Quick Gotoh 510 Question

As best I can tell, the only outlet with the Gotoh 510TS-FE1 in stock is Sweetwater at $159.99 (significantly cheaper but out of stock everywhere else I've checked). 

Sweetwater also has the Gotoh EV510T-FE in stock (and more to the point, on sale) for $97.49. 

As I understand it, the "TS" description details a "steel block." The EV510T-FE description details a "Chromium Molybdenum block." I'm familiar with Chromoly steel in stuff like piston rings and bicycles, but would the difference in these two trems be worth $60? 

I do note the difference in the base plates and "traditional aesthetics" of the 510TS-FE1 are of no concern at all.   

The 510TS-FE1



The EV510T-FE1



If it matters, this would be intended for the partscaster I'm working on and what I am trying to remedy is the stupid wobbly trem arm in the OEM tremolo. 

I will say (OTOH) I have remedied this on stock Fender two-points with a Callaham Enhanced Block mounted to the stock base plate. That's only $71 but another $20 for the arm puts it right at the price of the Gotoh EV - more considering shipping from Sweetwater is free. 

Thanks. 

I've gotten Gotoh parts from Guitar Hey before. (https://guitarhey.com/)

I think I ended up with the EV510T-FE1 on my guitars. 

I didn't know more than one 510 version existed. I've installed the 510 w/black block on a few clients' guitars and I've got the same unit on a couple of my personal superstrats (photo of "burgundy pist" included). The black block 510s sound and perform beautifully, sweet liquid feel, tuning is very stable, love the better bar assembly, the comfy saddles under the hand ... I really can't ask for more for myself or my pals. And I can't really see a need to upgrade, much less tack an upcharge on an already superior product.

velorush said:

I will say (OTOH) I have remedied this on stock Fender two-points with a Callaham Enhanced Block mounted to the stock base plate. 

Click to expand...

I have used these on my "threaded" strat trem arms and it works wonders...

Genuine Fender AM SRS BLACK Guitar Tremolo Arm Strat Tension Springs - Set of 12 https://reverb.com/item/6741506?utm_source=android-app&utm_medium=android-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=6741506

Or

Trem-Arm Tension Spring - StewMac https://share.google/uNx1hO65Gm97DPHot

you checked Philly luthier supply? (link below). I don't know which model Gotohs, but the Ibanez Premiums i've had with Gotoh non-locking trems have given me a very positive impression of Gotoh, and I did put a 1996T on a Cali, from Philly

GOTOH 510TS-BS1 2-Point Trem Brass Saddles - Philadelphia Luthier Tools & Supplies, LLC

Mike and I ended up going with the 510TS-BS1 on my #0066, because the Floyd Rose Rail Tail in Chrome that I had originally spec'd out kept getting pushing back the release date (this was late 2017), and this guitar was all ready to go except for the trem. I believe that this is the version with the 42mm steel block, but will check if that helps?

Always great to see a picture of #0066 (and the color-coordinated 3 Monkeys)!

I went with the EV510T-FE1 (direct replacement for the stock Fender), and it is out for delivery today.

I hope to be pulling the inserts out of the body and pressing in the Gotoh replacements this week and finally getting some paint on this thing. We have a very narrow weather window around here where we've got both humidity below 50% and temperatures warm enough for spraying.

I am already missing use of the guitar. Filtertrons in a Strat is just a great combination of sounds and playability.