I have a loooooooooooong and very specific list for the bass I'm going to have custom-built for myself. I'm also in the process of upgrading the bass guitars that I already own. I definitely know what I'm doing when it comes to that... as far as tone, pickups, the intricate specifics of the neck (I have extremely specific parameters in mind), etc.
Though I've always been a dummy when it comes to electro-tech stuff. That's why I ask dumb questions when it comes to that.
In general, I am in the process of transferring my highly anally-retentive ways to guitar.
I absolutely intend on upgrading the pickups on my Strat. There is no question whatsoever about that. That's why I bought this guitar. It was meant to be upgraded.
I just want to know what else to take care of while I'm at it.
I'll see if I can find an American (Deluxe) Strat to mess around with and I will see for myself if there is any real difference. If there is, I most certainly will be able to tell. If I find the difference to be compelling enough then I will save up for the American (Deluxe) Strat and then unload the MexStrat on my little bro.
And ultimately, the kind of tone and feel I'm looking for is floating in my brain. I can say with confidence that I know what I want. I bought this guitar because I was told it was very upgradeable, so that is what I intend on doing.
I'm mainly trying to figure out what kind of difference electronics make... because like I said, I'm a retard when it comes to anything other than feel/playability and tone.