Reddit reviews Graph Tech GRC-10 TUSQ XL Fender Style Slotted Nut
We found 3 Reddit comments about Graph Tech GRC-10 TUSQ XL Fender Style Slotted Nut. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
TUSQ XL is engineered from the same material as TUSQ and is impregnated with PTFE which is five times more slippery than graphiteIt has all the tonal benefits of TUSQ, bringing out the hidden harmonics of your guitar all while drastically improving tuning performanceTUSQ XL is consistent from piece to piece, and within each piece, to offer you harmonically rich tones without the problems associated with natural materialsCountry of Origin: Canada
"Is it difficult to find parts that will fit?"
It's not difficult at all. Most standard Strat parts like pickguards fit perfectly, and the electronics are good enough as is.
The only thing I would definitely do is a) replace the stock nut with a Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut (they're $12 from Amazon and usually another $15 to get a tech to install), and b) get it professionally set up.
https://www.amazon.com/Graph-Tech-GRC-10-Fender-Slotted/dp/B003HGQTIG
You could replace the pots, switch, jack and caps with higher quality stuff, but it's not at all required unless they get get noisy.
The CV 60s pickups are OEM versions of the Tonerider Classic Blues set (http://www.tonerider.com/classic-blues), which are very nice vintage-style Alnico V pickups, so unless you're going for more modern sounds, no upgrade is necessary there.
Properly set up, they are quite good guitars that sound great and are a breeze to play.
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That said, since I am an inveterate modder and can't leave well enough alone, here are the mods I've done to my two CVs:
CV 60s - 3 color sunburst
Tusq XL Nut
Black pickguard, pickup covers and knobs for a "blackout" look
Deaf Eddie Chromacaster switch (http://www.deaf-eddie.net/chromie.html) 6-position rotary switch that replaces one of the tone knobs and yields 16 different tones instead of the Strat's standard 5.
Fralin baseplate under bridge pickup; increases bass and mids a little, gives it a bit beefier and more aggressive sound (https://www.fralinpickups.com/product/prepped-baseplate/#)
New controls, wiring, caps.
CV 60s - Lake Placid blue
Tusq XL Nut
Mint green pickguard
Seymour Duncan Everything Axe pickup set (Lil 59 neck / Duckbucker mid / JB Jr. bridge) (https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/everything-axe-set)
New controls, wiring, caps.
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I would get a TusQ nut like this http://www.amazon.com/Graph-Tech-Fender-Style-Slotted/dp/B003HGQTIG.
Either your slot is flat and there will be no filing required (just wood glue), or your slot is slightly rounded and there is minimal filing (again use wood glue, don't use super glue or anything too adhesive because a nut is not permanent).
Also, to remove the previous nut, just use an xacto knife or similar and tap it out once it's loose.
Definitely not an Affinity then. This bridge will fit regardless of the body style: https://www.guitarfetish.com/Squier-and-Import-Compatible-105mm-Chrome-Shorty-Complete-Tremolo_p_24704.html
You can use a graphtec pre slotted strat nut on that guitar, since it has the standard-width neck: https://www.amazon.com/Graph-Tech-Fender-Style-Slotted/dp/B003HGQTIG
The tuners are likely Schaller-style sealed tuners, so these should drop in: https://www.guitarfetish.com/Now-STAGGERED-Gotoh-style-Locking-Tuners-Sperzel-Style-String-Lock-_p_514.html
For pickups, I used these: http://www.eyguitarmusic.com/Artec-Power-Single-Pickups-SMDA35Hum-CancellingWhiteAlnicoNeckMiddleBridgeAlnico_p_1294.html
Not a traditional single coil, but still straty enough and completely noise free.