Hello Kitty Guitar Upgrade

Upgrading a Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster: From Cute to Custom

A client recently approached me with his Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster, seeking to elevate it from a playful beginner's guitar to a high-performing axe, a custom instrument. The upgrade addressed two primary goals: resolving a persistent noise issue and replacing the factory hardware with all-gold components for a stunning aesthetic transformation. Here's a detailed breakdown of the process and results.

 

Identifying the Issues

The client’s primary concern was the electronic noise the guitar was picking up. Upon inspection, I discovered that the factory shielding was none, allowing electromagnetic interference (EMI) to affect the sound quality. Additionally, the client wanted to upgrade the hardware with premium gold components to enhance both functionality and appearance.

Original Electronic Cavity

Upgraded Components

The client’s wishlist included:

  1. Hipshot Gold Open Gear Tuners (6K1GL0G)
  2. Gotoh Fixed Hardtail Bridge with Steel Saddles
  3. Hipshot O-Ring Volume Knob
  4. Hipshot Industrial Tuner Buttons
  5. Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 Pickup
  6. Gold String Tree
  7. Bourns Mini Audio Pot (500k)
  8. Gold Pickup Screws
  9. Gold Electronic Cavity Screws
  10. Gold Neck Plate and Screws
  11. Gotoh Gold Strap Buttons
  12. Gotoh Recessed Oval Output Jack
  13. D’Addario NYXL0946 Nickel Wound Strings


Installation Process

Enlarging Tuner Holes

The Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster comes with vintage tuners that require 8.5mm holes, whereas the Hipshot tuners need 10mm. To accommodate this:

  1. I removed the vintage tuning bushings with an IFIXIT tool as a transfer punch, with a gentle tapping technique, avoiding damage.

    Remove Vintage Tuning Brushing
    Ifixit Punch Transfer Tool


  2. I used a T-handle tapered Reamer to carefully enlarge the tuner holes, applying masking tape to prevent paint chipping. I maintained a clean and precise finish by drilling from both sides of the headstock.

  3. The Hipshot tuners’ patented universal mounting plate eliminated the need for additional screw holes, preserving the guitar’s structural integrity and resale value.
    Install Hipshot Tuners / Machine Head

Installing the Gotoh Hardtail Bridge

The original hardtail bridge’s screw holes didn’t align with the Gotoh bridge. To resolve this:

  1. I filled the existing holes with bamboo dowels and wood glue.

  2. After careful alignment, I drilled new holes for the Gotoh bridge, ensuring a perfect fit and stable setup.
    After Drilling the new holes

Shielding the Electronics

To tackle the noise issue:

  1. I applied copper tape to the electronic and pickup cavities, shielding all surfaces, including the cover plate.
    Shielding Electronic Cavity
    Shielding Pickup Cavity
    Shielding Pickguard

  2. I soldered a ground wire connecting the pickup cavity and electronic cavity, ensuring complete shielding.
  3. Conductivity was verified using a multimeter to ensure no weak points.

Upgrading the Electronics

  • I replaced the factory volume pot with a Bourns Mini Audio Pot (500k), known for its smooth operation.
  • The Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 pickup was soldered in place, delivering rich harmonics and exceptional tone, particularly for solos.

Adding Gold Hardware

The final touches included installing:

  • Gotoh Gold Oval Output Jack
  • Gold Neck Plate and Screws
  • Gotoh Gold Strap Buttons
  • Gold String Tree
  • Gold Pickup and Electronic Cavity Screws

These upgrades gave the guitar a luxurious look.

Hello Kitty Complete Upgrade

Final Setup

After installing all the components, I performed a full setup:

  1. Adjusted the neck relief, action and intonation.
  2. Set the pickup height for optimal performance.

Hipshot Industrial Tuner Buttons Gold
Hipshot O Ring Knob Gold
Hello Kitty Squier Full Upgrade Completed

The Results

The transformation was remarkable. The upgraded Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster now features:

  • Improved Tone: The Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 pickup delivers a fuller, richer sound.

  • Noise Reduction: Enhanced shielding eliminated EMI noise.

  • Enhanced Tuning Stability: Hipshot tuners with an 18:1 ratio provide smooth and precise adjustments.

  • Stunning Aesthetics: The all-gold hardware gives the guitar a unique and eye-catching appearance.

  • Superior Playability: The guitar plays like a dream with a professional setup.

This project demonstrates how a playful instrument like the Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster can be transformed into a high-performance custom guitar. Whether you’re looking to resolve noise issues, enhance tone, or elevate aesthetics, these upgrades offer a proven path to success.


Ready to Transform Your Guitar?

Feel free to comment below with your thoughts on this upgrade. If you’re interested in customising your guitars, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’d love to help you bring your dream guitar to life!

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