All the same mods that I did for my Squier Classic Vibe HSS Strat, save for retaining the original five way switch and instead I installed a set of Graph-Tec saddles on the bridge. I've had the guitar for five years now, and I'm replacing the tremolo with a Vega-Trem as my final mod. I also sanded the finish from the back of the neck. I replaced the bridge with a Shawbucker and the two single coils are 1/4 pounders from Seymour Duncan.
Thanks for the comment! The classic vibe series is great, Martin has a CV Strat, and yours must be a truly awesome guitar with all these (current and future) mods. The bullet requires more work to get there. But I enjoyed the project. Cheers, Lukas
Great video on your mods to that beautiful guitar! I played through six different Squier Bullet guitars (made in Indonesia) yesterday and was surprised with the uneven quality between them. But, I did find a red sparkle one that had "it". The feel was very close to my 1979 USA Antigua Stratocaster and the sound was really impressive. I've been playing Fender Stratocasters for over 30 years and wanted to see if I could make an inexpensive guitar sound like a classic. This video is most helpful. I will be upgrading some things on the red sparkle Squier Stratocaster that I took home yesterday.
Great job Lukas! I also have a squier bullet stratocaster. It is my first guitar, with which I have learned to play and I have a special affection for it. I'm not going to sell it, so your video has inspired me to improve it soon. After seeing your guitar collection, I would like to know how the sound compares between the improved Squier Bullet and your other Strats. Greetings and thanks! Congrats for the channel!
Hey Carlos! Thanks a lot for your kind words. Great to hear that my video inspired you! To be honest, I haven't played the Bullet recently, but the pickup swap definitely helped quite a bit and made it closer to my other Strats in terms of tone. Cheers, Lukas
Next time, start with a Standard Squier which has Fender Strat body thickness. The Deluxe Squier may also be 1.75". . . but Affinity and Bullet upgraders run into trouble upgrading the tremolo or electronics. Used, I found a Standard FSR 'chrome sparkle' for $150, in perfect condition. It sounded HORRIBLE, which is probably why I got it so cheap. Classic Vibes and Standards can get $400-$500 on the used market, as much as an MIM Fender! Also, the Indonesian Squiers are made by CORT, which is very high quality carving. The Standard uses Agathis wood, which is like a mahogany, softer than Alder or Ash. A good tone wood, but watch out for neck pocket cracks in the hard polyester finish. The neck was perfectly carved, but I found an ELITE Strat neck used for a price I couldn't turn down . . . the nut had been 'ruined' by a guitar tech and the owner didn't know how to fix it. So, I have an $800 neck on a $150 used Squier ($340 for the neck w/bone nut and staggered locking tuners, ebony) . . . but what you did to upgrade your neck is spot on. The Indonesian pickups are pretty good Alnico V's, and I didn't change them. To improve their sound, I installed full-sized CTS pots and a two capacitor wiring scheme using high quality 'orange drops.' If you add two capacitors, a .047mF to the bridge pot and .022mF to the neck, you will essentially have a Jimmie Vaughan Tex-Mex Strat ($1000). You already put in the Tex-Mex pickups . . . may as well take it to the next level. Your FSR color is great . . . too bad it is on the thinner body, but that makes a lighter and easier to play guitar, so trade-offs. I spent a total of $400 and the guitar specs out the same as a $1200 Elite Stratocaster . . . add those two capacitors to your small pots and you will come close to that Jimmie Vaughan signature model.
Thanks a lot! I bought these. Hope this helps. Cheers, Lukas Musiclily Pro 6 in Line Locking Mechaniken Gitarren Locking Tuners Tuning Machines für Fender Stratocaster Telecaster E-Gitarre, Chrom amzn.eu/d/coXLORO
You play Under the Bridge with the thumb over on the E string so you can do the hammer-ons and pull-offs style that John does (like Hendrix). You don't have as much versatility if you play it standard like that. Still, great video!
Thank you! Yeah I know that Frusciante and Hendrix use the thumb on the E, but it doesn't feel comfortable for me and I'm not good at it :D Cheers, Lukas
Nice job man looks and sounds great, I have the affinity but wondering if should go similar route after 3 years of playing mine instead of a completely new strat (50s classic vibe perhaps), I really like the sound of those pick ups!
