Relic Stratocaster

The Relic Stratocaster Project

The Relic Stratocaster was the first major project, this guitar has also become the test bed for modifications to see how they perform and react. An example of this was the installation of a three way switch which split the humbucker. This was a test for a mod we are going to install on a telecaster which is going to also have a feature on this blog!

The stratocaster started off as a separate neck and body sale from eBay, all the other components were purchased along the way as the project developed. We wanted a very basic but modern look to the pick ups, so a single bridge humbucker was selected. We used an Entwistle Dark star, this is a very adaptable and very capable pickup. All of the wiring was then drawn up and installed into the guitar. It was fitted with a single humbucker, wired to a single tone and single volume pot, both with a 500k rating.

The next step was to fit the bridge.

We decided on a standard stratocaster tremolo but anodised in black. This would give it that modern touch, this took some fitting. Making sure the bridge lined up with the predrilled string holes, also the fitting of springs that allow for the tremolo to bend. This took some strength and patience to get the springs set properly. All that was left after was to fit strings and get the intonation set, this took a few tweaks to get perfect. Once complete, the guitar shaped alder wood was now a playable instrument! The sound of the electrical setup created a very crunchy and strong signal. This is very noticeable when played through overdrive and distortion, on a clean channel it has a very clear and responsive sound.

After some time passed an offer was made to us to refurbish and modify a Fender telecaster! A sweet opportunity to try some new mods. This included the installation of a humbucker and running a split coil switch. So to test this we drew up the modifications required and fitted it on the stratocaster.

This three way toggle allows for the humbucker to run both coils in series, or the choice of the north or south coil independently. This has changed the options, with a single coil tapped the sound is now very spikey and aggressive but also has a retro dirty sound similar to an original stratocaster single coil set up! After this test we are confident with its addition to the telecaster project.

A very good modification well worth getting done!!!