MIM repaint and pickup swap!

[pluckin'canuck]

Hey all. I have a early 2000's MIM that I'm upgrading. This guitar is close to my heart. The first strat I ever had, was a mid 2000s that was painted flat black. Paid 400 on a lawn sale lol. I eventually parted ways with it for a Line 6 dl-4 when they were new and special. My second one i traded for a nice ephiphone I had. It was a sunburns MIK that was GORGEOUS. I regret ever selling it but I enjoy switching things up. This MIM was a terribly ugly, nitro ? That was the most 80's collur you've ever seen. I stripped that colour about 8 years ago, and simply stained it. I've recently read that MIM pickups are not great, but honestly I don't mind it all, up until now. A little while back I got a good deal on a set of Seymour Duncan asp -1"s so I'm waiting to install those as well (Does anyone have any opinion on them? Vintage style and well balanced supposedly?)

I'm painting it myself as well, with a automobile grade paint. To strip the current stain job I had, I used my dewalt orbital sander (80 grade to start, pics imcluded). The guitar feels nice as is. I plan on using 150 to prepare it for paint.

I'm a handy guy who is multi facitted as a trades man. So I think I stand a good chance at making it look respectable. I'm using am aerosol can of duplicolour. The colour is Duplicolour Hampstead Green Metallic. (Pic of another project done as well. Guy did a great job)

I love seeing project guitars. Seeing other people bring a creation to life. All tips and suggestions are welcomed.

 

[GreatGaudy]

Nice project you have there.
Are those holes drilled for wiring ? I'd do it !
Here's Dick Dale's strat from the 90's. Looks like a MiM to me...I suspect the Custom Shop version is MiM too.
Specs according to Custom Shop

 

[pluckin'canuck]

Nice project you have there.
Are those holes drilled for wiring ? I'd do it !
Here's Dick Dale's strat from the 90's. Looks like a MiM to me...I suspect the Custom Shop version is MiM too.

I'm not sure what those holes are for. It is a MIM with a loaded pickguard!

 

[GreatGaudy]

The middle big hole is for a jig to mount the routing machine (I've heard) I'd say Mr Dale took advantage of it.
It's a MiM kinda trademark...I have a Fender Replacement telecaster with the big hole too.

 

[GreatGaudy]

oh cool, what's the pickguard look like ? any extra switches ?

 

[pluckin'canuck]

oh cool, what's the pickguard look like ? any extra switches ?

EXTRA Switches ? It's a loaded pickguard with the conventional 3 switch toggle. I'm jonesing for some new hardware too.