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As for shimming the neck - Fender used sort of a pressed, waxed or coated
paperboard. Almost like an old electronic breadboard (the board all the shit
is on in your amp) only much thinner (like .015 versus .125). My '66
Coronado had 2 or 3 of them in there from the factory, with a Fender part
number and the thickness stamped on them. You should not use anything paper
like a business card or match book cover as it will compress over time as
well as be subject to humidity and temp. Use an thin guitar pick if nothing
else.
Dont forget to raise your pickups when you're done - or else your tone and
volume will be completely different.
Dont forget each string saddle has adjustment in them too - that might be a
lot easier than messing with the neck in the first place. You might want to
even change saddles from the hand-ripping Fender factory units to the
smoother 'block' style.
A Stratocaster is a bitch to setup to be 'perfect' but once they are, there
just isnt anything like them. Arguably the two best tones - Dick Dale and
SRV - came from well adjusted HEAVY string wearin' Strats. You might be
lucky enough to find the Guitar Player magazine article where SRV's guitar
tech, Rene Martinez, walks you through his Strat setup. Enlightening, for
keeping old guitars in prime working shape for brute force players.
I never understood limp strings, but then again I never understood why
anyone wanted to play a Les Paul. It's like strapping on an engine block!
damn those things are heavy and uncomfortable... Which brings me to... if
you know anyone looking for a solid gold 1960 Reissue LP - I've gotta mint
condition one to sell! (My Peter Green/Duane Allman phase didnt last as long
as I thought it would)
Robb
