CA Guitar Repair Blog: Fender MIJ ST72-55 Overhaul

Truss Rod Nut and String Retainers

In this post, I thought we'd take another look at the hardware on this ST72-55, as there are certain components that I've just disassembled for servicing. We'll begin with the bullet truss rod nut, which is in fine shape, save for tarnish and lots of dust. Next up are the original string retainers. Although the "butterfly wings" will be replaced, I'll be reusing the mounting screws and plastic spacers.

Truss Rod Nut Unscrewed

Original String Retainers

Neck Plate and Strap Buttons

Moving on to the Fender Japan three-bolt neck plate, we see lots of fine scratches topside, probably caused by numerous belt buckles over the years. And, although there's considerable pitting, the chrome plating is largely intact. Flipping the plate over reveals discoloration and clouding, which is quite normal. The neck attachment screws, strap buttons, and strap button screws all display a vintage patina, thanks to years of unaddressed tarnish, but should clean up nicely. All five screw heads, meanwhile, have developed minute rust spots. A good steel wooling and polish should take care of that, though.

Fender Japan Neck Plate - Top

Fender Japan Neck Plate - Underside

Neck Attachment Screws

Strap Buttons and Mounting Screws

Tremolo Bridge

The vintage style six-screw tremolo bridge has been taken apart, literally down to the smallest screw and bolt. The bridge mounting screws, base plate, and tremolo block are all coated with dust and grime, as one would expect. One saving grace, though, is the fat brass tremolo block. It's a thing of beauty, isn't it?

Tremolo Bridge Base Plate

Bridge Mounting Screws

Brass Tremolo Block

Folks, I've run into problems with regard to unfastening the saddle height screws. The hex sockets are too rusted out to accept a hex key, so I've had to remove them by force with a pair of pincer pliers. As the threads are now damaged, these 12 screws will definitely be replaced. On a brighter note, the intonation screws and springs are in working order, as are the die-cast saddles.

Saddle Height Screws Removed With Pliers

Close-Up of Saddle Height Screws

Each and every component of the tremolo bridge has now been serviced, and the unusable saddle height screws replaced. We can now proceed with reassembly and reinstallation. Over in the tremolo cavity, a third spring has been added in the middle, as Pak Long wants the bridge plate decked when the tremolo is not in use.

Tremolo Bridge Reassembled

Tremolo Bridge Reinstalled

Third Tremolo Spring Added

Brass Nut

The brass nut, as is, looks rather dull due to prolonged exposure to the elements, compounded by abject neglect. This is not really a problem, as a little steel wooling and Autosol will spruce it up in no time at all. What concerns me is the depth of the nut slots, as all the strings are "buried" way too deep. For example, with the ST72-55 strung to pitch, one cannot even see the tops of the E, A and D wound strings. And so, to set things right, I've decided to file material off the top of the nut, thereby reducing the depth of the nut slots.

Filing the Top of the Brass Nut

Nut Slots Are Now Much Shallower

Final Setup and Mini Photo Shoot

All components have been reinstalled, and this ST72-55 strung with D'Addario EXL120s. I've also had to raise the brass nut a tad with a Sen [Japanese Ash] shim to accommodate the height of the new Dunlop #6000 frets. Refretting the neck has not only allowed me to reduce neck relief to the minimum, but also set string height at the 12th fret to 2/32" for both E strings; without buzzing. Under-string radius has also been set to 7.25" to match that of the fretboard.

Here's Pak Long's Fender MIJ ST72-55 after the overhaul, primed and ready to get back in the ring. Now you've seen what the overhauled Strat looks like, would you like to listen to it? You do? Well, folks, you're in luck. Up-and-coming fretmeister Syed Aziq, who happens to be Pak Long's nephew, has put the guitar through its paces and recorded a video for posterity. Do check out the video in Part 6 of this write-up.