Hybrid Stratocaster Tremolo Options

[chuckocaster]

you should be fine just running the two outside screws, there are lots of dudes that do that. you really only need those two screws to keep the trem located. there isn't gonna be a loss in strength taking out the other four, i know it seems like there will be, but it isn't so.

tuning issues can be a real hassle. taking out the inner four screws will cut down on the friction placed on the bridge plate. between the nut and that, therein lies most of your tuning issues. i'd either work or have the nut worked over. smooth and polish the but grooves, take any excess material off of the nut, sort of the works. the real trick to whammies is taking out ALL of the friction and hang ups. it can be time consuming and all, but just swapping blocks and trem plates may not get you there. it's a matter of physics and a good setup.

best of luck with your project.