mod brainstorming

[ktaylorm60]

Hey I have a lefty Squier Strat That I'm looking to modify and I was just trying to get some ideas of what to do and where to get supplies for it any suggestions on paint, pickups, etc. would help please give me some sites to visit for materials to. It's stock color is a metallic black

 

[snarph]

What is it that you want when its done?

 

[Bloozcat]

To echo what snarph said, what are you trying to achieve here?

Some of the usual and basic mods that most people want to do is the electronics - including pickups, the bridge, and possibly the nut. Those three areas will transform the guitar. Now, of course that's assuming that the guitar plays well now with no neck/fret issues that need addressing.

Give us some more info, and we'll be able to offer some options for you.

 

[duhvoodooman]

Yup, agreed. Can't give you directions if we don't know where you're trying to go.....

 

[dino1013]

Hey I have a lefty Squier Strat That I'm looking to modify and I was just trying to get some ideas of what to do and where to get supplies for it any suggestions on paint, pickups, etc. would help please give me some sites to visit for materials to. It's stock color is a metallic black

http://store.guitarfetish.com/

 

[pie_man_25]

yeah, we'll need more info

 

[dino1013]

Hey I have a lefty Squier Strat That I'm looking to modify and I was just trying to get some ideas of what to do and where to get supplies for it any suggestions on paint, pickups, etc. would help please give me some sites to visit for materials to. It's stock color is a metallic black

go here for the stuff u want or need prices are great
http://store.guitarfetish.com/

this is what i did to my squire, and its sweet
Squire Strat loaded GFS lil killers+eric clapton mid boost+super strat kit

 

[pie_man_25]

/\ guitarfetish is a great site for the musician on a budget, everything is quality on a good pricetag.

 

[ktaylorm60]

specifics

I'm trying to get something that not only looks original but also has the sound to back it up I'm looking for some pickups with high output but low feed back and basiclly make it the metal players dream guitar. there are no current problems with the guitar

 

[Spudman]

I'm trying to get something that not only looks original but also has the sound to back it up I'm looking for some pickups with high output but low feed back and basiclly make it the metal players dream guitar. there are no current problems with the guitar

If you are serious then it better be a really nice Squier or you are going to be putting enough $ into it that you could buy something nicer instead.

You are looking at:

• locking tuners
• 3 new rail type pickups
• new pots and caps
• groovy pickguard
• body decal
• strings

That's well over $200 right there. Are you sure you want to fork out that kind of cash on a budget guitar? Might it not be wiser to save that 200 and add another 200 to it and get a higher quality "metal player's" guitar? I'm just asking.

Also, why don't you stop at the 'fret players' forum and introduce yourself. We like to get to know our members a bit.

 

[Fingers]

Well......................

 

[marnold]

I'm trying to get something that not only looks original but also has the sound to back it up I'm looking for some pickups with high output but low feed back and basiclly make it the metal players dream guitar. there are no current problems with the guitar

From everything I've read (note: I haven't tried them or heard them in person) it's sounds like the GFS Lil Killers would be right up your street. Unfortunately, they are sold out at the moment. http://store.guitarfetish.com/casetof3lilk1.html

 

[Bloozcat]

Well, since it is a Squire, you may want to try getting this project done without your mods being worth more than the guitar. The rail pickups by GFS are one option as stated, but here's another from GFS if you want an overwound single coil that retains a little more of that single coil tone.

http://store.guitarfetish.com/provalstpiou.html

I would normally reccommend CTS pots for replacements, but in keeping with the budget minded theme, these ALPHA pots are a good choice.

http://store.guitarfetish.com/fusi50aupoal.html

Again, my normal reccomendation regarding ohm rating for the pots would be 250k, but these pickups are seriously over-wound...in humbucker territory by resistance rating.

Since I like to wire my strats with a tone control on the neck and bridge pickups with the middle wide open, these are the caps I personally would use: 716P, 200 v Orange Drops - .010mf for the neck, and .022mf for the bridge. Although it's traditional that a Strat middle and neck tone pot share the same cap (usually a .022mf on modern Strats), It's only a few cents more and a little extra soldering (very little) to give yourself two distinctly different cap options that are more tailored to the individual pickups.

I'd replace the 5-way switch with a CRL for under $10.00, and replace the input jack with a Switchcraft for under $3.00.

Many folks like the locking tuners, but they can really add to the cost of your mods very significantly. Although I do have one Strat clone with Sperzel locking tuners, I've had just as much luck using good non-locking tuners and a good post wrap, personally. You should be able to find a good set of Gotohs or Grovers for under $35.00. If you're patient, you can even find a new/pulled set of Fender American std. tuners on Ebay at a reasonable price (I think they're made by Shaller if I'm not mistaken).

So, with these basic mods, you're looking at less than $120.00 plus shipping. If you want to go the extra mile, I'd recommend replacing the bridge as well with one that has a steel tremolo block. IMHO, the tone difference is too significant not to, but now you're talking about adding at least another $35.00- over $100.00. If one of the Callaham steel blocks will fit your bridge, that is an option as well.

I can reccommend some sites for some of the other parts I mentioned if you're interested.