My First Strat Project :) :) :)!

[TinyTerror]

Picked up a Rockwood by Hohner strat copy off my friend yesterday for £10(about $15) and have decided im going to customise/modify it , here are some pics

(Already taken out the bridge)



(Inlay Missing/Fell out)






(Bridge taken out)


Im thinking of doing a complete rewire with 250k pots and 0.047 caps, getting some new pickups and either replacing the inlay on the neck(how hard is this?) or getting a totally new neck made for it
what do you guys think?

[Phildog]

The body looks great. I like that color too. Is it solid wood? Do you know what wood? New guts and pups will be a huge improvement. I'm just not sure about the neck. Is it heavy? Or appear to have neck dive? Measure the neck pocket and see if a Fender-sized neck will fit.

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by Phildog

The body looks great. I like that color too. Is it solid wood? Do you know what wood? New guts and pups will be a huge improvement. I'm just not sure about the neck. Is it heavy? Or appear to have neck dive? Measure the neck pocket and see if a Fender-sized neck will fit.

Hi Phildog, i love the colour too which is one of the main reasons i decided to get the guitar for my first real job
i have no idea what wood it is, there are a few chips in the paint and it looks maple colour but im not sure on that. and the neck feels pretty sweet to play, just the frets are a bit sharp at the ends

[captcoolaid]

I think those are either Bass wood or Paulowina. Great tone wood. The neck on those if I remember is definitely B stock maple but still decent. Is the guitar neck heavy?

[captcoolaid]

I just looked it up it should be an Ash body. Wow that is very cool. I love Ash for Strat bodies. That PG has some nice yellowing to it.

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by captcoolaid

I think those are either Bass wood or Paulowina. Great tone wood. The neck on those if I remember is definitely B stock maple but still decent. Is the guitar neck heavy?

wow, thats surprised me
and the neck feels pretty light, i havent had it off the body yet but theres no head-drop when its on the strap

[Phildog]

Ok, you've got something really good to work with there in that body. I'd suggest getting a better neck (maybe a Squier) for better resonance. I had a Kona strat style guitar. The neck felt great, and it was fairly light, but it didn't resonate very good...practically dead IMO. It was maple. And the frets were the worst. They were sharp, not level, and some were coming out. It was the typical "cheap" (as in quality) neck. But I tell you, if your neck pocket will accept a Squire neck, I'd do it. The Squiers are made to Fender specs (I think I'm correct), and made of better quality of maple. Well, better than a lot of others IMO. And they typically come ready to play with good fretwork. I just chose to polish mine, but otherwise, they were perfect.

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by Phildog

Ok, you've got something really good to work with there in that body. I'd suggest getting a better neck (maybe a Squier) for better resonance. I had a Kona strat style guitar. The neck felt great, and it was fairly light, but it didn't resonate very good...practically dead IMO. It was maple. And the frets were the worst. They were sharp, not level, and some were coming out. It was the typical "cheap" (as in quality) neck. But I tell you, if your neck pocket will accept a Squire neck, I'd do it. The Squiers are made to Fender specs (I think I'm correct), and made of better quality of maple. Well, better than a lot of others IMO. And they typically come ready to play with good fretwork. I just chose to polish mine, but otherwise, they were perfect.

ill look into that then, thanks! i was thinking about replacing the neck cause i dont really like this one, it looks kinda dirty compared to my fender, even though ive cleaned it, just looks dull.
I have now completely taken out the electrics and wiring in the guitar
anyone got any idea of a decent set of pickups that i can get for cheap?
looking for a high output bridge pickup and a smooth neck one that's nice for cleans

[Phildog]

Originally Posted by TinyTerror

ill look into that then, thanks! i was thinking about replacing the neck cause i dont really like this one, it looks kinda dirty compared to my fender, even though ive cleaned it, just looks dull.
I have now completely taken out the electrics and wiring in the guitar
anyone got any idea of a decent set of pickups that i can get for cheap?
looking for a high output bridge pickup and a smooth neck one that's nice for cleans

Gotcha covered there too buddy. I have these installed in my, recently refinished, Daphne Blue Strat. They're GFS Premium Alnico II's. They're vintage wound and sound terrific. You can't beat GFS pups for the price. And they'll definitely hold you over until you find something, or, you may end up leaving them in.

GFS "Premium II" Alnico II, Hand Bevelled Strat Set

A couple of videos for ya...

Pickup Demo: GFS Premium Alnico II Pickups - YouTube

Pickup Demo: GFS Alnico II pickups - YouTube

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by Phildog

Gotcha covered there too buddy. I have these installed in my, recently refinished, Daphne Blue Strat. They're GFS Premium Alnico II's. They're vintage wound and sound terrific. You can't beat GFS pups for the price. And they'll definitely hold you over until you find something, or, you may end up leaving them in.

GFS "Premium II" Alnico II, Hand Bevelled Strat Set

A couple of videos for ya...

Pickup Demo: GFS Premium Alnico II Pickups - YouTube

Pickup Demo: GFS Alnico II pickups - YouTube

wow! they sound sweet! i can get those for about £50 including postage from america, can't seem to find anywhere here in the UK that sells them!

