I review my Squier Strat and the mods I did.

#knowyourgear #sharpenmyaxe #mcknightrepair

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Tools used in this video
Squire Bullet guitars
The Snark tuner I'm using in this video (Silver Snark)
String Swing guitar hangers (I only use String Swing)
Sure Sm57
Radius Gauge with slots
Fret Rocker
Precision Notched Straightedge
The Music Nomad gauge I use
Digital Caliper
Digital Multimeter
Clip On Tuner in this video
My Favorite set up tools
Here are some other products from a dealer I trust and buy from online

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[iplayeddishonored]

Glad to see someone with expensive taste that has so much expensive gear can still appreciate the small things

[AlexPriceMusician]

I got a '98 mim strat on ebay years ago for $220. It came with a set of the vintage noiseless pickups in it even though the description didn't say anything. I've since replaced the nut, saddle, wiring, and controls and people tell me it's one of the best strats they've played. The great thing about Fender type guitars is that you don't need to spend a ton to get a great sound

[ericbgordon]

Great demonstration, Mr. McKnight. I chose to watch this video today (10//19/21) because of a headline I saw this morning about Mike Rutherford choosing a gray-finish version of this model as his primary axe during Genesis' Last Domino? tour.

[ianroberts]

There’s something so relaxing about listening to Phil talk.

[MrLespaul]

Thanks for the tip on the Wiggins pickups. If you've read any of my comments, you know that I love Squiers and Epiphones because their solid modding platforms. $160 for a trio of boutique, all wood bobbin/cover single coils is a heck of a deal and I really like the tone. I really appreciate your videos and all the little tips you give away. I've been doing most of my own guitar, amp and pedal maintenance, mods and repairs for over three decades and I still am learning new ideas and approaches as I watch your videos. I'm by no means a guru of knowledge. I esteem you as such because I learn at least one new thing from each of your videos. Keep up the good work. This middle aged dude in Northern California appreciates you and your efforts.

[angrytroll]

I think Gibson at one point hired stevie wonder for QA

[conniemoats]

I bought a high end Les Paul, I thought I would love it . I do, but I love my Squire bullet the best. It is very easy to play and light. There is big difference between the two. The Les Paul is grand by all means, but Squire Strat is my all time favorite. Love your reviews very helpful.

[shellydrew]

Eric Clapton only lives 3 miles away from where I I live in the uk...and even he owns some...and why not, they are fun cheap guitars to mod :)

[kpm]

You are the best guitar guy on the web. I have replaced nuts for tuning problems and that was the cause 100% of the time. I replaced tuners 3 times, never for tuning problems. Two times because they were broken. My Les Paul junior, plastic and stripped out. The ones on my ESP were to stiff to turn. The last was just this past week. I bought a Mexican Strat new.. I want locking tuners to make it easier to change strings. It a working guitar and I Chang the strings a lot. The ones you put on your built are just much better. I love how fix up your cool little Strat! A video on brass blocks on Strat tremolos would be cool. Thank you for a great video!

[rock]

I once had a candy apple red cheap Strat that I modded with trio of single-coil-sized Seymour Duncan humbuckers -- a JB Jr. in the bridge, a Lil' Screamin' Demon in the middle, and a Lil' '59 in the neck. The volume and tone pots also doubled as coil taps. I also put on locking tuners, and a Wilkinson bridge, and it was one very rocking guitar. I could kick myself for having sold it.

[elvisfrancis]

I really love the woody tone the pickups have. They are really warm, and a really distinct tone. Hand wired, exotic woods exotic tone

[mr.bonkles]

I just discovered this channel a couple weeks ago and I have to say I'm really impressed with the breadth of topics and specificity with which each one is handled. Rock on Mr. McKnight. Love the vids.

[calgaryjimbo]

I have a Bullet Strat and I really enjoy playing it—it's my favourite guitar in my modest, beginner's collection. It has nice tone, it stays in tune (which is apparently a problem for some), it's light and it only cost me $75 (lightly used). Great guitar!

[TheShawngeetar]

Hi Phil! Tone Blaster Shawn here, lol. My Indonesian Strat (no bullet) does it for me. I'm lucky as far as the pups, no need to change them. only thing, I need to share this with you and your fans, my properly set up trem would not stay in tune (drop C). I had been thinking of all the options, locking tuners, replace bridge, nut, etc. Finally, just a hunch, my G&L SC-3 only had one retainer on the E-B strings, many other axes the same (Leo knew what the f he was doing). I removed the inner retainer tree from the Squire, and instantly the trem worked properly. I sort of noticed that before, whenever I would use the whammy, even lightly, the D or G would go out a little, and as I tuned back up, the others would go out, then the low. Taking off the D-G tree completely resolved the trem issue completely. Um, I know all about why the retainer is supposedly there in the first place, string angle to nut and all that bs. I'm saying the only reason the guitar probably has 2 trees in the first place is it makes it look like some guitar someone wanted to copy back when... I know better. Anyway, it's superfluous, and problem solved!! Hallelujah! I'm not missing anything tone wise cause the string angle on two of the strings has changed, but i'm gaining a functional axe, which is the most comfortable axe I've ever played, and bucketfuls of tone. Seriously.

[sagi]

Another great mod for the lower priced Squiers (etc) is to upgrade vol + tone pots and caps. I've found that the stock ones simply act as on/off rather than allowing for a smooth transition.
Great vid! These instruments get a bad rap and your video helps to explain why this isn't always the case. High Five

[MisterRorschach]

I had a squire Tom Delong strat that played so well my dad actually asked me to use it in church sometimes lol. It was 200ish bucks and it played better than any guitar under 1000 bucks that I’ve ever seen. It was a gem. No one believed it was a squire.

[yourbore]

By far, I feel you are the most straight forward and honest YouTube guitar guy. A plus is you don’t talk slow. That drives me up the wall lol. Thank you for this video. I’ve always wanted a sea foam bullet because of the color. Thinking of doing the same mods to it I thought it may be silly. But why? Cause it doesn’t say fender? Lol you rock!

[guitarhowtos]

A few days ago,  a new Squier Bullet was delivered to me. After loosening the tremolo screws a bit,  removing one spring and doing a normal general setup, the guitar PLAYS GREAT!!

[mattyredrock]

Great video. I have an '03 Squire Affinity Strat H/S/S. I've had it since it was new. Absolutely love it. Fits my needs perfect, garage and basement jams with my friends. The only mod I've done is replace the stock humbucker with a Seymour Duncan Invader to make it scream when I want to.

[gabby]

Dude really dig your videos and have gotten some great information from you. Thanks very much and keep the videos coming!!