Building my version of a MK Strat

[trundler]

Don't get me wrong, the Texas Specials sound great but the Shed pups have a warm depth to them...as soon as I can I will submit some sound files.

[Knopflerfan]

Nice work, man.

I don't like the sound of the MK strat that much. Don't know if it's the pickups. They sound a bit "raspy" to me (Red Bud Tree is a good example). What are you using?

Nothing wrong with the sound of an MK Strat - personally it's the best sound I've ever heard and played!

[Sultan of Swing]

Very nice! If she sounds as good as she looks, it's going to be amazing! Can't wait for the soundclip...
How long did the entire project take you, from start to finish? I can imagine the paint would take a while to dry. Also, on the subject of paint, is it a nitrocellulose finsih, like the original?

[trundler]

Hi, just spending the odd evening and occasional weekend it took around 6 weeks. The painting, drilling and sanding about 3 weeks plus had to wait 2 weeks for the pickups. The rest of the time was spent sourcing parts, assembling and dreaming lol!  The paint is automotive cellulose not Nitro. I need to work out the best way to record some samples and get them on here!

[H97]

Eww, vintage tuners  get these replaced before you spend hours and hours replacing strings 
Very interesting, keep posting!

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the MK Strat has them fitted as standard - I've had no problem with them
on the MK Strat or on my Mexican classic 50's Strat. Would you like to expand on why they would cause you to change strings more often ? 

I have them on my 50's strat too, I use elixer strings. No need to change often. D'addario strings are crap, sound is gone very soon. So then you have to change a lot

I've got a classic 50's Mexican Strat too, with vintage tuners. I ment to say I find it much harder changing strings on it than with regular tuners, especially the b and high e-strings, it "takes me hours and hours" ;)I find them unpractical, but if they are on the MK strat, trundler should use them!
btw I use Ernie Ball string and don't need to change often 

[trundler]

In my experience the Kluson Vintage Tuners have never been a problem for me and I like the fact that they are part of the heritage of the Strat  plus, they are indeed used on the MK Strat so I had no option in that sense.

[Fez]

Looks amazing.

[trundler]

Many thanks Fez  sounds great too but struggling to know how best to record and post some clips!

[3Strats]

Many thanks Fez  sounds great too but struggling to know how best to record and post some clips!

Now there's a whole other thread . . make that a whole other forum !

I use Cubase elements but I wouldn't recommend that for just putting together some quick sound clips.
It's a full music production program, well worth the effort if you want to get into more serious recording but a steep learning curve ! 

Audacity is supposed to be good, (although I haven't tried it) & it's free.

p.s. Mark uses & has endorsed D'addario strings for many years - as I said, everyone is entitled their own opinion. The coated strings from D'addaro & Elixir do stay fresh longer, but IMO the ordinary D'Addario's last as long as most other uncoated strings.

[trundler]

Okay 3strats I'll give it a go - thanks 
D'Addario strings are my "go to" strings, I really rate them IMHO

[Knopflerfan]

Both of my MK's have D'addario's fitted (9's & 10's)..... I really like them and IMHO are better than the Fender's.....

[trundler]

Just having a fettle and play with a maple neck - yes there isn't a string tree fitted and yes the pickguard would need changing I know but interested in your opinions 

[3Strats]

My first Fender Strat was (is) Torino Red with a maple neck.  I've got a soft spot for that combination. Personally, I'd leave the"MK" Strat as it is and find (or paint) another body Candy Apple red, than get one of Ingo's "Schecter" pick guards with the correct pickups & switching.     

[dustyvalentino]

Both of my MK's have D'addario's fitted (9's & 10's)..... I really like them and IMHO are better than the Fender's.....

Daddario make the Fender strings.

[trundler]

3Strats, that's not a bad idea!!