Fender FR Blacktop Strat

[Inflames626]

Hi all,
Is the Fender Blacktop Strat universally routed? I'd like to set it up for a H S S style, maybe with some Fat 50s. Was hoping a common Fender HSS pickguard would work, but I'm not sure if the screws would line up.

I'm looking for something vintage with modern features--along the lines of an Adrian Smith Jackson.

Ideally it should be black, mirror pickguard, maple or vintage stained maple neck.

Only downside is the Blacktops are rosewood.

I'm thinking some MIJ 80s Fenders would work.

Thanks.

 

[greekdude]

Re: Fender FR Blacktop Strat

Blacktops are pool routed. The ones I played felt and sounded not very good.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Fender FR Blacktop Strat

I don't have a ton of experience with Strats--more Jackson necks. I'm expecting a little less playability.

I'm expecting the pickups to be middling and the bridge to not be very good.

Hoping I could pick one up for 300-400, add an OFR and pickups.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Fender FR Blacktop Strat

It's that or a Charvel Pro Mod that I don't think will accept a Fender HSS pickguard.

 

[dotsdad]

Re: Fender FR Blacktop Strat

By the time you put an OFR in it, set it up, and add good pickups; you would spend more than if you hold out for a used Charvel or Jackson.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Fender FR Blacktop Strat

By the time you put an OFR in it, set it up, and add good pickups; you would spend more than if you hold out for a used Charvel or Jackson.

Possibly. However, most used Jackson/Charvels I see with OFRs and good pups used retail used for about $1000. And I don't get to pick exactly the pickups I want.

Assuming I can get a Blacktop for 300-400, an OFR would be about 200 (250 for a Pro), and the pickups perhaps 200. I do setups and electronics myself.

Another benefit might be that if I wanted to add a lot of wiring options I would just need to drill through a plastic pickguard instead of the front of a wooden body.

That said, the Adrian Smith SDXes might be a better choice, as they're very similar in styling. Adding an OFR and good pickups to an SDX would still make it far below the cost of a retail or even used American Adrian Smith model.

 

[EDX]

Re: Fender FR Blacktop Strat

for that better build a parts caster from scratch, buy a fr routed strat body, an unfinished neck and your preferred hardware

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Fender FR Blacktop Strat

Possibly. However, most used Jackson/Charvels I see with OFRs and good pups used retail used for about $1000. And I don't get to pick exactly the pickups I want.

Assuming I can get a Blacktop for 300-400, an OFR would be about 200 (250 for a Pro), and the pickups perhaps 200. I do setups and electronics myself.

Another benefit might be that if I wanted to add a lot of wiring options I would just need to drill through a plastic pickguard instead of the front of a wooden body.

That said, the Adrian Smith SDXes might be a better choice, as they're very similar in styling. Adding an OFR and good pickups to an SDX would still make it far below the cost of a retail or even used American Adrian Smith model.

I've discovered that at least with Warmoth.com strat pickguards they don't quite fit the Adrian Smith SDX, but it just needs the cutout for the neck open up

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Fender FR Blacktop Strat

Surely there's some kind of tool for measuring and cutting pickguards. It can't be that hard.

I'd do it myself but it would probably look bad.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Fender FR Blacktop Strat

Surely there's some kind of tool for measuring and cutting pickguards. It can't be that hard.

I'd do it myself but it would probably look bad.

Thats why I bought one from Warmoth, but when I had to open the neck cut I screwed it up, ordered another and screwed it up again, but not as bad so I just went with it