Looking for some suggestions and opinions. I have a MIM Strat that I'm in the process of giving a facelift. I just bought the Fender Custom 69 pickups that I will have installed soon - that's not my problem. I am contemplating putting a base plate on the bridge pickup to bring out some of the mids and low end - I also am thinking about replacing the stock pots and Caps. I am looking into orange drop caps or Hovland Musicaps - Suggestions or opinions? Should I stay with 250K pots? Any opinions on Schaller locking tuners? What about a new callaham Block? I am Conventionally a LesPaul guy - recently got a strat for the versatility and am unfamiliar with alot of the ins and outs - so suggestions welcomed - thanks!

Judging by the parts list that you've presented. it seems as though you're looking to increase the bottom end of your Strat. I say keep the 250k pots unless you want bring out the shrilly nature of single coil pu's. Any set of locking tuners would be an improvement in string tuning/stability, especially if you're wanting to use that trem bar often. The caps are a definite must for tone and a heavier block will only improve that and sustain as well. I too have a collection of LP's and came to realize the benefits of having a few Strats. One is not like to other, and therefore I've learned to enhance only what they offer as different and fine instruments not to make them similar. YMMV

I am with DMEDS on his advice.You want your strat to be a strat and not like a PAUL.I would go for the changing of the tuners as I love locking tuners,but otherwise play it a while for what it is and when you are used to it and want to mod it then go ahead.

I recommend:
250k CTS Audio Taper pots
Mallory 150 .022 caps

Schaller locking tuners are great. I have no experience with the Callaham block so I can't help you there.

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Thanks guys, I have been playing my strat for about a year on and off - I definitely want to preserve the strats sound - thats why I am going with the custom 69 PU's - thanks for the advise on the hardware....can't wait to get it all done

I threw a callaham block and saddles on my MIM and it is a definite improvement. The cheap original saddles on my MIM started to groove rapidly causing tuning issues. I also have the Schaller locking tuners on my deluxe and on the MIM and I love them. Since I have been doing lots of mods and changing out hardware I have had to restring my guitars constantly and the quick changes with the locking tuners are great.

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2009 American Deluxe V Neck Strat Montego Black Enhanced Callaham Block and Saddles
2008 American Deluxe Ash Telecaster
2008 Standard Strat Wine Red David Gilmour EMG Pickups Callaham Bridge

i just replaced some parts on my mim a few weeks ago, i thought the callaham was a bit expensive just for the block, and one of the forum members here told me that he had bought one and a wilkinson trem with a steel block and he said they were very alike.

quite happy with the results i got for the fraction of the price

i was thinking of buying a fralin blender pot, and rewiring my strat, possibly also adding a base plate, but not too sure yet.

good luck with everything though!