Squire by Fender Affinity Stratocaster 20th Anniversary MIC sunburst 2002
I was looking for a Strat backup guitar and found this one looking a bit of a mess but cheap as a consequence. The good thing about both those things as a guitar of that nature can be modded without too much worry.
When it arrived wrapped in the shape of a guitar I wasn’t expecting much but to my surprise it played really well – nice low action, smooth neck and held its tune well. Maybe they put some effort in to the 20th Anniversary models? I decided to replace the pickguard/scratchplate, electrics and pick ups – basically adding a fully loaded pickguard.
I selected a set of Ironstone Vintage Strat Pickups Platinum Alnico V – Made in England. They say… “Ironstone’s Strat pickups Platinum set is a combination of higher resistance pickups particularly suited to playing styles that emphasize gritty higher output Blues or Classic Rock tones, yet are still able to produce silky smooth warm Alnico tones when dialled back a little.” So if you are after those deliciously dirty SRV Stratocaster tones – look no further! [I didn’t!] Lightly beveled pole pieces and gloss finish covers add to the vintage styling.”
I also added a bone nut which is something I always do if the nut is plastic. Another mod I do is to hardtail it with 5 springs so that the spring tone is audible and the tremolo can be used subtly.
