Ya, I can see another Albert in my future. I was thinking the Blacktop strat would make a good candidate for a project
guitar. They are cheep enough. But I would have to change the tuners, nut, bridge, PU's, and remove the volume knob
using just the lower two knobs as volume and tone. which means having a custom pick guard made. The volume knob
on a strat is too close to the strings and gets in my way.
Polish a turd its still a turd. I bet with all those upgrade costs you're pretty much at the same level $$ as a used Music Man. Plus you'll be getting much better quality wood on the EB/MM and of course resale value if you ever decide to sell.
MIM Fenders can be great guitars with mods. I have 2 that are great guitars and thoroughly modded don't even come near EBMM price range. Hell both of them together don't. Are they as good as an EBMM? Hell no!!! Are they great guitars nonetheless? Yes sir.
FWIW here is a link to a music man style hardtail bridge unit. I didn't see a trem version on their site but you could clear this up by sending them a quick e mail? Axesrus - Hard Tail Guitar Bridges and Parts