Upgraded Playable Art Piece | Seymour Duncan | Re-fretted Neck

1997 Squier Affinity Stratocaster — One-of-a-Kind Custom Art Guitar | Seymour Duncan TB-5 | Refretted | Wilkinson Hardware

Don't let the headstock fool you—this is anything but your average Squier.

This 1997 Made-in-China Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster has been completely transformed into a one-of-a-kind custom art instrument. Extensive work has gone into virtually every aspect of this guitar, from the refretted and refinished neck to the upgraded electronics and hardware, and finally the original artwork that makes this guitar truly unique.

The result is a vintage Squier platform that has been extensively refurbished, upgraded, refinished, and carefully set up to deliver a playing experience that is far removed from its original configuration.

NECK & FRETWORK

The neck has been completely refretted using Made-in-Japan steel Fender frets, which were carefully installed, leveled, crowned, and polished for smooth playability.

The original 10" fretboard radius was carefully transformed into a 9.5" radius, giving the neck a more familiar and comfortable feel while maintaining excellent playability.

The fretboard was thoroughly cleaned and re-oiled, while the headstock and back of the neck were refinished with fresh polyurethane.

The guitar is also equipped with new vintage-style Wilkinson tuning machines and a Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL nut, carefully fitted and adjusted as part of the final setup.

The neck has been fully adjusted for proper relief, comfortable action, and playability.

ELECTRONICS & HARDWARE

The original electronics and hardware have been extensively upgraded.

The guitar now features a Seymour Duncan TB-5 Trembucker, paired with a simple, powerful single-pickup configuration inspired by the iconic Tom DeLonge Strat setup.

The electronics have been completely rewired with:

• One volume control
• New potentiometer
• New output jack
• New wiring

The guitar also features:

• New Wilkinson bridge
• New D'Addario strap pins
• New transparent pickguard
• New transparent tremolo backplate
• New tremolo components

The result is a straightforward, powerful setup designed to let the Seymour Duncan humbucker do the talking.

CUSTOM ARTWORK & FINISH

Last but certainly not least, the body has been completely refinished with original custom artwork painted by yours truly.

The artwork was carefully sealed and finished with multiple layers of clear and lacquer before being extensively wet-sanded through ultra-fine grits, meticulously polished, and finally waxed to achieve a deep, high-gloss finish.

Every part of the artwork and finishing process was completed by hand, making this a truly one-of-a-kind instrument.

There will never be another guitar exactly like this one.

FINAL SETUP & PLAYABILITY

After all refinishing, neck, fret, electronics, and hardware work was completed, the guitar was fully assembled and carefully dialed in.

The neck relief and action have been carefully adjusted, resulting in nice, low string action that remains comfortable and highly playable without unwanted buzzing.

The intonation has been carefully set and is near-perfect across the fretboard, allowing the guitar to play accurately and stay well in tune as you move up the neck.

The result is a guitar that not only looks completely unique but is also ready to plug in and play.

For a better idea of how this guitar sounds and plays, check out the attached video.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
• Year: 1997
• Origin: Made in China
• Frets: 22
• Original Fretboard Radius: 10"
• Modified Fretboard Radius: 9.5"
• Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-5 Trembucker
• Configuration: Single Humbucker / 1 Volume
• Nut: Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL
• Tuners: Wilkinson vintage-style machine heads
• Bridge: Wilkinson
• Strap Pins: D'Addario
• Pickguard: Custom transparent pickguard
• Backplate: Custom transparent tremolo backplate
• Finish: Custom hand-painted artwork with high-gloss clear finish
• Setup: Neck relief, action, and intonation fully adjusted

A ONE-OF-A-KIND CUSTOM ART INSTRUMENT

This isn't simply a modified Squier. It is a 1997 Squier Affinity that has been completely transformed into a unique, fully playable piece of original artwork.

From the refretted neck and upgraded hardware to the Seymour Duncan humbucker and hand-finished artwork, this guitar represents months of work, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Please review all photos carefully, and be sure to check out the attached video to hear and see the guitar in action.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.