Hey guys! I was just messing around today, trying to get a John Mayer type of tone, and I came up with this....

It is part of his song who did you think I was, but I was focusing primarily on the tone of the guitar...

Tell me what you think!

http://soundcloud.com/zach-nagle/john-mayer-tone-test

Nice chops! Could be my speakers but didn't sound as "thick" (not sure if thats the best description) as JM.

its prob a little of both haha
low-quality computer speakers are horrible for reproducing accurate sound, but i think i should have turned the reverb up.... His sound is soaked with reverb, but mine cold have been higher...
i am still working on finding MY tone

John uses Big Dippers on his guitars to achieve the beefier Strat sound you're craving for.

As Fender doesn't sell Big Dippers as a separate pickup set, I suggest you to buy a preloaded pickguard from eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-COMPLETE ... 500wt_1142) and drop it directly into your guitar.

ya thats a great idea chromeface but for that kind of money i could buy half a new guitar haha

Sounds good, but I agree is lacking some of the fullness. BUT you definitely have a great Fender tone going on regardless.

Texas Specials would get you pretty close too cause the mids are scooped. John is a big fan of SRV, obviously, and models his tone somewhat after Stevie.

There are some inexpensive things you could do to get a thicker tone such using 10s or 11s vs 9s. Upgrade the pots, jack, and caps to high quality stuff (ie switchcraft, orange caps, etc.). Pickups will help the most.

The guitarist from Los Lonely Boys does just that. Uses Mexican strats but their guitar tech swaps out the pups for Tex Specials, 13 gauge strings, upgrades the electronics, and installs jumbo frets. Can't forget swapping out the cheap tremo block for a solid steel unit.

_________________
"If it ain't one thing, it's another."