NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

[cliffenstein]

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):

 

[Mincer]

Re: NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

I approve of these upgrades! How was the guitar before you did them? Was it at least in playable condition? That is a great price.

 

[Adieu]

Re: NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

Didnt MIM use the same tremolo as Squier?

 

[cliffenstein]

Re: NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

I approve of these upgrades! How was the guitar before you did them? Was it at least in playable condition? That is a great price.

Well, after the neck and everything, I ended up with $380 in the guitar. But daggone, the end results are incredible!

The stock guitar would be more than fine for most people. And it was super good after my original upgrades. The stock VM70's neck is a great, well made neck, but this Classic Series '50s is definitely a better neck. I didn't waste my money buying it, that's for sure!

 

[cliffenstein]

Re: NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

Didnt MIM use the same tremolo as Squier?

Nope...the squier tremolo assembly is on par with the old MIM's, but the MIM's assembly has been massively upgraded since 2007 (full size block, steel saddles, etc). I got the modern MIM Standard tremolo assembly.

 

[Open lane]

Re: NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

I really like that. The black pickup in the bridge makes it look very unique, which is cool!

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

All the upgrades you would need! Looks great!
FWIW, I would put some black pickup covers on the other 2 pickups...that’s just me though.

 

[cliffenstein]

Re: NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

All the upgrades you would need! Looks great!
FWIW, I would put some black pickup covers on the other 2 pickups...that’s just me though.

My idea for this guitar was for it to be a 50’s version of the ‘93 American Standard I used for years. Here’s the exact guitar I’m referring to (I sold it earlier this year):

Why a 50's version of the guitar? Because that's what I'm into these days.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

I’d say you nailed it!

 

[FuseG4]

Re: NGD - Punk Rock Blackie

I've got a classic series 50s strat, my fav neck I've owned so far, cheers that looks like a great guitar!