'98 Fernandes Strat copy updated
 

Just picked it up earlier today, very happy with simple mods that my friend did.
For the past couple months I have been debating on which direction to go with and how many things I would like to replace, pickups etc.
In the end decided to keep no name stock pickups, they just plain work and sound well. What got replaced was all the pots, 5 way switch and input jack with CTS hardware, guitar got fret dressing and setup with 10's, I have some Gotoh locking tuners coming soon to replace craptastic factory tuners.
It has been sporting all original components since I purchased it new in 1998.
No name factory 5 way switch, 500k pots that were getting scratchy etc had to go.
Decided to go with 250k pots for replacement. Bottom tone pot now works for middle and bridge pickup depending on the need. Volume pot is a pleasure to use for volume swells, more gradual than the original one.

This will round this one out, it has been my primary and an only electric for the better part of 15 years or so. Simply said it isn't going anywhere, love the playability and neck just fits my hand like a glove.

I am however on the lookout for a good 5w tube amplifier head with attenuator that will allow me to switch wattage on the fly. Looking at Vox AC4tv, Bugera and Blackstar at the moment. Hard to try out any of them in person. I had a Marshall Class 5 combo and it was just overly loud to play it at home ( apartment ). Any suggestions please feel free to share.
Link to Fernandes photo:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/94581273@N06/14965459129/

Nice to have your primary sent in for a fine tuning. Have those stickers been on for 15 years? :)

As far as amps go, try them out in person if you can so you can hear how loud the amp is when it breaks up. Those Class 5 are loud amps, especially if you try to get a crunch out of them.

Here's your pic:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3857/1...e0bbfe43_z.jpg

Dru,

I reckon those stickers have been on it for a decade or more. :)
It is good to have the old gal spoiled a little. This guitar has some miles on it from the band days back in the day.
As far as the amps go I am unable to test them local to me. Might have to order online and go from there. Thanks for putting up the pic.

Mini update, Gotoh mini locking tuners showed up, got them on today. Had to ream out the headstock for them to fit but it was so worth it, used a manual T handle reamer. 18:1 ratio is a pleasure to use. That completes this one.