Help to ID this Squier Strat model

[Oldguitarguy]

Can anyone ID the model of this Squier Strat with body that is 1 25/32” thick, a CXS 03 serial number, and Crafted in China? Is it an SE or something else? Anyone know
what the pups would be and the quality of them, or the rest of the guitar model? Keep the stock pups or replace with GM 62’z or premiums? Anyone know the routing shape under the hood? Thanks in advance.

 

[dbrian66]

At least the neck is an SE. The body probably is as well, but the pickguard has definitely been changed. So who knows what the pickups are. The stock pickups are ok. Nothing great, but usable. I personally replace everything on these guitars. But that’s more because I want to rather than I need to. I would suggest setting it up real good and just play it. You might just love it as is.

Here is what the pickup route looks like.

 

[Ace38]

Well, 25/32 is .78 in decimals meaning that'd be a full sized body. It's an SE. FWIW, those 62z are every bit as good as the big money big names.

 

[Oldguitarguy]

Well, 25/32 is .78 in decimals meaning that'd be a full sized body. It's an SE. FWIW, those 62z are every bit as good as the big money big names.

Thanks. Might install a high mass block, roller ferrules, and the 62’z. Depending on what I find under the hood, maybe some new electronics, shielding, and a treble bleed.

 

[Nduro]

replace the whole bridge with a thick block vintage fender, they are cheap.

 

[Wikingcaster]

replace the whole bridge with a thick block vintage fender, they are cheap.

+1 to this! Replaced the stock bridge on my Korean Squier Stratocaster gold logo from 1997 with one of those Fender Vintage Style Tremolo (which is the one that every - or almost every- Made in Mexico Fender Strats have stock) and is of great quality plus it required no mods to the body, it was a matter of unscrew old one and screw new one in.

I paid 20 euros for it shipped, new from a reputed shop here in Europe.

 

[StratVegas]

The angle that the horn strap button is mounted checks with a CXS SE.

 

[Oldguitarguy]

replace the whole bridge with a thick block vintage fender, they are cheap.

Where did you buy yours?

 

[Texaspicker]

I believe you’ll find that an SE plays quite nicely. Enjoy it brother!

 

[Protone]

The GM 62Z,s are terrific pickups and the Mexican bridge can be picked up on Ebay pretty easily. Great guitar to mod,

 

[Oldguitarguy]

@dbrian66 @Protone @Texaspicker @Nduro @Wikingcaster @Guitarmageddon

I plan to mod this SE and need some thoughts on options:
1) high mass MIM block or GFS high mass brass block (I have them already - just need to pick one - any thoughts? Shown in picks.
2) are these stock tuners any good or should I replace? If so, with what?
3) should I install a TUSQ XL nut or leave stock?
4) replacing electronics with GM 62’z and a GFS premium strat harness;
5) installing roller guides;
6) filing fret ends to smooth neck sides;
7) installing shielding;
8) full set up and D’Addario Nickel Wound 46-10’s;

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

 

[dbrian66]

I personally prefer the brass block. But that’s opinion based and I’m sure someone else will tell you something different. The good news is you already have both, so you can try both and see which one you prefer. Another mod I always do it the Tusq nut. Just make sure you get one with the proper dimensions. I also like to use the Tusq string trees. Stock tuners are fine unless you are changing them for cosmetic reasons. An on/off switch for the neck pickup is also a great (and easy!) mod to do while you are changing out all the electronics.

 

[Protone]

I have only used the Mexican bridge for my mods and have been very satified with the results. For tuners I have used Wilkinson and Guyker both have worked well. Both make well made tuners. I dont change the nut just use some graphite from a #2 pencil.

 

[Oldguitarguy]

Anybody think black pup covers would look better?

 

[dbrian66]

Anybody think black pup covers would look better?

I think it would.

 

[StratVegas]

Personally, I like those Squier-branded tuners as they are stock. I don't personally need/want locking tuners, and I've never had issues keeping tune with the stock SE machines.

 

[Texaspicker]

Sorry for taking so long. I also like the MIM bridge (although I haven’t put one on my SE). I like the standard tuning keys and I use nut slot lubricant. I went with an all black pick guard and pickups (alnico Vs). Pardon the strap, it was my brother’s idea of a joke.

 

[Dpsixstringer]

Sorry for taking so long. I also like the MIM bridge (although I haven’t put one on my SE). I like the standard tuning keys and I use nut slot lubricant. I went with an all black pick guard and pickups (alnico Vs). Pardon the strap, it was my brother’s idea of a joke.

Black on black I so wanna chance my pickguards. One like yours, one brushed aluminum grey. Someday maybe...

 

[Dpsixstringer]

@dbrian66 @Protone @Texaspicker @Nduro @Wikingcaster @Guitarmageddon

I plan to mod this SE and need some thoughts on options:
1) high mass MIM block or GFS high mass brass block (I have them already - just need to pick one - any thoughts? Shown in picks.
2) are these stock tuners any good or should I replace? If so, with what?
3) should I install a TUSQ XL nut or leave stock?
4) replacing electronics with GM 62’z and a GFS premium strat harness;
5) installing roller guides;
6) filing fret ends to smooth neck sides;
7) installing shielding;
8) full set up and D’Addario Nickel Wound 46-10’s;

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

View attachment 236289
View attachment 236290

A question for you Mr Oldguitarguy, is that tusk nut definitely the right one. I ask because I have a 06 cxs and would think it would be the same. I noticed when restringing after upgrading all the guts (62z, mim players pots and switch) that my nut is loose in the slot and moves alot. I figure if I gotta pop it out to reglue, I might just upgrade it as well.

 

[Las Palmas Norte]