So, if we consider that a Strat might be equipped to sound like something other than the vintage Strat we all know and love, how close can you get a Strat to sound like another "signature" sound? For example (purists, forgive me), can a Strat be configured to sound like a Gibson Les Paul Standard? Can it be configured to produce Rickenbacker-like chime?

So far, I've been amazed at the difference pickups make, although my experience here is pretty limited. It seems though, that with the right pickup selections (and, as importantly, amp type and settings), you should be able to get pretty close to those other "signature" sounds. With electric guitars, it seems like pickups are a big percentage of the type of sound you're gonna get out of it...