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I've been craving a traditional Strat sound lately, but I like the 12-16" compound radius fretboard of my J/C guitars as well as the awesome necks themselves. What are my options? I'm aiming for as inexpensive (ie - don't want to pay a tech if possible). My limitation is that I have no soldering experience. (One day, I will learn. Been saying that for almost 15 years though.)
1) Find a Model 1A.
Pro: Exactly what I want in stock configuration.
Cons: Difficult to find. Arguably, basswood body is not "true Strat".
2) Swap the bridge humbucker on my Model 1C for a humbucker that has single coil character. Initial search results tell me the DiMarzio Humbucker From Hell might be a candidate. But, at <6KOhm, I'm concerned it's too weak, especially considering the stock J100 single coils (neck & middle positions) are >6KOhm.
Pro: Probably the least expensive option.
Cons: Not a true single coil sound, and I already have a coil split on the bridge DiMarzio PAF Pro. I'd need to solder.
3) Buy a Warmoth (or other aftermarket) body and put the Model 1C neck on it. While I don't have anything negative to say about the Model 1C's basswood body, I'm thinking I might as well go all the way and different by getting an ash body with hardtail bridge and 3 single coils.
Pro: More authentic Strat feel and vibe.
Cons: Probably one of the more expensive options. I'd need to solder.
4) Buy a Warmoth (or other aftermarket) body and put one of my So-Cal necks on it. Same as #3 above, except the locking nut would be rendered redundant.
Pro: Same as #3 above.
Con: Same as #3 above.
5) Buy a replacement pickguard for one of my So-Cals.
Pro: I get to keep stock body/neck mating.
Con: I can't escape soldering SOMETHING (output jack, I think).
6) Buy a replacement body that comes preloaded with pickups and electronics.
Pro: No soldering.
Cons: Could be one of the most expensive options. I'd need to wait for the right combination (body wood, bridge type, color, pickups, etc.) to become available.
7) Buy a Fender Strat, preferably hardtail with an ash body and maple neck/fretboard.
Pro: True Strat.
Cons: Omits the great feel of a 12-16" J/C compound radius fretboard. Probably the most expensive option.
1) Find a Model 1A.
Pro: Exactly what I want in stock configuration.
Cons: Difficult to find. Arguably, basswood body is not "true Strat".
2) Swap the bridge humbucker on my Model 1C for a humbucker that has single coil character. Initial search results tell me the DiMarzio Humbucker From Hell might be a candidate. But, at <6KOhm, I'm concerned it's too weak, especially considering the stock J100 single coils (neck & middle positions) are >6KOhm.
Pro: Probably the least expensive option.
Cons: Not a true single coil sound, and I already have a coil split on the bridge DiMarzio PAF Pro. I'd need to solder.
3) Buy a Warmoth (or other aftermarket) body and put the Model 1C neck on it. While I don't have anything negative to say about the Model 1C's basswood body, I'm thinking I might as well go all the way and different by getting an ash body with hardtail bridge and 3 single coils.
Pro: More authentic Strat feel and vibe.
Cons: Probably one of the more expensive options. I'd need to solder.
4) Buy a Warmoth (or other aftermarket) body and put one of my So-Cal necks on it. Same as #3 above, except the locking nut would be rendered redundant.
Pro: Same as #3 above.
Con: Same as #3 above.
5) Buy a replacement pickguard for one of my So-Cals.
Pro: I get to keep stock body/neck mating.
Con: I can't escape soldering SOMETHING (output jack, I think).
6) Buy a replacement body that comes preloaded with pickups and electronics.
Pro: No soldering.
Cons: Could be one of the most expensive options. I'd need to wait for the right combination (body wood, bridge type, color, pickups, etc.) to become available.
7) Buy a Fender Strat, preferably hardtail with an ash body and maple neck/fretboard.
Pro: True Strat.
Cons: Omits the great feel of a 12-16" J/C compound radius fretboard. Probably the most expensive option.
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