This is actually going to be the toughest part of the whole project. I cant say i'm looking forward to all of that sanding. This actually brings up a new concern. I may have to consider refinishing the guitar after the heel and rib recontouring. Where as I could just consider the rib work "relicing" I doubt that this would apply to the heel as I have yet to see a reliced heel. Any thoughts on this?

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

OK. So I started this project last night And so far things have gone less than perfect. To start my guitar pro kind of hosed me. He was supposed to order a callaham vintage block and graphtech stainless saddles. Instead, he ordered me a MIA tremelo system, and claims that because it was a special order from Fender it cant be sent back. WTF? At no point did he and I ever discuss changing the whole trem system. So needless to say I have fired him from the project. So if anyone is in the market for a brand spanking new American trem assembly...

I took the vintage tuners off last night only to discover that the Fender locking tuners dont fit the old holes. So I'll be drilling those out this afternoon. I also need to get some saulder (sp?) any suggestions on type? I was told atleast 80% silver was ideal. I guess I'll be making a trip to guitar center to get some new saddles as well.

I am resolved to get this project done despite the minor set backs mentioned. Below are some pics of what has been done up to this point.


Stripped down stock:


Current pups coming out this evening:

Trem system must go!

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

Sorry to hear about that, man. For solder: I find that a rosin core is the best but if you can't find that be sure to use a lot of flux and study up on proper technique first. This is crucial in getting solid connections.

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Custom Shop '59 Strat with John Cruz Master Design Pickups
Vibro King
Fulltone Clyde>Deja-Vibe>TS-808>TS-9>Boss Tuner

I'm interested in the trem system. Please email me or get intouch through my myspace page.
I had a similar problem when installing wilkinson locking tuners i needed to go from a 8mm hole to a 11 mm. I've always disliked drilling guitars in any form. I just kept stepping up at 1mm increments. It's slow but made a nice neat job on a old neck.
As for solder +100 on rosin core. I'd also draw a diagram of your current wiring. If you draw it you'll understand it. Also it would be good to practice on a old pot with a old bit of wire first.

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No no and no

I only need to step up the hole size by 1 millie, not a huge deal. Thanks to you and CW for the solder advice. I have tons of old bits to practice on. I'm kind of hacked at myself. When drilling out the shoulders in the tuner holes I chipped a bit of maple on the back of the head stock looking back I should have drilled it from the back side, and unfortunately the tuner only covers part of the chip. Live and learn I guess. Niki, I sent you an email. let me know what ya think.

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

Delays...delays... delays... Seems noone in central Mississippi stocks graph tech saddles.

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

I agree on the rosin core solder. Whatever you do, stay away from 'acid core' solder. that stuff is for joining plumbing pipes. I know a guy that used it, because his dad had some in his basement. It corroded, and destroyed all the components he put it on.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Twelvebar. A point of interest far disjointed from this thread.
Bad news played the town i live in on their way to donington/monsters of rock/ozfest.

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No no and no

Did you see them? If so I may hate you!!

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

No but i did meet rick mayall. Ade edmonson refused to participte with fans.... tosser. Rick's a sound bloke though from my hometown locale. My signature pic is from bottom one of their many projects. I strongly suggest you dig a episode out, far funnier than the young ones or bad news.

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No no and no

Too bad to hear he might be a tosser. i am a big fan. A lot of my friends don't get 'The Young Ones' I have the full series.



Pure gold!!

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

So I made a good bit more progress this evening. I got the pick ups switched out (still need to solder the connections tho.) Also swithced the rest of the electrical over to the new pick guard seen here:








I opted to use the spring system that was on the original pups (for height adjustment) as opposed to the rubber tube that came with the CS pups.


I also took a picture of the neck pocket while I was in there:



Those #'s read STB-67E. Also note the gratuitous shot of my new amp.

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

looks sweet!! amp too!!!

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Have some help from the master with the soldering.
http://www.seymourduncan.com/movie/Strat_High/330/250
I think he knows what he's doing.

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No no and no

Hey, thanks twelvebar Thanks for sharing the film Niki! I was glad to see that common sense pretty much lead me through the same steps that guy took. His method of applying the solder to the wire before attaching it to the switch and or pot was clever.

Does anyone know where I can get maple dowels to fill the holes from the old vintage tuners? Is that something that lowes or any other hardware chain is likely to have? Do the dowels even have to be maple? after the dowels are set should i touch up the tops with clear fingernail polish?

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