Martin here, maybe Lukas will also answer, but as an owner of a 50s CV I thought I might chime in on this comment. That's always a hard question to answer. Imho you would have to try a CV to see if you actually find it to play better than your Affinity. I don't know your Affinity, but I have played ones that were great and I haven't felt much of a difference (quality wise) to the CV series where I would have opted for upgrading that particular guitar. But on the other hand I've also played ones where the CV certainly were a big upgrade. That being said, I really like my 50s CV (as you can see in some of our videos). What is it you think could be better on your guitar? Maybe this answers it. If you're not completely satisfied with the feeling of it, then it's probably better to see if you can find a new guitar that works better for you. Maybe not even a strat style? If it's just minor parts, like strap locks, locking tuners or if it's the sound, then modding is probably the better choice. However, be aware if you decide to sell that guitar someday you most likely will lose more money on the modded guitar than on a more expensive model like the CV that's stock. Then again, the experience you gain on modding your stuff is very valuable as well. Cheers, Martin
I have a Squire affinity from the 1997 and it is full thickness identical to the standard fender, i’ve had it from new and I really like it but it’s just for playing in the house my main instment is drums but I love my Squire and I use it for recording demos
Hi man, how did you manage to get extra wood out of the cavity? I have the same problem, I'd like to change the electric and pots but the body is not wide enough
Martin used a dremel to carefully remove some of the wood. A low grit sandpaper might also work. You really have to pay attention to not sand through the body and check regularly! Cheers, Lukas
Thanks Conrad, glad to hear you like the video. I didn't like them, they felt cheap and didn't give me the comfort you get with higher quality ones (just the feel of turning it). They were the ones that are shaped like a trapezoid on the back, in case you know these or want to Google them. Cheers, Lukas
I've got a squire bullet. It stays in tune even when using the whammy bar and the pick ups are good. I would say don't waste your money on upgrades for Squier bullet just use the money and buy a used Mexican fender?
Hey David, valid point. But I had a lot of funny modding it and make it a special guitar and don't regret doing it. Besides, I have a Mexican Strat as well (Road Worn). The bullet is intended for my kids when they're older - the thinner body is probably more suitable for them. Cheers, Lukas
All you need to do when buying a Squier Bullet is choose a good one when buying it at the guitar store and spend the money on getting a set up while your there.
True. Unfortunately, I had to order in online and the local shops are not big enough to have a lot of them for comparison. But your suggestion makes a lot of sense, even more for more affordable guitars. Cheers
I understand that some people have to buy online and can't go to the store. What I'm trying to do here is advise people here is save their money. There's no point in doing all these mods you suggest as when come to selling it you won't get your money back. You could take all the parts off and put the Squier parts back on but the original tuners wouldn't fit back on. Sorry but it's waste of time and money.
If you still don't believe what I'm saying have a look at Dave Simpson"s review on a stock Squier bullet on his you tube channel. The Squier is bullet is not just good budget guitar is it a good guitar. Mike Rutherford from Genesis was in Australia and didn't have access to guitars. He went to guitar store in Sydney and tried out a bullet strat. He liked so much he now uses it on stage.
All the same mods that I did for my Squier Classic Vibe HSS Strat, save for retaining the original five way switch and instead I installed a set of Graph-Tec saddles on the bridge. I've had the guitar for five years now, and I'm replacing the tremolo with a Vega-Trem as my final mod. I also sanded the finish from the back of the neck. I replaced the bridge with a Shawbucker and the two single coils are 1/4 pounders from Seymour Duncan.
Thanks for the comment! The classic vibe series is great, Martin has a CV Strat, and yours must be a truly awesome guitar with all these (current and future) mods. The bullet requires more work to get there. But I enjoyed the project. Cheers, Lukas
Great video on your mods to that beautiful guitar! I played through six different Squier Bullet guitars (made in Indonesia) yesterday and was surprised with the uneven quality between them. But, I did find a red sparkle one that had "it". The feel was very close to my 1979 USA Antigua Stratocaster and the sound was really impressive. I've been playing Fender Stratocasters for over 30 years and wanted to see if I could make an inexpensive guitar sound like a classic. This video is most helpful. I will be upgrading some things on the red sparkle Squier Stratocaster that I took home yesterday.
