Okay, I know this is not for the Strat purists among you, so be nice...

Background: Growing up on Gibsons, I guess is where I got this bug for a full-bore HH Strat. This guitar is just awesome. It plays like a solid production
model with perfect intonation. This guitar truly sounds somewhere in the middle between my SSS Strat and Gibson SG Std, but is in a place all its own.
It really sounds amazing and (a little surprisingly) very non-Gibson. So here it is, finally done. The total cost to me was about $450.

Components:
Body/ Bridge –The sunburst alder Fender Strat body and vintage Fender bridge/trem were from a used but flawless mint MIM Strat.
I had to rout the HSS body to allow fitting the full-size humbucker in the neck position.
Neck – 22-fret, C shape, 9.5” radius, med jumbo frets, rosewood board, large headstock, made by Mighty Mite (licensed by Fender).
It came to the previous owner as an imitation Fender Highway One neck. There is no “Made in ...” designation and no serial number.
Regardless of everything, it is a great neck that fit perfectly in the neck pocket.
Tuners & Neck Plate -These are brand-new Fender OEM MIA Std parts that were purchased off of eBay. The tuners are the staggered Ping tuners;
I had to drill the twelve alignment holes in the headstock.
Pickups – Even though I am a big fan of Gibson pups, I purposely stayed away (kinda like putting Camaro parts in a Mustang). So I went with brand-new F-spaced Dimarzios:
a “PAF Joe” (Satriani) in the neck and a “PAF Pro” in the bridge. I added the pickup rings as I like that look. I did have to move the volume knob to accommodate the bridge pickup ring.
Electronics – One volume and one tone (with a single push/pull coil tap for both pups on the tone control) using all premium parts. The pickup selector is a 3-position switch.
The second tone knob is only for looks (it does not even turn).
Appearance – Tortoise pickguard with OEM Fender “aged white” knobs/ switch tip

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

I like it my brother! Very unique and cool looking! I'd like to hear it!

I bet it does crunch well.Nice project. Well done and well thought out. Echoing Hoppy, sure would like to hear that bad-boy..... MIke

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

its so beautiful! good luck with it.

I MUST disagree! GM auto parts and Motorcraft parts have NOTHING whatsoever to do with this! They, of course, don't cross fit!

I own 6 Highway One Stratocaster HSS's and 4 of the contain Gibson pups.
A 498T, 490T, 57 Classic Plus and BurstBucker 3.

I have NEVER been happier than with my cross pollinated Fenders. The Gibson pups lend themselves FANTASTICALLY to the Fenders!
I have never made better humbucker choices!!

I'm NOT dumping on DiMarzio's as 4 of my Highways contain a mixture of Area 58's and 61's as well as 2 HSS's containing a 36th Anniv. P.A.F. and a Virtual P.A.F.

Just do not rule out Gibson.....they make some kick butt pickups! I'm especially pleased with the BurstBucker 3!
LOVE the large headstock look BTW!!

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I refuse to have a battle of the wits with an unarmed man!

I hear you, my brother. I completely agree with your assessment of Gibson pups. They are very good.

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

Its nice. Looks like a Rock machine...

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

+1 on that Rock Machine comment.

Dave Murray would love it!

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

ZZDoc would love it too, but with a Clapton neck. Finally built a guitar to give your wheels a run for their money, did you??

Awesome

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"Another day in paradise!"

Hi 01GT: mighty pretty, especially the top pic. I like it!

Cheers - C

Just like that cereal....if Ceri likes it, it has to be good!! Couldn't have garnered a finer endorsement. Seal of approval granted.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Gosh!

Undeserved, but thank you!

Cheers - C

Nice project, your guitar came out great. It really does look like a rock monster. The pickup rings do look cool too, and I love the cream against the tortoise.

Rock on dude!!

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I've been looking at this guitar and wondering what Robbie Robertson
would think of it.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Why Robbie Robertson? I am a big fan of his (the Last Waltz is one of my all-time favorites), but not an expert about him. Why him?

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...