|
Post by Tommy Boy on Feb 11, 2007 19:48:06 GMT -7
|
|
|
Post by funkyjazz82 on Feb 12, 2007 7:54:18 GMT -7
Get a real strat, I have an American Deluxe, and well, when i first bought it, i thought it was great, but now, it feels and plays like a toy. Im definitley gonna sell it for something better.
|
|
|
Post by mudskipper on Feb 12, 2007 9:19:30 GMT -7
don't buy guitars without playing them first. they all "look" nice in pictures.
|
|
|
Post by jcv on Feb 12, 2007 10:36:01 GMT -7
personally, I love the American Deluxe Strats. I own an AmDlx Tele which is incredible and I have a Strat (AV 62 FSR) with SCN pickups and S1. I've played Several AmDlx Strats as well. They have sweet necks and the locking tuners are awesome. I dig an instrument with a vintage vibe but I also love the modern guitars.
At this time, my vote goes to the HSS Strat. I used to be against a humbucker equipped Strat but since I put a JB Jr in one of mine, I'm a changed man! It's so versatile now, plus with the single coils, I use position 4 and 5 the most anyway.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a guitar from MF - I have. You'll have plenty of time to try it out and decide if you want it. If you don't like it you can send it back.
Good luck.
|
|
|
Post by johnnyl on Feb 12, 2007 11:25:18 GMT -7
|
|
|
Post by jb on Feb 12, 2007 12:42:55 GMT -7
Consider a Suhr Pro Series strat. Worth the money, and you will know what you are getting in terms of quality. Check it out on his website at suhrguitars.com
|
|
|
Post by jcv on Feb 12, 2007 17:00:48 GMT -7
I've been wanting to check out one of those Suhr Strats soooo bad... is the MSRP on those the actual "street price"? That might be a little too rich for my blood but I've heard good things.
|
|
|
Post by jb on Feb 12, 2007 18:58:39 GMT -7
The street price is usually 70% of the price sheet.
|
|
|
Post by Sam A. on Feb 12, 2007 20:55:02 GMT -7
Go play a bunch of em and don't be afraid to buy one used. FENDER strats are the most inconsistent guitars out there. Even the CS stuff varies a ton. Don't buy one with out playing it first. If you got the scratch, pick up a Suhr. Just my 2 cents.
|
|
|
Post by Tommy Boy on Feb 12, 2007 21:37:55 GMT -7
Funkyjazz,
What would you call a "real strat"?
Cheers,
Tommy Boy
|
|
|
Post by funkyjazz82 on Feb 13, 2007 9:37:59 GMT -7
A real strat? A standard, 3 single coils, or Vintage V neck or 60's C neck. What im saying is the strat I have is basically a stratocaster for the 21st century and I would consider a real strat not having the S-1 switch or the SCN pickups....
|
|
|
Post by beej on Feb 13, 2007 20:42:14 GMT -7
Although a bit more pricey, you should at least consider some of the boutique guys - i.e., Grosh, Anderson, Suhr ... I've found (after purchasing a Grosh Retro Classic) that you're buying a lifetime ax
|
|
|
Post by frunabulaks on Feb 13, 2007 21:30:40 GMT -7
Go the extra couple $100 and get a Custom Classic. I have two. You won't regret it. I put a set of Vazandt Blues on the Rosewood neck / sunburst you see in the pick and a Mannmade bridge. Paid $1500 for the guitar. I would but it up against anything, vintage Strat, Anderson, Suhr you name it. Well, maybe not all vintage strats and there is one killer Suhr for $2,600 at the local music store but over I am really happy with these and i feel like I can take them out of the house. The necks feel and play almost exactly the same. The stock Maple neck/ blonde Ash has a great stock bridge pup for the Hendrix set after we put the Blues to bed for the night and rock the house. I AB'd them at Richmond Music with a Deluxe and an American through a Route 66 and a Blues Jr. and the Custom Classics just sounded and played much better. They are also pretty consistant in quality and you could probably get a used on in ebay for less than a Deluxe at Musicians Friend. I have been playing in bands on and off since 1974 and my buddy has a 57 strat and a 65 and was impressed with both my guitars. Like Dan Earlwine I think the two point trem and the 9.5 radius is an advance not a drawback. I used to have a 62, that I wish I had not sold in 78 for rent because I could trade it for a house today, but it never stayed in tune like these do. Go out and play some in the music store, you never no what you'll find. One of the best Strats I ever owned was a MIJ I bought at a yard sale for $400. Henry Garza (Los Lonely Boys) uses a Mexacan Strat with a refret and pickup change. If you go fishing on ebay and you don't like what you get you can usually return it or put it up yourself and at least break even. Good Luck!!!!!!! Once I went Strat I never went back lol.