Thanks Tom, I'm glad the video inspired you! Have fun modding the red sparkle Squier Strat! Cheers, Lukas
Great job Lukas! I also have a squier bullet stratocaster. It is my first guitar, with which I have learned to play and I have a special affection for it. I'm not going to sell it, so your video has inspired me to improve it soon. After seeing your guitar collection, I would like to know how the sound compares between the improved Squier Bullet and your other Strats. Greetings and thanks! Congrats for the channel!
Hey Carlos! Thanks a lot for your kind words. Great to hear that my video inspired you! To be honest, I haven't played the Bullet recently, but the pickup swap definitely helped quite a bit and made it closer to my other Strats in terms of tone. Cheers, Lukas
Next time, start with a Standard Squier which has Fender Strat body thickness. The Deluxe Squier may also be 1.75". . . but Affinity and Bullet upgraders run into trouble upgrading the tremolo or electronics.
Used, I found a Standard FSR 'chrome sparkle' for $150, in perfect condition. It sounded HORRIBLE, which is probably why I got it so cheap. Classic Vibes and Standards can get $400-$500 on the used market, as much as an MIM Fender! Also, the Indonesian Squiers are made by CORT, which is very high quality carving. The Standard uses Agathis wood, which is like a mahogany, softer than Alder or Ash. A good tone wood, but watch out for neck pocket cracks in the hard polyester finish.
The neck was perfectly carved, but I found an ELITE Strat neck used for a price I couldn't turn down . . . the nut had been 'ruined' by a guitar tech and the owner didn't know how to fix it. So, I have an $800 neck on a $150 used Squier ($340 for the neck w/bone nut and staggered locking tuners, ebony) . . . but what you did to upgrade your neck is spot on.
The Indonesian pickups are pretty good Alnico V's, and I didn't change them. To improve their sound, I installed full-sized CTS pots and a two capacitor wiring scheme using high quality 'orange drops.' If you add two capacitors, a .047mF to the bridge pot and .022mF to the neck, you will essentially have a Jimmie Vaughan Tex-Mex Strat ($1000). You already put in the Tex-Mex pickups . . . may as well take it to the next level.
Your FSR color is great . . . too bad it is on the thinner body, but that makes a lighter and easier to play guitar, so trade-offs. I spent a total of $400 and the guitar specs out the same as a $1200 Elite Stratocaster . . . add those two capacitors to your small pots and you will come close to that Jimmie Vaughan signature model.
Thanks for your comment and recommendations and also for sharing your mod project story. Sounds like you got a great guitar there. Cheers Lukas
Just curious which locking tuners you used from Amazon. A nice video by the way.
Thanks a lot! I bought these. Hope this helps. Cheers, Lukas
Musiclily Pro 6 in Line Locking Mechaniken Gitarren Locking Tuners Tuning Machines für Fender Stratocaster Telecaster E-Gitarre, Chrom amzn.eu/d/coXLORO
Lukas great video. Love the mods.
Thanks Charles! Cheers, Lukas
I own (5) different models of Squier guitars and one of them is a bullet and I am happy with all them. And also great video.#OBP Bluesman
Thanks a lot Russel! Which other Squier models do you have? Cheers, Lukas
This guitar looks good. Nice work.
Thanks a lot! Appreciate the kind words. Cheers Lukas
Lukas this a great video, and a great Sounding Great looking Squire/fender, good Job my Friend!
Rock and Roll 🤘🤠
God Bless
Ryan! Thanks a lot for checking out this 'classic' video and for your nice words, you're took kind! Cheers, Lukas
You play Under the Bridge with the thumb over on the E string so you can do the hammer-ons and pull-offs style that John does (like Hendrix). You don't have as much versatility if you play it standard like that. Still, great video!
Thank you! Yeah I know that Frusciante and Hendrix use the thumb on the E, but it doesn't feel comfortable for me and I'm not good at it :D
Cheers, Lukas
Thanks for sharing brother! God bless!
Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Lukas
Nice job man looks and sounds great, I have the affinity but wondering if should go similar route after 3 years of playing mine instead of a completely new strat (50s classic vibe perhaps), I really like the sound of those pick ups!
