Couple answers to your questions, the Strat great choice. I have a 2010 Fender Strat great all round choice of sounds, reason I bring it up I also have a Les Paul Kit I am rebuilding..So my Fender has all Fender factory pick ups, Tuning Pegs, nut etc..as well as electronics....The Les Paul has Chinese hardware, tuners ..pots etc.

TUNERS I dont play in a band just at home hour or so a day...Have played 20 plus years...If I was playing in a band every week I would up grade the tuners as your strings will go out of tune quickly if you play 2 hour gigs, the Chinese wont hold up.

PICK UPS This area is the debate for every one to weigh in on...Personally if you research how they are made...Its just Magnets, Copper Wires and Metal....The most expensive part of a pick up is copper wire..hence the Chinese kit ones may not have as many winds , to save copper, and as such sound 'weaker ' compared to the $150 dollar plus after market models.

ELECTRONICS Once again upgrading the pots can make a difference as you MIGHT get a dodgy one that cuts out or seems to be either off or on.. Some players swear that a NOS Bumble Bee capacitor from Russia will be the only way to get a a Les Paul sound.. What I just said is jargon some use to justify paying $30 for a capacitor( My Opinion). But I dont judge just letting you know the options.

SO... What does it all mean, well as I said earlier I love my Fender Strat, cost over a grand...Love the Les Paul cost $200...So my advice...Keep everything stock to begin with if money is tight...You wont REALLY notice the difference..If you upgrade the electronics more soldering for you and complicates the build slightly...Lastly the pick up option is the most expensive BUT can be done at a later date.

LASTLY Go to DB corner on the forum and ask DB about reverse headstock they may be able to do it