Need a killer lead guitar

[timbo]

I've been playing a Japanese Strat for 10 years. It needs help in the lead pick up /volume department.
Is there a difference in real US made Strats?
Is there a guitar made with an active lead pick up?
I'm running it through a Marshall AVT150.
Thanks for your input,
Timbo

[R Whittington]

The wood and pickups (materials in general) are a little better on the US models. To some the difference isn't that great..I'm a fan of the MiM Fenders...but if you have the extra money get the US model. It's a better instrument and it will maintain resell value much better than any import.

[David Klausner]

If you want to hot rod your guitar, there are a number of different pickups that can be put in a Strat that will have more output. There are single coils like the Joe Barden, that have a vintage tone, but are hotter than stock Strat pickups, and a number of humbuckers that will also give you more volume, but with a different tone, and more will have to be done to the guitar physically to fit them in. Some people look at a stock guitar as a skeleton on which to build their dream guitar with different modifications. I think Richard is like me - we buy the guitars we like, and if we want something different, we get a new guitar. And another. And another. It's up to you.

[murray]

I've had a Japanese strat for 10 years as well. The body is just fine and I don't buy a lot of the rap about American being much better. They're all about the same. I too have been experimenting with pickups, though. I want to get a nice Clapton/Gilmour type strat tone, but the body's fine. The bottom line is, if you like the feel, as I do, then just worry about the pickups...

[NPBstar]

I also have had a Jap Stat for the past ten years. I put EMG actives in mine and it sounds terrific.

[klepper]

I have owned a Japanese Strat for about ten years also. The first thing I did when I got it was to put a Duncan Hot Rails in the bridge position. This pick-up sounds great with incredible sustain. Over time I have also put in Harmonic Design VP-90's in the other two positions. These are great sounding "vintage" strat pu's with more output than the originals to closer match the volume of the hot rails. I've also had the neck re-fretted, installed Sperzel locking machines and a graphite nut. I use this guitar more often that the PRS McCarty I own.