Tweet
This isn't a true NGD, but the upgrades are all done and the end results make me feel that an NGD post is warranted.
I bought a like new Squier Vintage Modified '70s Stratocaster from Guitar Center Used Gear for just $79.99. It arrived and was truly like new. I then put another $80 worth of upgrades into it (Fender MIM Standard tremolo assembly and Fender US wiring, pots, cap, switch, output jack, and pickup covers) and replaced the bridge pickup with a Seymour Duncan JB Jr I had from a previous guitar.
At this point the guitar was really solid. I liked it a bunch, except that the neck was ultimately a bit thinner and flatter than I prefer. I've got big hands and absolutely LOVE the neck on my 2013 Fender Japan '54 Stratocaster. The stock VM70's neck is well made...it's basically a full C version of an MIM Standard modern C neck, so it fills the hand a touch more than a standard. However, switching from the 54 Strat to the VM70's was just too much for me.
I ultimately decided to replace the neck, so I purchased a loaded 2015 MIM Classic Series '50s Stratocaster neck from Reverb. I also had Warmoth send me a single-ply 8 screw pickguard with my preference of two knob holes.
My guitar tech put everything together for me this morning and redid the setup for the 7.25" radius.
I thought the guitar was good before...my word...it's AMAZING now. And I mean that. This new neck is absolutely wonderful. It was a perfect, drop in fit for the body.
Digital calipers measurements of this classic series '50s neck:
.886" (22.5 mm) at 1st fret
.915" (23.25 mm) at 12th fret
The body and the middle and neck pickups are the only things that remain from the original guitar.
PICS of my completed Fender/Squier '50s Partscaster (Punk Rock Blackie):
I bought a like new Squier Vintage Modified '70s Stratocaster from Guitar Center Used Gear for just $79.99. It arrived and was truly like new. I then put another $80 worth of upgrades into it (Fender MIM Standard tremolo assembly and Fender US wiring, pots, cap, switch, output jack, and pickup covers) and replaced the bridge pickup with a Seymour Duncan JB Jr I had from a previous guitar.
At this point the guitar was really solid. I liked it a bunch, except that the neck was ultimately a bit thinner and flatter than I prefer. I've got big hands and absolutely LOVE the neck on my 2013 Fender Japan '54 Stratocaster. The stock VM70's neck is well made...it's basically a full C version of an MIM Standard modern C neck, so it fills the hand a touch more than a standard. However, switching from the 54 Strat to the VM70's was just too much for me.
I ultimately decided to replace the neck, so I purchased a loaded 2015 MIM Classic Series '50s Stratocaster neck from Reverb. I also had Warmoth send me a single-ply 8 screw pickguard with my preference of two knob holes.
My guitar tech put everything together for me this morning and redid the setup for the 7.25" radius.
I thought the guitar was good before...my word...it's AMAZING now. And I mean that. This new neck is absolutely wonderful. It was a perfect, drop in fit for the body.
Digital calipers measurements of this classic series '50s neck:
.886" (22.5 mm) at 1st fret
.915" (23.25 mm) at 12th fret
The body and the middle and neck pickups are the only things that remain from the original guitar.
PICS of my completed Fender/Squier '50s Partscaster (Punk Rock Blackie):
Comment