Testimonials
Testimonials
The feedback we have been getting on our brass blocks and bridge assemblies is unbelievable! Here are just a few of our satisfied customers' testimonials:
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Once the blocks were on and the guitars were ready to play, I could definitely feel the difference. Unplugged, I definitely felt more vibration moving through the guitar, and you could hear the acoustic sound more loudly as well. Thats not to say it was fixed bridge resonance. It still felt and sounded like a trem-equipped guitar, just amped up. Plugged in, I anticipated that these new blocks would make the guitars sound thicker, fatter, heavier. You can definitely hear the difference, check the clips for example, but I don't feel that they became thicker. Instead, the new blocks made each guitar sound punchier, cleaner, more articulate and with more bell-like qualities. In stylistic terms, I lost some chugga-chugga and gained more pretty. The strat really benefits from this, as the stereotypical chimeyness of a strat is brought out even more. That bell-like ringing and clean articulation made my strat strattier.
After the block lotto is over, and if I come up empty handed, I'd definitely think about buying a block for my strat. I can really describe it no better than "making a strat strattier." For the floyd block, I feel like the benefits of the new block were definitely present and I think it sounded really good in person, but at least in recording I feel it sounded less-suited towards chugga chugga metal. Though those recordings are guitar-only...in a mix, the Killer block would most likely stand out more. I wish I had thought of that earlier...damn. I'd also love to compare it through a real amp, but unfortunately due to time constraints I only got to play through a modeling practice amp and the recordings were all POD.
All in all I was very pleased with both blocks, and HUGE thank you to Killer Guitar Components!"
There really is a "Holy ****!" moment when you get your guitar set back up and strum that first chord then rip into that first riff! It just seemed like I turned my tone up, all of it (bass, mids, treble) quite simply. My tone seems more 3-D, if that makes sense(?) Volume is louder, my guitar has more presence, the difference in sustain alone is unbelievable!
In all honesty I figured it was all hype but, unless the placebo effect got me bad (and several others who have posted their experiences as well) then I guess is isn't just hype after all. I'm floored by how much better my guitar sounds. I'll definitely be purchasing several in the very near future.
Now the block itself is nicely finished and has nice attention to detail. Another thing that I wanted to mention was that I didn't get to try the "spring retainer plate" although it seems like a "duh" idea after all of these years. I'm surprised it took somebody this long to think of it. Props to Rick on that one.
In closing - If your guitar is lacking sustain or you simply wanna (as corny as it sounds) turn your guitar up another notch - get yourself a big block and hear the difference. No bull**** here, folks.
Thanks Rick!
I have my Stratocaster set up with 5 trem springs, and the claw cranked way down; essentially "hardtailing" it. I am unsure if this minimizes the effect of a high mass trem block or not.
Unplugged: The guitar felt more resonant and sounded oh-so-slightly louder. It sounded richer, a little more like a piano. Sustain was also oh-so-slightly increased. My Strat, the way I have it set up, has almost 0 sustain, so it was a welcome change, although it must be noted that the guitar still had essentially no sustain.
Amplified: Much bolder. Juicier. The guitar sounded like it had more energy. It was more pleasurable to play because it sounded better. It was easier to get the guitar to give up the goods with the KGC brass block. I still think "juicier" is the best I could describe it.
Breakdown: The changes I noticed in my Stratocaster were subtle, but observable. If you had a guitar that was good and you wanted to take it from good to great, this would be a great option, and probably the first thing I would recommend, after experiencing it. In the case of my guitar, it's not very good in the first place for some reason, so my guitar went more from "ug" to "OK" than "good to great."
- ImmortalSix (SD Forum)
I've had a C******m block in this guitar from day one, so I'm very familiar with how it sounds at both home and live volumes. As you can see from the photos below, the two block are virtually identical dimensionally. The KGC block surprised me, I didn't expect such drastic differences compared to the C******m block I've dug so much over the years.
In short - when I swap the MIM body for a USA Fender or Warmoth in the near future, I'll be getting one of these brass blocks. The tone was noticeably smoother, thicker, and warmer in all positions - clean and overdriven. Since I'm obviously a fan of Timmons' tones, it should be no surprise I like fat warm tones.
I expected the brass block to provide more bite, clarity, and some "twang" on the high end. It didn't add any twang, but I can hear more of my pick attack and it seems to provide a bit more clarity with higher gain. I really like that it made the high end thicker sounding without turning the lows into a muffled mess. Overall I think it makes my strat more balanced sounding. This block is a winner in my book."
-Alan
"Hey Rick!!
-Roberto
"great product, very satisfying. Loved the included directions. Thanks very much."
-David
"When I initially put the block on, my Strat was having some grounding and fret buzz issues. Once these were solved it gave me a better idea as to how the brass was compared to the steel. While I think a good steel block has its place, the brass offers another dimension to my sound, especially for recording. It really stands out when playing chords, double stops and partials. With the added sustain and greater note "clarity", playing single note lines with a open string pedal tone sounded really rich and focused."
