block. It was just too thick sounding.
I liked the edge of the stock sound.
 
yep I put one on my charvel and hated it so took it off within 3 weeks
 
im with a lot of the other guys that have chimed in here. I have some guitars that I like it with, and some that I don't. it definitely adds sustain and thickness but some guitars just need that little bit of "hair" in the tone to sound right. with all that said every guitar I own has a Floyd rose, and only about half of them have a block upgrade.
 
Yes exactly. The Kamikazie is a heavy hitter stock. Adding the big brass block sorta just made it more thick. I had a Anderson I put a big block in and it brang it to life.
Go figure. :lol: :LOL:
 
I've tried it several times on different guitars and always take it off. Don't like the tone
 
Same as Splatter here....I have tried them but they don't sound as good to me and I have left all of mine with the stock block.
 
I'd be interested to see if it's a body wood thing that makes the difference...
 
I don’t like using big blocks anymore. I had brass, titanium, etc. I just prefer the stock small brass block.
 
When you give some of the big names in music your product for free so long as they swear by it, only to make more sales, what'd you expect. Adam Reiver is a show salesman. That's it.
 
I forgot to add that it's snake oil. Adding mass, adds resonance. 100% snake oil.
 
It is noticeable. But out of 3 guitars I had them in .... only one was ‘noticeable’ in a pleasant way.
YMMV :yes:
 
I like brass more in Jacksons with Schaller Floyd's and OFR's more than Ibanez with Edge trems. I don't find Edge terms to get along with brass blocks.
 
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