After reading through El Tedesco's original post (can a post be original after it has been posted, deleted, and then reposted?) and subsequent posts, all I can say is "HUH?"

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Bill

Ah, yes. Here we have another classic yet profound example of "Infallible Web Dogma".

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You dig?

Amazing how a bunch of 5 & 6 pick experts, slipping away on a Freudian Slip.
After playing a couple of hours last night she already starts sounding more balanced and even, and slightly more dynamic in the treble response.

Yes, original post reposted, nothing has changed. I was indeed pretty specific in my inquiry.
But I guess the commonly contagious mentality of internet forums even gets the better of the Best.
Must be that way. Has it really turned into an enclave of the completely bored?

Here is one ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VTszNLwFd0

That's what SHE said ...

I sense a short membership here for "El Tedesco".

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Bill

That would be a bummer, wouldn't it? But I see the stretch, from guitar pickups to meat & flies ...
... but let me ask you this: It says "Tombstone Territory" in your location? What's the perspective here?

That might well be the best guess in the entire thread so far ....
I never deleted myself is quick as I did here. But then I thought about all the fun I might be missing.

In the meantime, any other ideas on the original topic? Here are the specs again:
MIM Ashbody, Rosewood fingerboard, stock wiring, pots and .022cap
No intention to change pots or wiring, but considering to change the cap from .022 to .047, maybe an Orange drop or a PIO?
Trying to mellow out the treble frequencies just a tad without too much loss of clarity.
I reckon once I string her up with a fresh set of Addario XLs (10s) she might sound a little juicier.

So far she's playing along very fine. Comes of a little richer through the HRDlx fitted with a WGS Reaper HP and JJ tubes.

I am also considering to wire the bridge to middle pup tone pot ... yes/no?

... and hell yeah, do I love to "break in" new pickups. There's just nothing like it!

Changing caps from 0.022 to 0.047 will make no difference with the tone control on "10" but will get darker quicker as you roll it down toward "0".

Modern American Standard Strat wiring has bridge and middle tone control. I prefer no tone on middle, neck and bridge tone only.

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Bill

Thank you for the reply.
Tone knobs are between 5-7, amp is about 3-4 treble, 5-6 bass and mids around 5.
There might be some light in changing the type/make of the cap to an orange drop or PIO (some say large ceramic disc cap was the orig. w/ those pups) while keeping the same value?
I am also clear that I have "only" assembly line amps, my expectations are accordingly.
As I mentioned, my guitarist will eventually play her thru his handwired vintage RI amps.

I can't wait to put new strings on it, but for as long as she is "under construction" (waiting on a new pickguard) I won't put new strings on.

As I said, she starts speaking in slightly sweeter tones to me, compared to the first encounter, which almost ripped my ears off ...

Despite their low output, I find those pups incredible pick- and attack sensitive, which surely effects the treble pitch.

I came across a nice '70s RI w/ Texas Specials where the Middle pup was without tone control, while the Bridge was on the #2 tone knob. The Middle pup seemed to be doing alright without a tone pot, but the sweep thru position 1,3,5 just didn't sound right to me. I like it more gradual.

I am hooked to the Middle pup in that CS 69 set, which to me is unheard of. It's got such a vibe!
I think I will try and jump wire the Middle and Bridge tone.

I find Orange Drops to be perfectly good in a guitar.

http://www.netarhia.com/capacitor-test- ... rcuit.html

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Bill

That's an interesting test. I like reading those reviews. They give hope (in this case not, lol) for new unclaimed territory of "Tone-Quest"
In my case, I decided for now to leave the stock cap in place, I just didn't want to mess with it.
I finally received that pick guard, so I was able to finish her new dress.
Jump wired the Bridge pup to the middle tone pot, and I love it!!

She' is a very exciting Strat! Sounds tremendous, when picked gently and gets off wild, as soon as the strings are attacked with a little more force.
Those are truly delicate Pickups, I am glad I decided for them, among all the choices out there.

I like to thank you All for chiming in. Surely, nothing ever is as it seems to be!