Late 1980’s Strat aesthetics...

[Gtrjunior]

It’s gotta have a Floyd!!!

[Mincer]

I hope if I build this thing I don’t regret it being a hardtail instead of a Floyd.

I think it is human nature to want what we don't have. Either way, you will wish you had it!

[PFDarkside]

I hope if I build this thing I don’t regret it being a hardtail instead of a Floyd.

[chrisplaysmusic]

Consider using a Stetsbar ii

[Mincer]

Yeah, the new Jupiter 6 string is out. I don't know what you consider 'classic' tones, though. The Jupiter isn't a classic sounding pickup at all.

[ItsaBass]

I absolutely love my El Diablo. Although, it's not "thin" rails. Everyone, including the website, calls it super hot. It doesn't strike me that way at all. I hear it as surprisingly well balanced, both in output and frequency response. The Custom Shop also has the "thin-rail" Jupiter. But I haven't heard one of those.

Oops. Just noticed the Jupiter is for 7-string.

And . . . I back-pedal again. There's a 6-string version now, as a regular production model.

He should check out Wilde pickups. The L500 can be built in four different models, from 3 Henries up, for under $100
a pickup, including tax and shipping, directly from the manufacturer. IME, very fast delivery too. You can even text message the builder! Crazy.

[ArtieToo]

Is there a “rails” bridge other than a Dimebucker that would look right with the smaller rails and still give classic tones?

I absolutely love my El Diablo. Although, it's not "thin" rails. Everyone, including the website, calls it super hot. It doesn't strike me that way at all. I hear it as surprisingly well balanced, both in output and frequency response. The Custom Shop also has the "thin-rail" Jupiter. But I haven't heard one of those.

Oops. Just noticed the Jupiter is for 7-string.

And . . . I back-pedal again. There's a 6-string version now, as a regular production model.

[PFDarkside]

The most frustrating aspect of the whole project? Such a thing as an open framed black stereo jack does not appear to exist.

I’ve noticed that... I’m contemplating what to do if I go active.

[ArtieToo]

Ah, ok! A lot of consensus...

[PFDarkside]

Post #9. Sung to the tune of "Revolution #9."

Ah, ok! A lot of consensus...

[ArtieToo]

Wait, which is #9? Dystrust’s tele?

Post #9. Sung to the tune of "Revolution #9."

[ItsaBass]

Looks fun! Is that an original Kahler and EMG SAs?

No, not original. It was a '50s vintage style Japanese Strat when it was new. I got it with a black guard, EMGs, and a stripped and oiled neck. Played it that way for a good number of years. Converted back to '50s style, and kept it that way for a number of years. Neck suffered both water damage and the truss rod became un-anchored. It sat. Dug the old rod out and fabricated a new one. At that time, I decided to go with something like the vibe you are thinking about – '80s style mods – since it is pretty true to the actual era of the guitar, and the way some kid might have modded it back then. Tracked down an '80s Kahler pulled from a Jackson (IIRC), refurbished and installed that. Got a new guard (the old one was the same color, but ugly as hell from wear). Put the EMGs back in. Designed a new wiring scheme using all new pots, jack, and switch. Black jack plate. Black Hipshots. Black nut. Still working on the neck (needs a re-fret too). I have an Allparts neck on it for the time being.

The most frustrating aspect of the whole project? Such a thing as an open framed black stereo jack does not appear to exist.

[PFDarkside]

Looks good to me.

Here's what I'm doing to my first guitar, an '85 MIJ '50s Strat. Working on the one-piece maple neck right now. Black nut and black Hipshot lockers. Kind of similar to the aesthetic you are sketching out, but without the saturated color.

EMGs, V/T/T/T controls, 18V (battery holders in former trem claw cavity). The EMGs came in the guitar when I first got it 30 years ago. They came out for some time, but they're back in as part of the current revamp-in-progress.

That weird extra hole in the body has been in there since I got it. The previous owner "blocked" the vibrato by putting in two pan-head screws overhanging the top of the vibrato plate. D'oh!

Looks fun! Is that an original Kahler and EMG SAs?

[PFDarkside]

#9, #9, #9 . . .

Wait, which is #9? Dystrust’s tele?

[ItsaBass]

Looks good to me.

Here's what I'm doing to my first guitar, an '85 MIJ '50s Strat. Working on the one-piece maple neck right now. Black nut and black Hipshot lockers. Kind of similar to the aesthetic you are sketching out, but without the saturated color.

EMGs, V/T/T/T controls, 18V (battery holders in former trem claw cavity). The EMGs came in the guitar when I first got it 30 years ago. They came out for some time, but they're back in as part of the current revamp-in-progress.

That weird extra hole in the body has been in there since I got it. The previous owner "blocked" the vibrato by putting in two pan-head screws overhanging the top of the vibrato plate. D'oh!