Hi Tom, pickup swaps can make a big difference. You son needs to know what kind of sound he wants from the Strat. If he wants to play some classic metal then perhaps a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge. If he wants some great blues/rock tones a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates would sound great in the bridge. Throw in a SRV Fender Texas Special in the neck position.
As you mentioned, an amp is important and would probably make a bigger difference.
Long & McQuade has rentals. He could probably rent a nice Epiphone Les Paul or even a Gibson Les Paul Studio / Tribute for a week just to see if that's more the tone he's going for. Same with renting an amp.
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