So, I've finally finished the project ?
It was actually more straightforward than I thought it would be. The most time-consuming process was the re-sizing of the pickup cutouts on the scratchguard (these pickups were slightly larger than the guard could accommodate). Also, I had to plug several holes from the original 'guard's screws, as the new holes I needed to drill would have overlapped the old ones.
So that's why I've finished today. Below are some pics from the project. Unfortunately the lighting in my room isn't great for photography, so some are taken with natural lighting, others with the flash on.
This was the first time this guitar had ever been opened up. There was still sawdust from the original assembly process. I just have to say, the quality of the electronics in this guitar is unspeakably better than the Vester I took apart a while ago. Real quality...
I used a whiteboard marker to mark out roughly where I would be drilling new holes, just so I knew which ones needed to be plugged.
Just about ready for some new strings...
New Mighty Mite saddles
The finished product:
I've tried, but largely failed, to show the difference in colours. The pups are a light ivory colour, the knobs are naturally yellowing, and the white 'guard looks great with them.
Slyd, I considered black covers, but I'm pretty fond of being able to watch my guitar age ?
The sound is amazing, after these mods. That single-coil in the bridge is a great replacement for the 'bucker that was originally in there. I daresay the new saddles have something to do with the sound as well... Those pups are awesome... Now it sounds like a real Strat... I love it! ? ? ?
