Thanks! It sounds pretty nice imo. (Of course!) Darker tone in Strat mode than my Squier, mostly due to the Alnico pick ups I suppose. (I bought a set for the Squier, I liked the sound so much.) The pick ups get rave reviews and seem to be a good bang for the buck.

I still have to build the mahogany version neck. I did not this round, since maple was a lot cheaper and I expected to frig this up. Turned out easier than I thought (or I was just lucky). And I think I will try a wood pickguard.

I know this is not a build site, but I have to say, for anyone wanting to really know a guitar, I would recommend going thru the process of building one. (Not parting one, that's like cut-and-pasting a novel and saying you wrote a book.) I have learned a ton of stuff.

If you have access to a drill, a dremel tool and a jigsaw, you can do this. It's highly educational and more fun to play with than a diploma. :)