I have a Lake Placid Blue Bullet Strat SSS HT arriving today that I bought (brand new) as my first guitar to modify. I'm also waiting on a new pickguard and a Seymour Duncan SH-6 to arrive as my first change. After that, I'm going to look into single coils to put in the neck and middle positions. I mainly play black metal (hence the SH-6), but also shoegaze, emo, goth, and general rock and stuff.
So, any suggestions for things to do? Could be for the guitar in general, or those specific genres. Any suggestions are welcome!
While you’re at it with the pickups, give the wiring an upgrade as well! Pots and switches on cheap guitars are usually pretty cheap themselves.