string tree/guide and neck screws for 1970's fender strat build

finest1

hi all

hope you are all well

I need to get some items for my strat build.  the neck is a 1974 strat with no string tree or guide. can i get any string guide? i don't necessarily need it period correct as the body and neck are genuine 1974 so that's good enough for me.

also any advice on neck screws?

thanks

ICBM

The classic Fender 'butterfly' type, which is also period correct, is the best - but it does need to be a proper high quality one with dished 'wings' and no sharp edges... cheap ones are often flat and the strings snag on the edges.

It's usually best to raise them above the head surface with a spacer too, they're too low otherwise and can cause binding in the nut.

Headphones

But some cream can fix it...

finest1

ICBM said:

The classic Fender 'butterfly' type, which is also period correct, is the best - but it does need to be a proper high quality one with dished 'wings' and no sharp edges... cheap ones are often flat and the strings snag on the edges.

It's usually best to raise them above the head surface with a spacer too, they're too low otherwise and can cause binding in the nut.

like these?

https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Fender-Vintage-Style-Stratocaster-String-Guides/QW5

http://https//www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255967165056

ICBM

finest1 said:like these?

https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Fender-Vintage-Style-Stratocaster-String-Guides/QW5

Yes.

finest1 said:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255967165056

No.

That perfectly illustrates the difference - these are cheap crap with flat wings which will snag the strings. Notice how the wings on the first ones are ‘dished’, with an upward curve along the length of the string so the edge is above the string.

finest1

thanks!

neck screws, anything i need to be aware of?

ICBM

Does it have the tilt mechanism still in place?

finest1

ICBM said:

Does it have the tilt mechanism still in place?

yes

ICBM

Probably worth getting an original 3-bolt plate and screws with the other half of the mechanism. If you would prefer 4 screws you can fit a USA Standard type which uses a simpler fitting, but you’ll have to drill extra holes in the neck - which will devalue it, if that matters to you.