Squier Strat Upgrades?
 

I own an alder-bodied Squier Affinity Fat Stratocaster from 2008, and it has decent tone and playability after some tinkering and tips taken over the years. What is recommended to notch it up to something really good? I'm thinking, maybe, trem block (brass or steel), pickups, nut, wiring and shielding. Anything else? Prices of the different upgrades and how good they are would be appreciated. Cheers!

I believe that model is an HSS right? I'm going to assume so.

I highly recommend a brass trem block. After using brass, I can't stand steel anymore. In terms of pickups, I have to ask you, do you like the way they sound already? if you do, don't change anything. I know I prefer squier single coils over mim fender singles. The pickups are going to depend on the music that you like to play so I can't really help you out there without knowing that. I recommend a graphtech TUSQ XL nut. They are amazing and the are pretty nice to have, especially if you want to use the tremolo often. extra shielding couldn't hurt. New pots maybe. Have you tried new saddles? I love steel saddles. Locking tuners are sweet. I have a set of these on my main axe. The black looks pretty cool with a maple headstock, but it'll also depend on the color of your strat and your fretboard. They also carry them in chrome and gold. You could try adding a coil tap to your humbucker. some people dont care for them and some do.

Cheers, mate! Much appreciated! :)

I'd recommend Vintage Noiseless pups. or Hot noiseless. I love both.

I also recommend the Dimarzio Super Distortion humbucker.

Replace all hardware, nut, and rewire everything. Perform a full setup and you'll likely be very happy with your results

i recently scored a used bullet for $50. i ordered a prewired hss pickguard from dragonfire, some staggered lock in tuners from gfs, and a tusq xl nut. it was all about $100 total. not too bad.

for a trem block, I recommend killer guitar components or the resonari tone block.