Strat gutting

[amosrides]

So I've given up on waiting for my pops to hand down his 76' strat, so to hold me over until that happens I am buying a cheap knock off (Axl SRO) from a buddy for $100, figure I can't go too wrong. Any way I set a budget for $200 more bucks into this thing (if I like it enough), what would you do? Going for SRV cleans Buddy Guy dirt. Thanks! Here is a pick...

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Strat gutting

PG+ bridge, A2P/SSL-1 neck/mid
blender pot
quality pots/caps/switch/jack

If you like the way it plays, that is.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Strat gutting

PG+ bridge, A2P/SSL-1 neck/mid
blender pot
quality pots/caps/switch/jack

If you like the way it plays, that is.

+1
if it feels good in your hands
everything else is replaceable

 

[amosrides]

Re: Strat gutting

PG+ bridge, A2P/SSL-1 neck/mid
blender pot
quality pots/caps/switch/jack

If you like the way it plays, that is.

What would you suggest as a cheaper option over pg? I am totally a virgin when it comes to messing with strats. :dunno:

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Strat gutting

awful awful guitar. one of my students has one. truly awful. you can do a lot better with your 100-200 bucks.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Strat gutting

Make sure it plays good first. If it does, new pots, jack, etc are a good start. Any of several bridge HB's...buy used on eBay or ask here in the trading post, someone will have something good for not too much money. Try:

PG
PG+
59
APH
Seth
CC

Also, a brass or solid steel trem block to replace the pot metal block that will surely be in that thing will be a big upgrade in sound too. Just make sure it plays well first. If you can, take it to a tech and have him check it out, to see if it intonates, needs a nut, bad frets or any other things that will effect playability.

If it has bad frets, needs a nut or won't intonate, spend your money somewhere else. A squire strat won't set you back too much more and may be a better option.

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Strat gutting

What would you suggest as a cheaper option over pg? I am totally a virgin when it comes to messing with strats. :dunno:

As far as I know, a used PG+ is already pretty cheap. What's your budget?

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Strat gutting

Axl....POS really!!!
Do not buy one....

 

[AlexR]

Re: Strat gutting

? Are squire strats in the pricerange. They would most likely be well made and need no mods (especially as most seem to think the pups are ok)

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Strat gutting

$300 guitar budget

i'd look at the classic vibe squiers...wouldn't really have to mod anything

 

[Bones]

Re: Strat gutting

$300 guitar budget

i'd look at the classic vibe squiers...wouldn't really have to mod anything

I am going to agree with Empty on this.

 

[briggleman]

Re: Strat gutting

$300 guitar budget

i'd look at the classic vibe squiers...wouldn't really have to mod anything

I Also agree.

For $300 bucks, Wow, you could even find a used MIM Fender strat. I mean look at these Brand New SX's ($110) are better than what you are getting used.

http://www.rondomusic.com/electricguitar-ss3.html

Stop and think on this one.

 

[dominus]

Re: Strat gutting

? Are squire strats in the pricerange. They would most likely be well made and need no mods (especially as most seem to think the pups are ok)

<---- Mostly Squiers

You can find used Squiers in the $80-$125 range. I've grabbed a few of the newer Standard ones for $125ish, those have the AlNiCo pickups.

Also, even if you get a cheap one, parts are EASY to find and replace, unlike 3rd party knockoffs.

 

[amosrides]

Re: Strat gutting

Thanks for the warning, I of course won't buy it if I don't like it. I guess I just like the idea of modding a cheaper guitar rather than maxing out my budget, I am impatient. Probably should just get a squire and upgrade mod when I can. How do higher end squires compare to low end fenders?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Strat gutting

IME some of the better Squires play and sound every bit as good as the MIM Fenders...sometimes better. There are some really decent Squires if you can play a few to pick one.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Strat gutting

$300 guitar budget

i'd look at the classic vibe squiers...wouldn't really have to mod anything

I concur Dr. Jones

 

[AlexR]

Re: Strat gutting

Thanks for the warning, I of course won't buy it if I don't like it. I guess I just like the idea of modding a cheaper guitar rather than maxing out my budget, I am impatient. Probably should just get a squire and upgrade mod when I can. How do higher end squires compare to low end fenders?

Experienced players can tell a cheap but not nasty guitar by playing it. If you've not had the required experience (or spent $ on getting a lemon and therefore more wary) then its best to stick with what is known to be acceptable.

Remember, if you polish a turd it is still a turd

 

[SamusChief]

Re: Strat gutting

Experienced players can tell a cheap but not nasty guitar by playing it. If you've not had the required experience (and spent $ on getting a lemon) then its best to stick with what is known to be acceptable.

Remember, if you polish a turd it is still a turd

Guitars are different. Everything besides the truss rod and body can be changed. You can re fret, polish, clean, swap pickups, and make the final product sound nothing like the original.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Strat gutting

I actually watched a show once (can't remember which one now), but they actually took a turd and polished it up to a glossy sheen. It didn't look like amber or polished stone, but it was glossy. Sorry...OT.