|
|
|
Post by frunabulaks on Feb 13, 2007 22:06:41 GMT -7
I didn't read the quote above me before posting. Ditto on the Grosh. Best neck I have ever played. The attention to detail on the neck, fretboard, and frets was almost disturbing. That is probably my next Strat but I think I'd still play the bars with my Fenders. Free Bird!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was that a beer that just wizzed past my head?
|
|
|
Post by Joey Beverages on Feb 21, 2007 15:35:30 GMT -7
Funkyjazz, What would you call a "real strat"? Cheers, Tommy Boy a real strat? something strong enough you can use it for batting practice in case the crowd gets a bit too crazy ... and not worry about scratching the finish
|
|
|
Post by hdahs143 on Feb 21, 2007 18:24:24 GMT -7
I agree with the try before you buy advice, but sometimes you just gotta go for it. I picked up a 2005 American Deluxe V neck on ebay last summer for $800.00. Gorgeous guitar and plays like butter after I had it setup properly. I was Ok with the SCN's at first, but I'm going to replace the whole set with a full size Humbucker and real single coils with just the standard 5-way switching in the near future. I just like the HSS setup better ala my Anderson. But with the strat I'm going for more of a vintage output sort of vibe. I love my Anderson, but I love maple fretboards as well. Here's a couple of pix!
|
|
|
Post by garyh on Feb 21, 2007 20:59:21 GMT -7
I have a 2006 American Deluxe Ash strat that I love. Took the SCNs out though (hated them) and put in Kinman AVN Blues. The neck may not be everyone's cup of tea but I love it; wide/thin.
|
|
|
Post by nitehawk55 on Feb 21, 2007 21:16:25 GMT -7
I've got a 2005 Deluxe as well and swapped out the SCN's for a set from Mike Turk . Plays and sounds great . ;D I think just getting out and trying different Strat type guitars and whatever suits your budget is always the best way to go . I don't believe the top end boutique guitars are necessarily the best choice and I have had my share .
|
|
|
Post by Curt on Feb 21, 2007 21:34:06 GMT -7
Play 'em, play a bunch of 'em, disregard what they are called or where they are screwed together, play 'em.
I recently picked up an amazing MIM Tele for $500 cash with nice upgraded electronics. This is the best playing Tele I have owned and that includes a bunch, Custom Shop, Vintage RI, MIJ even a big $ Tom Anderson, for me this cheapo MIM slay's them all.
|
|
|
Post by johngourlay on Feb 22, 2007 0:17:06 GMT -7
I've been looking at a Suhr strat type, used but in perfect condition, think it's got hollow chambers within. Looking at comments on this thread I might go and have another look. I have a 62 Strat, it looks great with the glazing and tarnished hardware BUT it sounds horrid, just dead and unispiring. Anyone had similar experiences?
|
|
|
Post by groovergeorge on Feb 22, 2007 1:51:17 GMT -7
Is it a "real" 1962'? If it is I'd be happy to take it off your hands,might even consider swapping my Maz for it. ;D The strat you see in my avatar is the best strat I have ever owned and I've had more than I've had hot breakfasts. It's a parts-o-caster made up of an early 80's Japanese neck stripped and re-coated in nitro and clay dots installed,dunlop medium jumbo wire replacing the small vintage stuff with a real bone nut in it from a dead cow on my luthier buddies farm.The pickups are Fralin real 54's,hardware is Callaham,CTS pots with an orange drop capacitor to take some of the shrill off those highs and switchcraft jack and switchcraft pickup selector. The body is a one piece alder Warmoth brand that weighed right on 4 pounds and got finished in fiesta red nitro. I got it made up for around $800 and so far the only thing that has come close to it is a Fender nocaster custom shop relic that I played in a shop about 6 months ago priced at around $2000. Sometimes putting together a parts-o-caster can be the best option
|
|
|
Post by garyh on Feb 22, 2007 8:16:53 GMT -7
I've been looking at a Suhr strat type, used but in perfect condition, think it's got hollow chambers within. Looking at comments on this thread I might go and have another look. I have a 62 Strat, it looks great with the glazing and tarnished hardware BUT it sounds horrid, just dead and unispiring. Anyone had similar experiences? I was lusting after a 62' reissue in ocean turquoise but once I tried it out found the sound also dry and lifeless and hated the narrow neck and frets. When I played the Deluxe ash (picture above) though, I couldn't put it down, felt great and sounded great with features I wanted like sperzels, jumbo frets, wide neck and light weight, full sounding body. Just goes to show, you have to play before you pay.........or like Curt said " Play 'em, play a bunch of 'em, disregard what they are called or where they are screwed together, play 'em."
