Was on my list of things to upgrade on this guitar for quite some time. I have a couple extra tips if people need em.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

FWIW, some would call this a 'modification' rather than an "upgrade", per se. Also FWIW, I prefer the Strat knob myself.

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You dig?

I call it an upgrade, simply because it doesn't get caught on my finger anymore. I had one of those clunky round top switch tips, and from time to time, my pinky would get wrapped around it somehow and rip it off. (even with it being secured as best as I could)

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

And they aren't Strat knobs, they're a set of witch hats. I pulled em off of a garbage amp.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Anytime you change something from its original design, it's modified.

Whether or not it's an upgrade or not is subjective!

Example: I recently modified my Hwy 1 strat by changing the string gauge from 9-42's (the original spec), to 10-46's, to 9-46's, then to 8.5-40's!

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"The individual is handicapped by coming face to face with a Conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists. The American mind simply has not come to a realization of the evil which has been introduced into our midst." J. Edgar Hoover

Strings, I can't really say whether or not they're a modification, considering your strings should be changed every 1-3 months, depending on how badly your sweat corrodes them. I can get about 2 and a half out of a pack of EB 8s.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Cool upgrade/modification James

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

Thanks. It feels so much better now.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

If you change the strings and use the same brand and gauge, that's maintenance. If you use a different gauge or brand string, that's a modification from the original design, no different than modifying the switch by using a different type of tip.

Again, whether or not it's an upgrade, that's subjective.

If the factory issues a directive to make a change, that's an update or fix, the update merely an improvement, the fix replacing a faulty, dangerous, or defective design.

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"The individual is handicapped by coming face to face with a Conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists. The American mind simply has not come to a realization of the evil which has been introduced into our midst." J. Edgar Hoover

I guess so. But still, strings are just, strings... Without them, we wouldn't have those sweet tones we all love, amiright?

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

yup!

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"The individual is handicapped by coming face to face with a Conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists. The American mind simply has not come to a realization of the evil which has been introduced into our midst." J. Edgar Hoover

That makes sense!
The Tele switch knobs are the most ugliest I know!
I would do that to EVERY Tele!

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Kindest regards from Germany, Dee
My recordings --> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_mu ... dID=564337
STRATS ROCK!!! but Teles and Firebirds, too!

Only thing though, get a small flat head and scrape the tip cavity out a bit. The Tele switches seem to be a bit beefier.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

By your statement above very few if any guitars that are sold could ever be considered original since the strings will most likely be changed. Though technically correct I don't know anyone who would consider a guitar with only the strings changed as not being original.

Since the OP said the change made is an upgrade then it is. Whether you or I think so or not doesn't matter. If it improved the guitar in the OPs mind then it's an upgrade period.

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...I for one, sure would appreciate the return of intelligent conversation, spirit of assistance and the simple yet effective ignoring of those who can't seem to hang with that...
Best regards,
rob

I was just sayin'.

Whatever floats ur boat!

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"The individual is handicapped by coming face to face with a Conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists. The American mind simply has not come to a realization of the evil which has been introduced into our midst." J. Edgar Hoover