-Brent
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"My Brass Block and Bridge Plate arrived today. After an easy installation I plugged my guitar in and hear a noticeable improvement.
With a fatter warmer bottom and crisp mids and highs the guitar sonically has a much broader range. It has a more dynamic pick attack and way more sustain.
I believe that my Brass Block was an equal improvement to my tone as my custom shop pickups.
Thank you for your excellent customer service and amazing detailed work."
-Paul
I used a C******m block in my partscaster for about a year, all the while trying to tame some excess brightness by experimenting with tone caps, different strings, picks, etc. I finally changed to a KGC brass block and immediately found the tonal spectrum of the guitar much more balanced, with a sweeter high end, more acoustic resonance and even more sustain than C******m's."
I was, and still am, absolutely floored by the difference it made to the sound of my self assembled strat. It is right up there with a new set of pickups or a new neck.
I started out with a Callaham vintage tremolo unit and just swapped out the block. I had to order a new tremolo arm with the vintage thread and while I was waiting I got used to having the guitar stay in tune for a change when I do elaborate bending (tele-style!). After installing the tremolo arm, which stays in place just like the manufacturer says it would, I decided that I preferred tuning stability over the ability to do detune maneuvers with the tremolo. So now it has five springs screwed in tight and the bridge plate doesn't move.
The improvement in tone is exactly as KGC describe, richer sound, better note separation, clear crisp clean treble and way improved touch sensitivity. Before, with the old set-up, I had to strike the string fairly strongly to get a decent sounding note. (Many people on this forum have commented that strats like to be hit hard or 'bashed'). Now with a very light touch the notes just jump out of the guitar/amp and as I increase the pick attack the notes get brighter without the uncontrollable ice-pick effect coming into play.
I would highly recommend this upgrade, especially of you find that you have to work too hard to get the notes of your strat to ring out. As the guys say, there is a good reason that bells are made from brass!
BTW I am not affiliated with KGC and I do not get any benefit from sales of this product."
You'll find I've paypaled you for another...
Thanks and hope things are going well for you..."
Thom
"I just wanted to say your brass block is truly exceptional, the best I have tried yet, better than call****s cold steel, better than D****ple/K** Titanium, and light years ahead of standard fender issues. It's definately a big part of the tone I was looking for!!! You really should try to send a block or two to tonequest report magazine for a review, the exposure/press would boost your sales and get it out in front of more potential buyers/tonehounds/OCD guitar nuts. God bless and great work. OVER AND OUT"
"Hello everyone. Im a guitarist from Germany and what i have to say : Rick and Sandy are really cool guys and they do killer parts, that make your guitar definetly sound better - ill tell you why :
I ordered a tremblock for my Wilkinson VS 100 and also the Raw Vintage Springs.
My guitar is a custom made strat-like thing with an Ash body ( which is not my favorite wood - its Mahogany ).
I always wanted to thicken up the sound and get more mids and more bass and more sustain and to get rid of the harshness in the treble.
I installed the KGC block and : it was all there.
Everything they say about those brass blocks is true. Im not one of those guys looking for EVERY new product on the market - i just want my guitar to sound good, plug n PLAY.
It really sounds different now and allthough i think its a silly thing to do i give you a number : id say its about 30% better sounding now ( wow - this is a lot ).
I would also recommand that Raw Vintage Springs. They are slightly bigger in diameter compared to other springs and they make your guitar feel SMOOTH. If you got problems with a stiff guitar and also tried a neck shim - try these ones.
One word about the support of Rick n Sandy :
This is definetly more than you can ask for. There has been a mixup with my order and wrote an email. I asure you : these nice people wont stop, till your completely satisfied. Everything went ok.
KGC is an awesome young company and they do awesome killer parts for your guitar.
If you dont try their products, your missing the best part, trust me.
Greetings to all from Germany."
"Hi Rick,
"I just got my guitar back yesterday and it's playing and sounding more amazing than ever. It is absolutely baffling just how much of a difference your hardware makes..."
-Alfie (Analog War Cry)
"Greetings. I picked up a 2009 American Standard Strat in a trade recently, it was OK but it didn't play anything like my '78 with a blocked tremolo. Too bright and kind of plunky unless I jacked the action up high. A set of active pickups helped a lot but the brass tremolo block made almost as big a difference. Smoother, more sustain and a clearer, more focused tone overall. I was pretty skeptical about $80 for a chunk of brass but this thing really delivers. Thanks."
-MM Reno, NV
"Hi Rick, Peter here. Well, I got the block and the raw vintage springs installed in my guitar. I did my first gig with it tonight and it was awesome. The guitar just had so much sustain and harmonic richness. It was a good guitar before, now it's a great guitar. I'll never look back now. I finally feel like I have the tools to do the job properly. All that's left now is to play and get better. Thanks for your great products and like you said it certainly was worth the wait. Cheers and all the best"
- Peter
"I received my block yesterday and have my guitar all set up, i can hear a big difference in tone which I'm very happy with and can't wait to get into the studio. I think it sounds better than my friends £2000 Les Paul. I think he's a bit jealous ha-ha! lol"
thanks again! - Kris
"I installed my KGC VS100 trem block in my strat just over a week now
and I its really fantastic. Right away my sound was fuller, smoother in
the sense the harsh shrill high tones were gone. It really got thicker
and meatier and very toneful.
