As some of you have read. I was recently in the market for a project Strat. I've since decided to update my 1988 MIJ '69 re-issue instead of purchasing a project guitar.

So here's my idea. In light of recent friction between forum members and their often differing opinions, I've decided to offer up my start to what I can only hope is the 1st fender forum custom strat. After all, despite the vast differences in opinions at our root we all have one thing in common. A passionate sense of dedication to our beloved Stratocaster.

I invite everyone to post their opinions and ideas as to how we can make this strat the "ultimate playing experience." No idea is too outlandish and every opinion will be taken for its worth.

So lets have fun with this and see where it takes us!

I present to you the platform for this project, and let the fun begin!

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"

Trying to do this will be like trying to decide who is better...Blondes, Redheads or Brunettes!!! Good luck.

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A bunch of guitars, a few amps, some pedals and some other stuff that makes noise.

I took that into account. I'm hoping the use of polls help decide what is "popular opinion"

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"

Locking tuners are a MUST! and will be among the first upgrades. The tuners for the B and G strings are already loose.

also one of the set screws for the low e saddle is stripped out, so all 6 will be replaced.

The pups are stock and not very hot

The temelo is a system 1 I believe. not opposed to replacing it.

i

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"

I'd say that the feel of the guitar in a ultimate-strat venture is of greater importance than tone at this point. For that reason i'd think about heel contouring, neck shaping, pickup/pot/switch placement and fingerboard radi'i. Also you may want to consider adjusting the forearm and rib contours. Pickups, pots and all the rest of the peripherals can be considered after the primary shape of the guitar.

For me a neck through not setneck guitar. with a smaller upper to lower bout size and a deeper left hand scoop allowing better access.

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No no and no

I love the strat as is. I know I am unusual. it is beautiful. i wish I had one like that here.
I don't know how to modify stuff so I leave it to the pros to decide what is best on it.

Get those Schaller "F" locking tuner which rkreisher recently bought for his HWY1.....and perhaps install an LSR nut?

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My Guitars :: My Rig

actually I wouldnt mind the rib contour being a little deeper and had already considered sanding down the neck to get it a little thinner (short fingers suck!) I have no idea what heel contouring is. could you explain this in a little more detail please?

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"

yeah. its the big chuncky rectangular bit of wood that the neck bolts onto. Contouring it would be to shape the bottom and left hand edges to allow a more comfortable feel in the palm of your hand when reching up the dusty end. If you look at modern american deluxe strats they have a contoured heel.

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No no and no

I did read your thread and found it quite enlightening. Given the choice myself, I would make alot of the same choices you did, but as this is now subject to popular opinion we'll have to wait and see what the masses think.

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"

Correct me if i'm wrong niki but i think he's refering to this:

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My Guitars :: My Rig

Exactly Belph. thankyou.

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No no and no

A picture does indeed say a thousand word! looks like a great idea.

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"