Author Topic: Squier Strat pimpage ahoy! (Read 7048 times)

Elliot · « **Reply #15 on:** April 03, 2006, 09:37:59 AM »

With Maple I'd go with Apaches - they seem to bring out maple boards really well.

I wonder if Slow Hands might be good - from the clip I heard they sounded monster.

mikeluke · « **Reply #16 on:** April 03, 2006, 04:16:38 PM »

I have a similar Jap Squier which I 'pimped' before I knew about BKPs.. They are essentially like a current entry level Fender Jap Strat. I wouldn't hard tail it, but block it off like previous folk have recommended - having said that mine is not blocked off and it stays in tune pretty well. Things you might want to change... the tuners - not great, a decent set of Gotohs are not expensive and are a real step up. Electrics (pots and switch) - I've swapped mine for some from a USA Strat (word of warning - the pickup selector tip is not the same size!) and that helped too. Pickguard is now white tortoiseshell - I'll not mention the pickups but suffice to say they are are what the Irish Tours are probably based on... (and a new set only cost me £65 in the US!) :roll:

They are great guitars - if anyone is interested I have a 'Blackie' look-alike that is ready to be pimped that I will be selling soon.

froglord · « **Reply #17 on:** April 03, 2006, 10:07:50 PM »

Thanks, mikeluke.

I think I'm just going to go for the "five springs" approach to get the trem flush against the body and see how that goes.

The tuners actually seem pretty decent, so I'll keep them for now. If I do decide to change them I'll probably go for locking units: I love 'em, and think they should be used even on non-trem guitars.

You're right about the electrics - my five-way is shot to hell! I'm thinking of ordering a completely new, pre-wired scratchplate so I get quality pots too. Which leaves me with a problemette: normal Strat scratchplates have 11 screw holes, whereas my Squier only has 8. Are the screws self-tapping and should I just screw the thing down regardless, or should I drill some holes first?

mikeluke · « **Reply #18 on:** April 04, 2006, 10:19:16 AM »

I got a guitar repairer to do mine - of the 8 original holes, I think that only 2 or 3 actually lined up! (My replacement is also 11 holes) - fit the ones that line up and then you'll have to drill holes for the rest - you may be lucky enough to find an 8 hole pickguard - it depends just how far you want to take the pimping! - For the electrics - if you don't want to go down the pre-wired route - I'd recommed a guy called reliablefender on eBay - based in the USA but will ship to the UK - alternative would be axes-r-us online

Good luck!

Mike