Squier ‘51 questions

[TheBoss72]

I have an opportunity to grab a first generation one (without string through body). My questions to the experts;
1 Which generation had a larger feeling neck?
2 What’s a good top loading tele ashtray type bridge with brass saddles that would fit while covering any original drill holes?
3 Has anyone drilled holes through theirs to make it string through?

Thanks

 

[Guitarmageddon]

I have an opportunity to grab a first generation one (without string through body). My questions to the experts;
1 Which generation had a larger feeling neck?
2 What’s a good top loading tele ashtray type bridge with brass saddles that would fit while covering any original drill holes?
3 Has anyone drilled holes through theirs to make it string through?

Thanks

1 - the first generation
2 - none, they will all show gaps and holes.....
3 - some have but I haven't

 

[surf green]

1st gen had perhaps the chunkiest profile of all Squiers. But by no means a "ball bat" profile. The 2nd gen had the "modern C" profile. Tests done on string-thru teles, have shown near no increase in sustain over hard tails. I would pass on trying to "create" a string-thru.

 

[dpang2836]

Hey Boss! I don't know about the Neck Specs, but the Bridge I know about and hard to find any better Quality. Saddles is a good Idea. I did do a String-Through on a Tele Body with success. I have a Jig for Back Holes. Choice of Bridges would expand to like a Gotoh, which is only String-Through. A Wilkinson 1/2 Bridge with 3 Compensated Brass is another fine Bridge! Can be Top Loaded. 4 Screw Holes instead of 3. Those 4 Screw Holes need to be above those 3 Bottom Holes to Intonate Properly. Old Holes should be covered. Low E String Nut to Saddle Groove 25.5". Somebody showed doing your Bridge with the Wilk, but don't know who!

 

[HSH Classic Vibe]

So... Is it possible to get a Squier 51 pickguard in something other than black for a reasonable price or did that dream die in like 2014?

And does no one mod these anymore, or are there simply none left to mod?

 

[AcrylicSuperman]

So... Is it possible to get a Squier 51 pickguard in something other than black for a reasonable price or did that dream die in like 2014?

And does no one mod these anymore, or are there simply none left to mod?

WD® Custom Pickguards For Squier® '51®

 

[HSH Classic Vibe]

I appreciate that, but I was hoping for a reasonable price. It's my mistake that I didn't specifically say no WD, since they are the most overpriced pickguards I encountered.

 

[driver8]

I have a white one around here somewhere, if white's ok let me know and you can have it

I appreciate that, but I was hoping for a reasonable price. It's my mistake that I didn't specifically say no WD, since they are the most overpriced pickguards I encountered.

 

[Paruwi]

I have upped the value of my '05 by ~ 30% or € 45.-

 

[jamesgpobog]

Black is the fastest color.

 

[Shaytan]

Real question: you're actually considering to drill through in increasingly desirable guitar? To each their own and if you come to be its rightful owner, so be it, but... don't bother about it, really. It's the sort of details I fail to see the relevance, I've played enough crappy guitars to have figured most if not all those small details people swear by to make a negligible overall difference at best.

 

[Michael7]

So... Is it possible to get a Squier 51 pickguard in something other than black for a reasonable price or did that dream die in like 2014?

And does no one mod these anymore, or are there simply none left to mod?

A cheap option if you are handy is to make one using a Bullet Strat guard as a template. That's how I did this one. I didn't like the oversize stock one at all. I made a 1/4" MDF pattern of the Strat one with minor modification for the control plate and then cut the new one out on a router table.