|
|
|
Post by nitehawk55 on Feb 22, 2007 8:51:18 GMT -7
Play 'em, play a bunch of 'em, disregard what they are called or where they are screwed together, play 'em. I recently picked up an amazing MIM Tele for $500 cash with nice upgraded electronics. This is the best playing Tele I have owned and that includes a bunch, Custom Shop, Vintage RI, MIJ even a big $ Tom Anderson, for me this cheapo MIM slay's them all. Well said Curt , the beauty of having a great player like that is you arn't going to worry so much about it getting a few digs or taking it out and gigging it . Too many of the high dollar guitars get pampered and never used to thier full potential because you have so much invested in it plus you usually take a BIG hit when selling .
|
|
|
Post by johngourlay on Feb 22, 2007 12:09:06 GMT -7
Groover, yep it's real. It has some wear, considering it's 45 years old it has survived fairly well. Unfortunately I had it valued and you'd be looking at exchanging 5 or 6 amps, serious money. Value as a commodity not playability. I like your idea of putting bits together, no precious stuff just see how it pans out. My Firebird is by far the best of my bunch, it's a big mother though.
|
|
|
Post by Curt on Feb 22, 2007 21:11:06 GMT -7
Play 'em, play a bunch of 'em, disregard what they are called or where they are screwed together, play 'em. I recently picked up an amazing MIM Tele for $500 cash with nice upgraded electronics. This is the best playing Tele I have owned and that includes a bunch, Custom Shop, Vintage RI, MIJ even a big $ Tom Anderson, for me this cheapo MIM slay's them all. Well said Curt , the beauty of having a great player like that is you arn't going to worry so much about it getting a few digs or taking it out and gigging it . Too many of the high dollar guitars get pampered and never used to thier full potential because you have so much invested in it plus you usually take a BIG hit when selling Thanks Gary and 'Hawk55. I've learned the hard way trust me I have scored a few gems off the net...well 3 actually. Everything else I have bought without playing did not stay around long. I am a picky SOB about the neck, gotta get my mits on 'em, I know in seconds if she's goin' home with me or not. Just as big a lesson ...... If you grab one that feels great BUY IT RIGHT THEN !!! It won't be there tomorrow and the next one you find wil NOT be the same. Trust me.....
|
|
|
Post by groovergeorge on Feb 23, 2007 8:20:43 GMT -7
Groover, yep it's real. It has some wear, considering it's 45 years old it has survived fairly well. Unfortunately I had it valued and you'd be looking at exchanging 5 or 6 amps, serious money. Value as a commodity not playability. I like your idea of putting bits together, no precious stuff just see how it pans out. My Firebird is by far the best of my bunch, it's a big mother though. Oh boy ................now I'm drooling here Johnny. Gotta love them vintage strats. You're a lucky man and I wish you lots of happiness with it, i certainly wish i could afford at least one real early 60's,preferably in either C.A.R or Fiesta but hey I do really love my custom modified parts-o-caster.
|
|
|
Post by Hohn on Feb 23, 2007 11:34:07 GMT -7
The only actual Fender guitar I've ever owned was an Am Deluxe Alder body/RW board guitar. It was a ~1998 year, I think.
Well, that thing was a ringer. When I picked it up in the store, I was floored by the natural resonance it had. Then I plugged it in, and the first thought I had was "these pickups HAVE to go!". So I swapped in some Kinman AVNs with a new 250K pot, and VOILA! TONE HEAVEN. I dare say that thing sounded so much like SRVs #1 itself-- just HUGE and incredibly ballsy. I loved the neck-- nice and meaty, with enough radius to not be very fatiguing. (I think it was 9.5" radius).
Yes, I got rid of it. Yes, it was DUMB-- but I had little choice in the moment of financial difficulty. Besides, they still make Strats, or so I hear:)
If you ever come across a late 90s Am Del strat like this in oxblood red and it's the most amazing Strat you've ever heard-- then it was probably mine.
I haven't played too many actual fenders (maybe 100 or so), because the quality always seemed bad an EVERY single one. But this particular sample was blessed from birth.
The memories of this guitar are what have raised my level of Fender respect. I always considered Fender fans to be kool-aid drinkers just following the crowd. But this particular strat made a "kool aid" drinker of me, too.
PLAY BEFORE YOU BUY. At least if it's a Fender. Other brands might be consistent enough to buy unplayed-- but a Fender is NOT, imo.
Again, jmo.
JH
|
|
|
Post by johngourlay on Feb 24, 2007 12:02:33 GMT -7
I had a Fender Voodoo caster which was a late 90's strat with a left hand neck and reversed bridge PU, not the one with a logo that was reversed. I should never have sold it as it sounded beautiful. I wanted a more traditional type of strat, another example of my tone chasing. The pair of axes in the photo look great.
|
|