Fender USA Stratocaster: Peg replacement, nut slot adjustment, fret leveling, and rewiring.
The frets show significant overall wear, and some strings have high nut slots, causing playability issues.
The wiring was amateurishly done, with crackling noise in the volume and selector switches, so they were replaced. The jack was also replaced to ensure the signal path is problem-free.
Note regarding the tuning pegs: Depending on the replacement pegs used, they may not fit perfectly.
The bushings didn’t match the diameter of the replacement pegs, so conversion bushings were used.
Nut-retaining type pegs often have a 10mm hole, while Kluson type pegs have a smaller hole, so caution is needed during replacement.
Conversion bushings exist to simplify such replacements. If you want to replace them without modification, these bushings are required separately.
However, this may cause the peg hole pitch to mismatch, resulting in gaps between the pegs (though this does not affect functionality). While this looks unsightly, it’s acceptable as long as the screws hold securely.
When replacing with a 6-string Kluson type, for example, a perfect fit might still be difficult. Even if conversion bushings allow the replacement, cosmetic imperfections are possible, so be aware of this.
For those concerned, we recommend replacing with the same type (e.g., Kluson type ←→ Kluson type; avoid changing specifications like Kluson to Schaller).
We set it down one step per customer request.
The neck condition is good, and there is ample rod adjustment remaining.
This illustrates an important point: the less time strings exert tension on the neck (e.g., during down-tuning), the less prone it becomes to warping.
This explains why strings should be stored loosened. Since neck warping occurs under string tension, storing the instrument with strings loosened removes this load, prolonging its lifespan.
Moon Stratocaster fret leveling and jack replacement.
Significant fret wear was present.
The truss rod was also nearly at its limit.
The jack, which was causing sound dropouts, was replaced with a new one.
The frets were leveled, eliminating any buzzing and making it much easier to play.
The sound is tight and clear.
While it has that classic Japanese-made tone, the sound is well-defined, making it stand out clearly in a band setting without any unwanted noise.
The truss rod had almost no adjustment range from the start.
Just because it’s USA-made or Custom Shop doesn’t mean it’s in good condition.
Even new guitars often have limited truss rod travel, so this is a crucial point to check before purchasing.
Adjustment brought the truss rod to its limit, but it still needs a bit more tightening to straighten properly.
It tends to sound good, but the tone is on the brighter side.
Fret leveling and setup for a Thorn Tree Stratocaster.
The neck appears to be manufactured by Thorn Tree, while the body is likely made by Fender Japan.
It was purchased secondhand.
The frets are in poor condition with some buzzing spots. While overall fret wear is minimal, there are specific areas causing buzz.
We partially refretted the buzzing sections. Clearly problematic areas improved, and the guitar is now playable overall. However, a full refret would be preferable if possible.
The overall fret condition is poor.
Additionally, the fingerboard near the lower frets has swollen, creating a noticeable gap at the joint between the neck and fingerboard.
This condition often occurs after attempting neck ironing.
It’s likely the previous owner tried fixing it with neck ironing, worsened the condition, and then sold it.
People who think neck ironing can fix warping are mistaken; getting it fixed without issues is pure luck.
It’s a risky repair method because applying heat often causes additional problems.
It seems the previous owner tried using a neck iron on a neck that was likely already beyond repair (e.g., severe reverse bow where the truss rod was maxed out). The heat caused the fingerboard to expand, and this expansion didn’t reverse. The resulting gap between the fingerboard and neck became noticeable to the touch while playing, creating discomfort. The fretboard drying out and swelling from the iron’s heat can cause frets to loosen or shift, leading to overall poor fret condition. This likely made it unplayable, prompting the previous owner to part with it.
The sound seems promising, so if you plan to use it properly, I recommend refretting it.
Thank you very much! ♪
Fender Japan Eric Clapton model Stratocaster wiring repair and setup.
The jack was faulty and wiring was broken, causing no sound output.
Per the customer’s request, we modified it to enable switching the mid-boost on/off via a switch pot.
The saddles are rusted, causing difficulty adjusting string height.
If screws are rusted and won’t turn, part replacement is generally required, so caution is needed.
The nut is worn, causing muffled notes. We recommend replacing the nut as the next repair step.
The string height is too high and the tremolo arm height is also incorrect, making it extremely difficult to play.
The customer requested an adjustment to keep the tremolo arm flush with the body.
When not using the tremolo arm, keeping it flush makes string changes and tuning much easier.
The sound also changes depending on whether the bridge is floating or not; it’s worth trying both to hear the difference.
After the adjustment, it became very easy to play and sounded great.
This is a setup and jack replacement for a Cool Z Stratocaster.
The guitar has a significant forward bow and is difficult to play.
It has not been properly adjusted, the string height is too high, and there is a broken wire in the jack, preventing sound from coming out.
The jack is a part that wears out easily, so we replaced it with a new one to restore sound.
After adjustment, it is now easier to play, but there is almost no truss rod adjustment left.
Depending on the amount of truss rod adjustment and its effectiveness, if the bowing becomes severe after adjustment, the truss rod may reach its limit.
Some guitars are sold with a bowed neck even when new, so it is important to check the remaining adjustment range after adjustment to avoid regret.
Additionally, if the truss rod is not effective, it will need to be adjusted more frequently, further reducing the remaining adjustment range.
It is advisable not to purchase from a music store that does not disclose the remaining truss rod adjustment range after proper adjustment.
This is a peg replacement and setup for a History Premium Series Stratocaster.
This is a model manufactured by Tsubasa Guitars.
The pegs are being replaced from lock-type pegs to regular pegs.
Those who are knowledgeable about guitars realize that lock-type pegs are not as good as regular pegs in terms of sound, so some people choose to revert back to regular pegs.
The Premium Series, manufactured by Tsubasa Guitars, offers the same playability and sound quality as Flatoon and Tsubasa Guitars.
This is a rare find even in the used market, but truly excellent instruments rarely circulate in the used market, so this model is definitely worth snapping up if you come across it.
