Finally, my Strat sounds like a Strat

[BiggerJohn]

It's about time, holy cow.

I have one of those 90s Strat Deluxe guitars that originally came with Lace Sensors. They just didn't sound right to me so I experimented with a bunch of differnt pups, electronics, etc. I was really not digging the thing because it always sounded too bright and thin. I recalled my last mod, I put on a set of CS Fat 50s, and used a GFS Strat wiring kit (pots, switch, etc) and a MOTS guard I got from them. I just remembered that the GFS kit came with a 500k volume pot. Well, I just swapped that for the "correct" 250 k pot, and holy smokes, that was the problem all these years! Going back to the correct 250k pot made a HUGE difference in tone. Now the durn thing sounds like a Strat is supposed to sound. Nice and FAT. Thin tone is gone.

What a relief!

[qblue]

I have a Strat Ultra that can sound all strat; but the bridge dually Lace sensor makes this a to die for guitar. I'm sorry you didn't find it satisfactory, because without mods this is the smoothest quietest guitar I own.

I used to think the guitar didn't sound good either. However, after realizing the switches were different than my old 1970 Stratocaster, I began to really utilize the sound. Now I wouldn't change a thing. I also have a TBX tone control, which can really change things for the best.

I used to think it had a very thin metallic sound; other people who heard me play thought the same. But I stayed with it. I now get compliments about my sound, from other guitarists. When they see what I'm playing, (it's a 20 year old guitar that is durable and still looks new, thanks to Gibson's Pump polish) they are envious and want to know where they might find this aural beast. I have to tell them Fender discontinued it a long time ago, and check Ebay.

I know this won't help now, but you should seek the info on your guitar from this site:

http://xhefriguitars.com

Though I bought the guitar new, the information from Fender was horribly incomplete; this website helped a lot in correcting my lack of knowledge. After my collecting the info, my sound and outlook on the guitar improved, a lot.

1990 Strat Ultra W/ Blue, Gold, and dually Red Lace sensors

[jglenn]

ive had my red plus for 20 years,i like the quiet and powerfull lace pups,this thing has the perfect neck size,and stays in tune like no other guitar ive owned

[qblue]

Originally Posted by jglenn

ive had my red plus for 20 years,i like the quiet and powerfull lace pups,this thing has the perfect neck size,and stays in tune like no other guitar ive owned

+1

Yeah, the locking tuners with the tremsetter/ American standard tremelo (2point) make this guitar a real contender. Ask Jeff Beck....

[BiggerJohn]

"Also: Fender introduced an Deluxe American Standard Strat in 1989 and discontinued them in 1990—so they had a short production life of about one year. It is estimated that only 400 instruments were produced. They came with all the features of a Strat Plus, such as Gold Lace Sensors but no locking tuners or roller nut. They are some-what collectable and are sometimes sold, mistakenly, as a Strat Plus. (They will often have the E4 or E9 serial number too and many of the parts will be leftovers from the pre-CBS buyout). Over time, these may very well be quite collectable."

Man thanks for the site. I just learned that my axe is actually one of the above. It does not have locking tuners or roller nut, but did come with gold lace sensors and has the 2-point trem.

[ZZB3]

My Strat Plus Deluxe did not sound like a strat with the Red, Silver, and Blue Lace sensors either. I also did not like the TBX tone control. I swapped out the Blue neck pup for another silver which was a lot more stratty. But I eventually rewired the whole guitar and put Lindy Fralin Vintage Hots and yes it sounds like a strat now wired traditionally which gives lots of chime and quack when desired. I put the Fralins on a different pickguard so when I get bored I can switch back to the Laces which are very quiet and good but different and not as vintage sounding. The guitar plays great with the LSR roller nut. I swapped out the Fender Licensed Floyd Rose for the American two point trem. bridge and took out the trem-setter which was not needed on this guitar. I do not like the bump in the middle. I have kept the original parts but frankly I rarely play the strat since I acquired my Tele five years ago. Have fun, Wayne

[qblue]

Originally Posted by ZZB3

My Strat Plus Deluxe did not sound like a strat with the Red, Silver, and Blue Lace sensors either. I also did not like the TBX tone control. I swapped out the Blue neck pup for another silver which was a lot more stratty. But I eventually rewired the whole guitar and put Lindy Fralin Vintage Hots and yes it sounds like a strat now wired traditionally which gives lots of chime and quack when desired. I put the Fralins on a different pickguard so when I get bored I can switch back to the Laces which are very quiet and good but different and not as vintage sounding. The guitar plays great with the LSR roller nut. I swapped out the Fender Licensed Floyd Rose for the American two point trem. bridge and took out the trem-setter which was not needed on this guitar. I do not like the bump in the middle. I have kept the original parts but frankly I rarely play the strat since I acquired my Tele five years ago. Have fun, Wayne

What is the bump in the middle? please explain...

[ZZB3]

The Trem-setter has a stop (bump) when the trem is at rest. With the trem set up floating (You can go up or down in pitch) you can feel the bump when using the trem. I have found my trem is just as stable with out the Trem-setter and without the anoying bump when I use it. My strat really does play great and was my first really good guitar. Have fun, Wayne

[jrfrond]

Keep in mind that the MAIN function of the Trem-Setter is to stabilize the bridge during bends, as well as in the event of string breakage.