First time strat build

[Brendan]

Welcome along Candice - couple of things -

with the pups, etc - one option is start with the stock and then see if you like the sound. In the end it could save you $100 or more...

As for the fret dots - we've got a how to guide here: http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=2584

[candice]

Thanks for the link. The neck I got doesn't have plastic fret markers it's just got black marks for where they need to go so I'd have to actually drill them out myself somehow. Also I wasn't 100% sure if I should be putting the neck coat I got (colourless) on the fret board too or if I just get fret wax for that. Any ideas?

[candice]

Here are some pictures.

[Nickosaurus]

I'd always planned to change the stock pups on my STA-1M but I just love how they sound in this build.

Cool colour too - I've always thought of building a pastel pink strat. I've already got a surf green and pink paisley though... maybe one more build?

[Brendan]

I've already got a surf green and pink paisley though... maybe one more build?

Ah - I love the smell of GAS in the morning.

[Fretworn]

Ah - I love the smell of GAS in the morning.

I'm sure that is not what your missus says.......

[Brendan]

Strange that you don't have fret markers... Any chance of a photo? Keep the neck coat off the fretboard - some lem oil, Dr Duck's axe wax or DingoBass' own fretboard wax are the toppings of choice that I'd recommend.

[Gavin1393]

Strange that you don't have fret markers... Any chance of a photo? Keep the neck coat off the fretboard - some lem oil, Dr Duck's axe wax or DingoBass' own fretboard wax are the toppings of choice that I'd recommend.

Echo what Brendan said....

[candice]

I'll send a pic once I'm done with the coats. It's all taped up at the moment. I wasn't sure if that's how it was meant to come or not. I'm sure I'll be able to find some form of drill bit to sort it out but I don't want to completely stuff it up. Does anyone have any links on how to do up a custom headstock decal? I've seen people just use printable transparent sticker paper is that the best way and just go over it with a top coat?

[candice]

Quick update, I've put on the final coat and the highlights.
Need to do a couple of tops coats to finish it off but I am pretty happy with how it's looking.

Looking forward to setting it all up, I am sure I'll have a ton of questions when I get to that stage!