[TinyTerror]

now removed all electronics

and have taken out the bridge


Ordered a new bridge for it with bent steel saddles, to replace the old bridge, should be here tomorrow

[Phildog]

Man, I love that color. She's gonna be prettier when she's done. You know...she would look good wearing GOLD! LOL

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by Phildog

Man, I love that color. She's gonna be prettier when she's done. You know...she would look good wearing GOLD! LOL

you know i was thinking exactly the same, kinda bummed ive ordered the chrome bridge now but oh well!
ive just finished installing it, strings in line but screws are kinda wonky but it'll do for now! i may have to take your advice and go gold
ill be replacing the neck or the tuners for deffinate so that gives me a good excuse
pics to come later!
(also need to think of a name for her )

[TinyTerror]

Pictures

[TinyTerror]

(yes, i realise there are no electrics)




(a bit tight on the block!)

[Phildog]

Lookin' good brother! Lookin' good! That pickguard had aged nicely. It's got a nice "cream" vibe to it now.

BTW, her colors remind me of Eos. Look her up and you'll see what I mean!

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by Phildog

Lookin' good brother! Lookin' good! That pickguard had aged nicely. It's got a nice "cream" vibe to it now.

BTW, her colors remind me of Eos. Look her up and you'll see what I mean!

i do love that pickguard
fully strung up now, the tuners are a piece of crap, deffinately will go but im hoping to get a sweet rosewood neck for this thing as ive already got a maple neck strat also, im gonna go for gold hardware! ordered a gold jackplate for it and will eventually replace the bridge ive only just fitted to it haha!
one problem with the pickups, the ones that you suggested i cant get on ebay and have to pay almost £100 to get them imported, is it worth going for some cheaper ones in gfs's line such as these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400063465929?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p398 4.m1438.l2649

[TinyTerror]

wiring kit is here!


0.047 caps? and 250k pots


gold jackplate, bridge replacement soon!


gold strap buttons

pickups to come soon but im still undecided on which ones to get!

[Phildog]

Originally Posted by TinyTerror

i do love that pickguard
fully strung up now, the tuners are a piece of crap, deffinately will go but im hoping to get a sweet rosewood neck for this thing as ive already got a maple neck strat also, im gonna go for gold hardware! ordered a gold jackplate for it and will eventually replace the bridge ive only just fitted to it haha!
one problem with the pickups, the ones that you suggested i cant get on ebay and have to pay almost £100 to get them imported, is it worth going for some cheaper ones in gfs's line such as these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400063465929?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p398 4.m1438.l2649

WHAT!!! Boston Blues??? Heck yea! Get them!

Tell me what you think?

John Mayer "The Black One" Tribute Strat Replica Relic Demo - YouTube

John Mayer "The Black One" Tribute Strat Replica Relic Demo - YouTube

Hey, did you look up Eos? I think you should name her that!

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by Phildog

WHAT!!! Boston Blues??? Heck yea! Get them!

Tell me what you think?

John Mayer "The Black One" Tribute Strat Replica Relic Demo - YouTube

Hey, did you look up Eos? I think you should name her that!

you've persuaded me! around £53/$85 to get them sent here which i think's pretty reasonable!!

and Eos as in the goddess?

[TinyTerror]

i have ordered some pickups
in the end i went for something totally different,
eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace
something different but i read nothing but good reviews for these! cant wait for them to arrive so i can wire her up and drive my amp with her!!
YES!
big thanks to you phildog! and a big thanks to captcoolaid for finding the body is ash
so excited!

[JonMan94]

for a bridge, try GFS:

10.5mm GOLD "Import" "Made in Mexico" BRASS BLOCK

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by JonMan94

for a bridge, try GFS:

10.5mm GOLD "Import" "Made in Mexico" BRASS BLOCK

thanks for that! im really confused as to what the measurements are on the current bridge, i think its a 52.5mm screw-spacing but the string spacing is 54mm and ive never seen any bridges like that
the current bridge is 54mm screw-spacing but the screws are a bit out of line so the holes are wider than they should be now, however the tremolo still works and the guitar stays in tune fine, any ideas?

[Rock Johnson]

If you haven't already ordered pickups, try Rose Mariposas. $30 for the set - and they sound great.

Here's some samples:

AUDIO SAMPLES -

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by Rock Johnson

If you haven't already ordered pickups, try Rose Mariposas. $30 for the set - and they sound great.

Here's some samples:

AUDIO SAMPLES -

Thanks for the suggestions! they sound sweet!

[TinyTerror]

My pups are on their way!! They're in WESTBOROUGH, MA, which is think is massachusetts? Around about 3000 miles away! Hurry to me!!

[Phildog]

Originally Posted by tinyterror

...and eos as in the goddess?

yes!!!

[lespaul01]

nice man.. looks sweet

[Phildog]

Hey, that guitar would look even better with that neck refinished in Vintage Amber nitro!!!

[TinyTerror]

Originally Posted by Phildog

Hey, that guitar would look even better with that neck refinished in Vintage Amber nitro!!!

i do wanna do something with the neck! i may be trading a fender cd-60 for a sqiuer strat with a rosewood neck, might swap the neck over to this baby cause the body is abit crap lol, and i dont have the skill to refinish the neck , i'd have no idea where to even begin
and phildog.... you may have just named my strat