MIM Strat Tune-up pointers?

jwyles90

jwyles90

Well-known member
Hey all!

So a friend of mine just gave me his old MIM Strat that he found sitting in his parent's basement. As far as I can tell it's got some pretty solid bones, but could definitely use some cleaning and a bit of a tune up. I've never done any kind of guitar work, so I'm wondering if anyone has any pointers/tips for how to go about it?

I've watched a handful of Youtube videos on basic set-ups, how to check intonation, bridge adjustment, etc, so I've got a general idea of where to start but also know there's a wealth of knowledge that you all have that's worth seeking out. Any pointers would be much appreciated!

Here are some before/after pictures I took from my initial clean up. It was pretty dusty and grimy when I first got it. The bridge was raised up a bit, but once I took the strings off, it lowered back down. I figure the bridge will be the biggest thing to get right, but I'm sure there are other areas that could use some help that I'm missing. IMG_3076.JPG IMG_3077.JPG IMG_3079.JPG IMG_3078.JPG IMG_3089.JPG IMG_3086.JPG IMG_3088.JPG
 
Last edited:
This stuff works great for getting corrosion and gunk off of metal. I used it on a neck where the frets were turning green and it's all shiny and new now. Bridge and tuning machines too.

You have to be careful if anything is oxide finished though it will take that off.
 

Attachments

  • 1705969374722.jpeg
    1705969374722.jpeg
    186.7 KB · Views: 10
bronomo said:
This stuff works great for getting corrosion and gunk off of metal. I used it on a neck where the frets were turning green and it's all shiny and new now. Bridge and tuning machines too.

You have to be careful if anything is oxide finished though it will take that off.
Click to expand...
Omg I just found my miracle cloth that’s been in a box for 2 years and I think all the coconut stuff turned to dust! The entire cloth was covered in white dust and I couldn’t shake it all off so I ended up throwing it out!

That said, when it was new it really was miraculous! And a pleasure to use.

Besides that, consider some fingerboard oil if the board looks or feels dry. When setting the bridge, make sure the string heights follow the curve of the neck. You don’t need tools for this, you can eyeball it or do it by measuring the height at the 12th fret or simply by making sure the high frets don’t buzz. I’m sure many folks on the forum have a ton of knowledge on setups (way more than I do) so ask any question as things come up! Good luck!
 
You can use naptha (zippo lighter fluid) and a toothbrush to clean any grime off a fretboard. The toothbrush will let you get right down in the sides of the frets. Once it's evaporated and dry put on some conditioning oil. Gerlitz guitar honey is wonderful stuff for that. A bottle will last for years.

www.guitarcenter.com

Gerlitz Guitar Honey Fretboard Treatment | Guitar Center

Shop for the Gerlitz Guitar Honey Fretboard Treatment in and receive free shipping and guaranteed lowest price.
www.guitarcenter.com www.guitarcenter.com
 
Last edited:
Coda said:
I’d scrub the fretboard with a cleaner of some sort, polish the frets up, and oil the fretboard. Do the electronics work?

I’d do anything Dave does…

Click to expand...
This is super helpful, thanks! Yea I plugged it in briefly before I took the strings off and the pickups seem to be working. I'd like to swap em out eventually, but want to get it all set up and playable first.
giovanni said:
Omg I just found my miracle cloth that’s been in a box for 2 years and I think all the coconut stuff turned to dust! The entire cloth was covered in white dust and I couldn’t shake it all off so I ended up throwing it out!

That said, when it was new it really was miraculous! And a pleasure to use.

Besides that, consider some fingerboard oil if the board looks or feels dry. When setting the bridge, make sure the string heights follow the curve of the neck. You don’t need tools for this, you can eyeball it or do it by measuring the height at the 12th fret or simply by making sure the high frets don’t buzz. I’m sure many folks on the forum have a ton of knowledge on setups (way more than I do) so ask any question as things come up! Good luck!
Click to expand...
That's helpful for sure. I've got one of those little string action gauges, definitely want to pick up one of those miracle clothes though. I was able to get some of the grime off the neck but there's still a decent amount right around the frets.
 
Buy pack of dollar store toothbrushes for cleaning odds and ends. One of them and a little denatured alcohol (Naptha, Zippo lighter fluid, or white camp gas) will take grime off and evaporate quickly. Those MIM strats are great guitars once you dial them in. The pickups have ceramic magnets and sound a little different than traditional alnico pickups. That's probably the only thing I'd change if I had another one.
 
I love the color of the guitar and pickguard. Looks great! Send us some pics when you get it cleaned up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top