Squier Bullet Strat c.2005 (Reloved Guitars Rescue and Set Up) mid 2000s - Black gloss poly

This is one of two guitars donated to Reloved Guitars which were in a filthy, unloved state. Saving guitars like this and making them play beautifully is one of my favourite things to do. Not only do I bring a guitar back to life that was heading for the Great Skip in the Sky, I make it play better than it ever did - and better than most similar models from much bigger brands and price points.

This Squier Bullet Strat c.2005 required cleaning in a Nuclear, biological, chemical HazMat suit (well, gloves at least!) to remove 20 years of nicotine, grime and grease. The amount yellow sticky cloths I threw away during the rescue of this guitar was unreal.

I fitted new pots, switch and electrics on this guitar but deliberately retained the pickups which I thought were pretty good; I replaced the cheap tuners with split post tuners and fitted new saddles to the top-mounting bridge.

New Tusq nut, Tusq string trees and the whole little beast precision fret-levelled and set up to Reloved Guitars low, light standards. This guitar - with its plywood body - is a joy to play being light and slim.