cross.bones

Might I suggest contacting EMG for one of these. http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/equipment/546100-emg-solderless-conversion-kits.html I understand the kits are only $30. And will be $30 well spent.

I think it would depend for me on the calibre and fans of the band. If im in a band with a young audience then I'd probably go for mid to lower price squier or Ibanez if not then I'd go the high end. Though having said that there is NOTHING wrong with squiers anymore so I'd probably get Squier to make me something based on something in their current line.

One would assume that a 24.75" inch scale would be more suited to shredding cause the frets are closer together and the strings are looser, but apparently is isnt... Because the guitars they used originally in the late 70's and early 80's were strat based guitars. Things like Charvels and Kramers were built because people were already taking strats and modifying them. The reason being was things like the fact it has a pickguard so it was easy to change electronics, they already had some tremolo routing, removable necks to get the setups right so they string action is low etc. I guess it just followed. Plus in reality the difference in fret width is minimal, however for holding a tune the longer scale is better for the light strings which are better for bending.