I am going to buy my first stratocaster in a couple of months and hoping to put all new pickguard,jack plate. tremolo system, etc.. Anything i should know before doing thid because i have never done anything to a guitar in my time playing guitar, about 8 months. Thanks

Make sure that the holes line up on your pickguard and especially check the measurements for swapping out the trem/bridge!

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Is there a reason to do such an extensive overhaul on a new Fender? With as much money you are about to spend, wouldn't you be better off to have a Custom Shop made for you or find one that is more closely to your specifications?

Don't get me wrong, I am not against modding guitars; however, I think you should get to know your instrument before such extensive modifications.

I can understand a new pick guard or even new pick-ups right off the bat, but a new jack plate and tremelo system, what exactly are you looking for?

Again, not harping just asking what you are looking for. You will get a plethera of information here regardng modifications. RK

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

I don't understand buying a new guitar that you are saving up for and immediately modding it. Search,play and buy the correct one for you to begin with. I'm just nuts I guess. Good luck and have fun!

Well, here's an example of why modding a new guitar might be reasonable. I'd like a new Lonestar Strat but I'd prefer it in Candy Apple Red with a maple neck. Since Fender doesn't currently offer them in that combo, my plan is to buy one of the 2009 Standard Strats (HSS configuration), then upgrade the pickups with a SD Pearly Gates HB and a pair of Custom Shop Texas specials for the neck and middle pickups. Actually, that's probably slightly better than the currently available Lonestar since I don't think it has the CS Texas Specials...

So, for me, I'll end up with the unique Lonestar Strat configuration I want... It won't completely match the available Lonestars in all respects but it'll be fine for what I want and it won't cost me TOO much... I guess an option would be to shop around for a used American made Lonestar in Candy Apple Red with maple neck... But, I've tried out the new MIM Standard Strats and, for the money, they're pretty nice...

What bridge you want to upgrade to? and are you sure it will fit the new strat? not al bridges are cmopatible with all guitars... be carefull!!

Why not just build your own?

Good enough for me. Have fun, good luck, and enjoy!

Definately. Both of my Strats have been fairly heavily modified (and are still works in progress really), but over several years. I was going to put new tuners and a new bridge in my Fender, but now I realize the stock hardware is just fine and upgrading something that doesn't need to upgraded just wastes money. On the flip side, I thought I'd leave the hardware alone on my Squier. But after playing it more than I expected to in the last few months, I'm starting to think that a hardware upgrade would be a good idea. It needs it. So... If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Oh, and since the pickguard doesn't really effect the tone or anything, I'd say go for that mod first. A new pickguard always gives a cool custom look to a guitar.

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Hi pols080596: what you've got to decide is what's wrong with the guitar that needs fixing. Since you haven't got it yet - that's a bit hard to answer...

Cheers - C

+1. Exactly.

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Right. I think those are excellent points, especially the bit I presumptuously underlined.

Not for everyone, but a very good way to go...

Cheers - C

if you're really gonna do all that, just make sure you get parts that are compatible with the guitar you buy.