Martin here, maybe Lukas will also answer, but as an owner of a 50s CV I thought I might chime in on this comment. That's always a hard question to answer. Imho you would have to try a CV to see if you actually find it to play better than your Affinity. I don't know your Affinity, but I have played ones that were great and I haven't felt much of a difference (quality wise) to the CV series where I would have opted for upgrading that particular guitar. But on the other hand I've also played ones where the CV certainly were a big upgrade. That being said, I really like my 50s CV (as you can see in some of our videos).
What is it you think could be better on your guitar? Maybe this answers it. If you're not completely satisfied with the feeling of it, then it's probably better to see if you can find a new guitar that works better for you. Maybe not even a strat style? If it's just minor parts, like strap locks, locking tuners or if it's the sound, then modding is probably the better choice. However, be aware if you decide to sell that guitar someday you most likely will lose more money on the modded guitar than on a more expensive model like the CV that's stock. Then again, the experience you gain on modding your stuff is very valuable as well.
Cheers,
Martin
I have a Squire affinity from the 1997 and it is full thickness identical to the standard fender, i’ve had it from new and I really like it but it’s just for playing in the house my main instment is drums but I love my Squire and I use it for recording demos
Hey David, thanks for the comment. That's almost a vintage instrument ;) Did you mod it? Cheers, Lukas
Hi man, how did you manage to get extra wood out of the cavity? I have the same problem, I'd like to change the electric and pots but the body is not wide enough
Martin used a dremel to carefully remove some of the wood. A low grit sandpaper might also work. You really have to pay attention to not sand through the body and check regularly! Cheers, Lukas
Nice summary. Similar to what I would do. How were the original tuning machine heads?
Thanks Conrad, glad to hear you like the video. I didn't like them, they felt cheap and didn't give me the comfort you get with higher quality ones (just the feel of turning it). They were the ones that are shaped like a trapezoid on the back, in case you know these or want to Google them. Cheers, Lukas
nice guitar man. I want to get the Olympic white version of your guitar, it reminds me of Jake E Lee Charvel!
Thanks a lot, hope you find a good one! Cheers, Lukas
2000 afinity. Is the same thickness as 2018 bullet and the cut away to
Hey Dave. Didn't know that, thanks! Cheers, Lukas
I've got a squire bullet. It stays in tune even when using the whammy bar and the pick ups are good. I would say don't waste your money on upgrades for Squier bullet just use the money and buy a used Mexican fender?
Hey David, valid point. But I had a lot of funny modding it and make it a special guitar and don't regret doing it. Besides, I have a Mexican Strat as well (Road Worn). The bullet is intended for my kids when they're older - the thinner body is probably more suitable for them. Cheers, Lukas
All you need to do when buying a Squier Bullet is choose a good one when buying it at the guitar store and spend the money on getting a set up while your there.
True. Unfortunately, I had to order in online and the local shops are not big enough to have a lot of them for comparison. But your suggestion makes a lot of sense, even more for more affordable guitars. Cheers
I understand that some people have to buy online and can't go to the store. What I'm trying to do here is advise people here is save their money. There's no point in doing all these mods you suggest as when come to selling it you won't get your money back. You could take all the parts off and put the Squier parts back on but the original tuners wouldn't fit back on. Sorry but it's waste of time and money.
If you still don't believe what I'm saying have a look at Dave Simpson"s review on a stock Squier bullet on his you tube channel.
The Squier is bullet is not just good budget guitar is it a good guitar.
Mike Rutherford from Genesis was in Australia and didn't have access to guitars. He went to guitar store in Sydney and tried out a bullet strat. He liked so much he now uses it on stage.
Why does your bullet have a backplate if it is a top-loading hard tail?
It's not a hard tail, it's the Trem version. Cheers
@@LMGuitarCorner got it. I thought all Bullets were hardtails. Guitar looks really good.
Thanks a lot! Cheers
Yes Affinity body is thicker than the bullet. I have them both and are amazing.
Hey there! Thanks for confirming and your comment. Cheers, Lukas
For information, my bullet strat (made in china) from 2009, is 44 mm thick.
that tele behind you though, that color is so nice, $1500 though 😢
Thanks! Yeah that finish is hard to beat imho (as is the American Pro II series in general). Cheers Lukas