New Sthuff

[Agileguy_101]

Well, it's not exactly new. I got this Strat (Highway One) in early July. A real bargain, too - only 450. However, I was dissatisfied with pretty much all the parts.

SO I replaced everything but the body and neck. Upgraded the tuners to Fender "F" locking, Graph Tech nut, Wilkinson VSVG bridge, flame maple pickguard, and for the electronics, I put a JB Jr. in the bridge, an SSL-5 in the middle, and a Lil '59 in the neck. Wired it up with a blender knob too.

Here are some pics:







I love this guitar so so much. I've got 11's on it right now, but I'm thinking of going up to 12's. Of course, I have no money to get the nut slots widened. FML

[CTN]

ooooh! nice axe, especially love the veneer pickguard!

How's that VSVG sound? is it still very strat sounding or does it sound thicker, beefier? I want to get one for my strat specifically cuz of the locking saddles. I've had wonderful experiences with the Wilkinson VS-100 which has a similar locking saddle design, and it sounds really thick, not like a vintage strat at all.

[Agileguy_101]

IMHO, the VSVG trem has a great vintage sound. I put it on a while before I installed the pickups, back when I still had the stock pups, and when I put the new bridge on, I noticed a huge difference. It brightened up the sound, and it definitely increased sustain due to the heavier block. That's saying something, considering the guitar already sustained a ton from the nitro finish.

If I had another 6 bridge hole strat, I'd go with the VSVG without a second though. Worth the cash. The locking saddles are awesome. I've had it on my axe for three or four months and I haven't had to intonate it since I installed it.

[CTN]

wicked! think I'll get that for my strat then. the locking saddles just feel so much more solid/robust and "toneful" (if that's a word) than the bent steel things held together with flimsy screws and springs.

[BeeGee]

That flamed maple pickguard is hawt!

[JordanM82]

That pick guard is friggin awesome... where did you come up with the idea to do a flamed maple pg? very original...

-J