What really floored me was how my single note runs really stood out now
on the higher strings whereas before thin and weak in comparison to the
lower string runs. For me and my setup (kinman pups & handwire 5e3 amp),
it was akin to adding compressor between my strat and amp to equalize
the volume and tone.
Also the workmanship is simply incredible, I keep the spring cover off
just so I can look at it."
-Dan
"I want to let you know how good your brass sounds compared to others...always had a biting twang to it that I couldn’t get rid of. I tried different pickups, 250k pots...everything kind of helped a little but it wasn’t until I placed YOUR brass block in there that it sounded right...I have no idea what’s different about your material, but man what a great difference!"
-Craig
"Hey Sandy - got the block...beautiful! Skillfully crafted? TOO DAMN RIGHT! LOVE IT!"
-Lewis
"...after changing to a fresh set of strings and taking the time to really put the new block through its paces, I have to say, the new improved tone is (as the name suggests) KILLER!
-Matthew
"I'm not sure whether to describe my initial reaction as proud or orgasmic ... probably a bit of both, in reverse order ...You weren't kidding -- my new baby is a good 'old chunk of brass! Install was a breeze and the difference in tone is nothing short of remarkable...Thanks again for what is probably the best upgrade to my Strat ... ever."
-Paul
"I have installed your blocks in 2 of my guitars and they sound AWESOME. They make the guitar come alive and the tone and sustain is fantastic. I will be ordering another couple."
-Wayne
"Well,let me just say [like I said before] I was surprised that there was more of a substantial block than I thought [7.6 ounces of whatever metal that is]originally in my '88 Amer. Std. 'Strat . However,the K.G.C. Mega-mass brass block,at 11.6 ounces Kicks butt over the factory-installed model. It inspired me to revisit my guitar's entire setup process, but once done,it sounds better than it ever did before,melodic and sweet everywhere on the neck,stem-to-stern.And,yes,the added sustain is easily noticeable.But now I fear that a note sustained for more than four hours may necessitate a trip to the guitar doctor,but we'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there!
Meanwhile,It sounds awesome through my newly-refurbished and tweaked '65 blackface Pro Reverb .Thanks for a great product."
- John
"...gigged my Suhr Strat this weekend with the new block...AWESOME ! There is a depth to the tone that was lacking before and the string anchoring at the base also helped my new strings settle in much quicker."
-Mark
"Hi Rick
I got my brass trem block today, it looks great, I will take some pics as I get it installed and post my thoughts on your site.
I'm sure it will be a great improvement, I think I'll leave my trem cover off so I can look at it and show it off."
-Mike
"All I can say is WOW! This thing is soooo awesome. I received it today and installed it in my Strat and it improved the sound so much that it is staggering. It truly acts like an active eq would. The old steel block and bent steel saddles enhanced the mid and upper mid frequencies and when used with a humbucker it was just not good. With the Gotoh 510 tremolo and the KGC brass block the tone is absolutely perfect. Exactly what I was looking for and much better than I expected."
-Sean
Comments
Alex Zipkin
Just got my brass sustain block with spring cover and it's amazing. First off the craftsmanship is unsurpassed. It couldn't be done any better, it's a shame it's hidden in the trem cavity! As for the tone... You didn't lie, I've never heard an Original Floyd sound better. The clarity and sustain with a good passive pickup is amazing and addicting! Every trem guitar I own and build is getting one.
Thanks!
Tom
Everything that you hear about these brass blocks is true. The KGC mega mass brass block increased my guitar’s sustain, string to string balance, tone and it’s acoustically louder. Going forward, any guitar that I buy with a tremolo block will get a KGC mega brass block.
There is more girth to this block than the other brand Im (WAS
The build details are very impressive compared to the others. The extra long screws make for a bigger contact. The spring retainer and very snug spring holes and angle offer a secure connection. I will upgrade all my trem guitars with KGC blocks and can't recommend them enough. For my favorite babies, I may upgrade the claw too.
Great products and great service, you have earned my business!
Thank you!
Bryan- FL
Thanks for making the single best 1 part tone improvement I have ever tried!
I received the KGC brass block a couple days ago, installed it...(drum roll cue here)... and I just couldn't believe that I have "finally" found my dream strat sound!!! bluesy-glassy-bright-bell like tone but with enhanced sustain and resonance.
I was really surprised with just a simple upgrade it changes the sound characteristic of my strat drastically.
Not only this brass improved the sound of my strat but also improved her look too! The polished part added some bling2x to my strat.
So, I thank you KGC for your dedication in creating this amazing brass block... money really well spent!
Many thanks from now-your-biggest-fan,
Marcello.
P.S I just want to let you know that I normally admiring my strat from her front side only, but now...it's her backside I admire the most
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