More guitar advice

[Cuchulain]

So my Strat arrived, very pleased with it I am too and the Guitarport is excellent. Just a couple of questions though.

I want to change the pickups for some better quality ones, my old feller has some vintage single coils which I can get for nothing, is it fairly easy to swap these out or should I get it to a Fender dealer to do?

Also, my strings are filthy already, what's the best thing to clean them with? I also want to give the fretboard a clean up, should I use some kind of oil for it?

Thanks.

 

[Codmate]

Changing the guitar's pups won't make much difference if you're using a modeler, as digital stuff won't react in the same way a real (especially valve) amplifier would.

If you're sure you want to do it, it's a fairly simple procedure, but not one I would carry out for the first time on an instrument I cared about. It's the kind of thing I'd go to a luthier for. Get a set-up done at the same time and that'll take care of your cleaning issues too

If you want to do it yourself make sure you do some reading first.

I use "Dunlop Formula No. 65" stuff for cleaning duties.
Their string conditioner is excellent, as is their polish and Lemon Oil for the fingerboard.

One warning - DO NOT USE THE LEMON OIL ON MAPLE FINGERBOARDS!
It will melt the finish! Only use it on rosewood or ebony (dark coloured woods). If you have maple fingerboards to clean, then a damp cloth and some elbow-grease work well for light dirt.