The original neck on this MIM Black Strat was made from wood that tended to twist when the string tension varied, either because of temperature changes or when employing different string gauges. It’s now time to take this guitar to the next level, and make it an iconic Blackout Strat
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The neck will be retired to another instrument.
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This instrument was built in 2006, which happened to be the 60th anniversary of the founding of Fender Corporation.
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The neck is off and headed to its new home.
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David Gilmour’s Blackout Strat has a maple fret board. This instrument will get a new maple neck, with a 59 ‘C’ contour and an almost 2 inch wide nut. With light strings, this guitar will feel like a nylon-stringed classical guitar.
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The aftermarket Fender tuners are lined up with the machinist’s rule and tightened into place one by one.
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These tuners are ‘locking’ tuners, which positively grip the end of each string in a clamp. This is necessary on this instrument because of the very light gauge strings we will be using.
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Head stock and nut are ready to go.
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The middle pickup appears to be not working. Let’s take a look inside.
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Sure enough, there is a broken wire inside the pickup cover.
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The break in the wire is literally in the very last turn! So one turn is un-spooled and threaded through the eyelet where it belongs.
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As was done at the factory, the wire end is pulled through the eyelet a few times and soldered in place.
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The middle pickup is tested and is right where it should be.
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The Classic(al) Blackout Strat is strung with 7 gauge strings; Yes, not 12s, not 10s, but with Billy Gibbon’s own Dunlop Reverend Willy Extra Light Electric Guitar Strings, .007-.038. With the proper setup, this instrument has the play-ability and feel of a nylon-strung classical guitar. Thus, we have the Classic(al) Blackout Strat.
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Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom!
CONTACT – David Latchaw EE
281-636-8626