Thanks guys.The Strat is one of the cheapest ones they make e.g a Squier Bullet Bullet HSS.Absolute bargain,
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BulletHtAWT
http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/electric_ ... oCqHDw_wcB
Had to change the pots and 5-way switch as they are the only weakness and broke down after a couple of months daily playing.Alpha Brand pots are a reasonable price.
Although the standard ceramic pickups in the middle and neck aren't bad I wanted a more vintage tone so converted some cheap single coil Chinese Pickups to Alnico3 by taking the magnets off and using Alnico3 pole pieces.
The standard,"Humbucker" that comes with them is superb.It's under-wound,low-ish so doesn't overpower the single coils in the M/B positions for volume balance.
You can hear the GX1Xon and the Humbucker and singles really come together on this track using a Youtube guitar backing track,
https://soundcloud.com/paulsheppard/satrianibaani
I've tried loads of brands of strings over the years but always end up back at D'Addario EXL.They give great tone and longevity.
