Our selection of the best upgrades you can make to your Fender Stratocaster. We will start from the headstock working our way down the neck to the body, looking at replacement/upgrade hardware and electronics, as well as simple modifications to improve your Strat. So, without further ado, here is our Ultimate Stratocaster Upgrade Kit.
Locking Tuners
Locking tuners remove the need for windings around the post, eliminating string slippage during bends or tremolo use. Plus, fitting a set of these makes changing strings a whole lot quicker and easier – they are worth fitting just for that.
String Trees
Sticking up the headstock end, another simple upgrade you can make is to change the string tree(s). Strings will snag as they are pulled back-and-forth under those vintage-style string trees. Remove them in favour of a Roller String Tree – super smooth.
Nut
The last part to consider at the headstock is the nut. Now: there is absolutely nothing wrong with the standard bone nut. Plastic, however, is a different story. But upgrading to a TUSQ XL nut will make a difference to your tuning stability.
The XL range is self-lubricating, which will help the string pass back and forth through the nut whilst using the tremolo. Combined with the roller string tree above, the string will be incredibly mobile.
Plastic Parts
Changing the plastic parts (pickguard, pickup covers, control knobs, etc) can be a fantastic way to personalise your Strat.
The Allparts Pickguard comes in a range of colours, plus their Accessory Kit completes the package with a full set of matching plastic parts.
Wiring Kit
No Stratocaster Upgrade Kit would be complete without a few electronics included. Depending on the age of your guitar (old, crackly circuitry) or where it was made (cheap components), you might want to consider a full electronics upgrade.
These wiring kits come loaded with CTS pots, a CRL switch and a Switchcraft jack. All top quality, US-spec'd parts, and great upgrades/replacements for most standard SSS Strats.
Tremsetter
We have not included a replacement bridge because the type does differ between various makes/models of Stratocaster. But there are some fantastic upgrades you can make to the existing tremolo to improve its performance.
The Tremsetter is one of those. This handy device returns your tremolo to a neutral position, so your tuning remains, regardless of how rough you are with bends, strumming, etc.
Tremolo Arm Tension Springs
If your Strat does not have one already, pop these in the tremolo arm hole to keep constant tension on the arm – no more swinging about. If you Strat does have them, pick up a pack to keep them to hand, as these are one of those parts that always go missing.
Locking Strap Buttons
Every guitar needs these. Nothing more to say, really.
Suggested Parts
