Guitar Upgrade Question....

What do you play now? 

I've got a custom built guitar with P-90 pickups, along w/ the strat i've played for 35 years, here's some links you might enjoy (It won't let me load the guitar images, perhaps a Safari issue); 

http://dozin.com/jers/guitar/history.htm

http://jerrygarcia.com/guitars/

http://dozin.com/jers/guitars.html

http://www.guitaraficionado.com/how-jerry-garcia-revolutionized-the-cust...

Sounds like you prefer single coils. Check out Grosh guitars. 

Ronin makes some nice guitars too. 

If you have money to burn, consider a new amp. Redplate, Fargen, Louis. 

nothing wrong with a PRS

it will give you that between the switch Strat tone-- and a fat humbucker tone also.

You can grab a dandy for $3k

Gear is all good but it really comes from the heart and the hands. 

https://youtu.be/600ykNF3md4

PRS has a good range of guitars that could give you the tone you want. A McCarty Hollowbody would be one to check out.  It's a dandy 

>>>>>Gear is all good but it really comes from the heart and the hands. 

Yeah but you rarely see a great guitar player playing an Epiphone or Squire.  There's a reason some instruments are way more expensive than others.  Especially with electronics involved.

Scott Walker is the dude that made the guitar Sless plays.  Sounds like that's kind of what you're looking for.

http://scottwalkerguitars.com/

The "Squier" was named after some dude who worked at Fender factory.

Actually I have a couple Indonesian models (dirt cheap).

Electronics are absolute Krap, but the Indo necks are just great, for a 50 dollar teenage Strat. They are a nice item to experiment with different Pickups and electronics, and you didn't ruin an expensive instrument. Pickguard screw-holes are not quite the same as traditional USA/Mex Strats. Real Strat pickguard might not line up.

The finish is not on par with USA or Mexican strats... it's more like "Plasti-Dip" the stuff you dip pliers handles in, or waterproof your boots.

Body is thinner in comparison. Underneath the Plasti-Dip, maybe some pretty tropical Wood ?? Chemical thinner will take it off, use ventilation and don't ruin the glue joints.

So find a few at garage sale or CL, and enjoy learning how to solder, replace pickups, experiment with Pots. The Chinese ones are poopy, but the Indo's have nice necks & frets.

I believe OP is actually looking for a Fine Guitar, which is Good 

http://scottwalkerguitars.com/guitars/attrezzo/

This one sure is sexy.

>nothing wrong with a PRS

it will give you that between the switch Strat tone-- and a fat humbucker tone also.

You can grab a dandy for $3k

>PRS has a good range of guitars that could give you the tone you want. A McCarty Hollowbody would be one to check out.  It's a dandy 

My thoughts exactly. 

By "OP" I meant Capn'Slappy...

Anyway, not to diss the Squier line, all things considered. Maybe there are some Japanese Squiers that are actually nice instruments? I forget.

Maybe the TV (true vintage) series '59 and '69 China Strats are part of the Squier line. Heard some good reviews on those back when.

But they are like 300 bucks in the store 

The Indo Squiers are about 50 bucks, and just a test-bed for better electronics. A few hours with a chisel, Dremel, router and so forth, you could Jerrify one with your favorite DiMarzio pickups or whatever. The OBEL seems to be the trick. And better Pots.

The scenario I describe is for someone who is looking for the right combination of PU's and Knobs/Switches in a symbionistic relationship. Also someone who is comfortable fooling around with basic hand tools and soldering irons. Not a 'Keeper' instrument but something to learn with and figure out how all the stuff goes together.

http://www.ksmguitars.net/guitar.html

Ok this guy's up in Logan UT -makes this customized axe per order -- about $4 thou...I think.

Been playing with Fralin Picks up on my strat. Couldnt imagine using any other single coils at this point. No matter neck and body you have it will be a big improvement to your strat. If you're looking for a drugband guitar, Doug irwins protege designs alembic-like guitars nowadays. My buddy Curt who plays in "Steal Your Face" a Philly dead coverband recently purchased one. I think it sounds great. I was skeptical at first until I heard him play it. 

He had to switch to a twin because his vox was breaking up too much so that's something to think about if you're going to go that route. A blackface twin reissue runs about 1300$.

Good call on the Walker Mr. Hoover (except for the price). I'm just funnin' with the Walmart guitar. I'm a gear slut at heart. My budget keeps it real for me. 

Neil Casal also plays a Scott Walker. Santa Cruz Model.  

My buddy Flick at SF Stringworks makes some VERY nice guitars;

http://www.steveflicker.com/