Reason I prefer maple.

Wipe it down.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Well, much to my dismay I will be bringing the blacktop back to GC this weekend. I can get it oh so close-but close is not good enough. It's not $100 Strat it's a $500 strat so.............................I believe I mentioned I have Sigler Music prewired strat pickgurd with 2 new P-rails bridge and neck and a SRV-1 (rails) in the middle. all pots are tapped.
So i will hunt for a used American strat and that will be that.
Thank you all for your comments, suggestions and all the great ideas.
Much appreciated
Frank

Maybe, just maybe-I changed the E string, routed out the EA slot on the nut with the new E string before installing. Cranked, I mean cranked the saddle back a bit more-Well, so far so good. Intonation is spot on and neck is nice and almost perfectly flat-which I like.
I have25 more days to return it to GC. But, for the $$ I am hoping this is it. Been playing it foe the last 3 jours-lots of fun. I amay try my P-rails SRV1 Prail pickguard though. Then I have my Humbuckers, P-90's if I like, Humbuckers in Parallel, if I like or all seytmour duncan single coil rails. So......Maybe a happy ending after all.

When I get to a point where nothing I do can get a guitar intonated, I take it to the guitar shop. My shop is a licensed repair place for Fenders and a few other brands. I am sure your skills are pretty good, but when all else fails, it's time to let the professionals at it. You could ask them to get the excess stain off the fret board.

I used to own a Blacktop and I really liked it. I did not have any issues with mine after I had it professionally set up. But I down-sized and used it and my American Special as a trade in for my American Standard.

If it is a question of bad workmanship, I am sure you can use the warranty to have it repaired or trade for a better one (?).

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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

Actually I have about 30 years of experience so I am OK.
Anyhow, I have it all fixed. Even rubbed down the fretboard a bit. Neck is nice and flat and no residue. Intonation is p[erfect and it plays fabulous-Yes, Yes Yes
Thanks to all you folks for your great advice and encouragement.
Frank