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Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
King Snake
()
Date: July 23, 2007 00:28
Well hello there!! Question here.. I`m planning on buying me a Fender Strat. I`ve got about 1100 euros to spend.. so first of all, techincally, which is good at that price? AND, which one would you personally buy? It`s pretty hard.. I was thinking of buying a Standard American Strat (which are about 950 euros I think) but there`s so much more out there.. please give me some advice!! It`s a lot of money for a poor boy like me, I`ve been saving up for it for more then two years now!!
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
Elmo Lewis
()
Date: July 23, 2007 00:38
Not trying to be an ass here, but I'd buy a U. S. built one. Better materials and workmanship. Other than that, play a few.
I've got 2 Squiers (a Strat and a Tele) that I'm pleased with. But if money was not a concern, they would be Fenders.
"No Anchovies, Please"
I've got 2 Squiers (a Strat and a Tele) that I'm pleased with. But if money was not a concern, they would be Fenders.
"No Anchovies, Please"
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
King Snake
()
Date: July 23, 2007 00:41
Yes it will definetly be a US built one.. I`m looking for a guitar that will last me a long time!!
Do I need more money?? Should I wait and save up some more??
Do I need more money?? Should I wait and save up some more??
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
JuanTCB
()
Date: July 23, 2007 00:53
Are the Made In Japan ones available in Europe? If so, I'd strongly consider those - close in quality and probably half the price.
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
King Snake
()
Date: July 23, 2007 00:55
Really??
I`d like to hear Mathijs` opinion on this!! Mathijs is incredibly scary.. he knows so much about guitars!! ``Oh yeah, Leo Fender`s ball hairs were about 0,5 inch..`` Mathijs please enlighten me!!
I`d like to hear Mathijs` opinion on this!! Mathijs is incredibly scary.. he knows so much about guitars!! ``Oh yeah, Leo Fender`s ball hairs were about 0,5 inch..`` Mathijs please enlighten me!!
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
Niklas
()
Date: July 23, 2007 01:01
Save money and then buy a pre CBS Strat - E-series. They're great!
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
King Snake
()
Date: July 23, 2007 01:09
Niklas Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Save money and then buy a pre CBS Strat -
> E-series. They\'re great!
Never played one.. is the difference that big? I`d love to get one.. how much $$$?
-------------------------------------------------------
> Save money and then buy a pre CBS Strat -
> E-series. They\'re great!
Never played one.. is the difference that big? I`d love to get one.. how much $$$?
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
jabhead
()
Date: July 23, 2007 01:46
Pre-CBS is 1965 or earlier.
These are very desirable vintage guitars which cost ,in most cases, over 20 thousand dollars.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2007-07-23 01:48 by jabhead.
These are very desirable vintage guitars which cost ,in most cases, over 20 thousand dollars.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2007-07-23 01:48 by jabhead.
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
BluzDude
()
Date: July 23, 2007 01:57
If you have 1100 euro to spend on a strat I would buy a round trip ticket to the states, find a Guitar Center where you can buy an American made Strat for about $700-800 and bring it back home, this way you get a little holiday for about the same price you would pay at home.....I don't know if it really works out this way, but its nice to think about.
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
open-g
()
Date: July 23, 2007 04:27
Nice Thought, Mr. BluzeDude - but that's got get our young King Snake stuck.
He's on a budget, isn't he?
I mean I can recommend everyone a round-trip thru' the US - but you'll need some extra cash to take a real nice guitar with you!
Snake, are you sure it's got to be a Strat???
there's lovely Tele's out there, you know.
He's on a budget, isn't he?
I mean I can recommend everyone a round-trip thru' the US - but you'll need some extra cash to take a real nice guitar with you!
Snake, are you sure it's got to be a Strat???
there's lovely Tele's out there, you know.
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
Spud
()
Date: July 23, 2007 10:18
Play as many as you can . The right one will choose you ! ;^)
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
heinz_str
()
Date: July 23, 2007 12:13
US-STRATOCASTER ULTR FLOYD ROSE
i have a very good us-strat for sale
i payed in 1992 DM 3400,- for this [ €1700)
mint condition
price: € 1250,- incl case (mint too)
. There was also the unique Bowling Ball finish on some of the early Ultras and Plus'. For the 1st two years, they did not say "Ultra" on the neck Plate. They all came with Fender Strap Locks.
Another feature of the Ultra was the Floyd Rose Type II tremolo system as was used on some of the DX models. String changes are rather simple as you do not have to feed the strings through the tremolo on the back of the guitar, thus no holes on the back plate. It also reduced the chanced of scratching the body with the strings. What you do have to be careful about is not scratching the body with an Allen Wrench when tightening down the string ferrules. The neck is much like that on the Plus and the Plus DX models, with 22 fret skunk striped Maple neck BUT with an Ebony fret board with real abalone dot inlays. The Ultra Series were the only production Stratocasters, that I know of, with Ebony on the fret board instead of Rosewood or Maple. Most had Medium-Jumbo frets. The neck has a nice C style radius to it and like the other Plus Series, has the Biflex truss rod.
Many of the Ultra models also feature chrome plated Schaller locking tuners, compared to the more common brushed type Schallers on the Standard Plus series. Fast strings changes—pull the string through the tuner hole, tighten down the lock, cut off the excess and tune. Fast and easy. The nut is a LSR Roller Nut that reduces friction when using the tremolo. Each string rides on a set of roller bearings. Great for staying in tune when diving with the Tremolo!
The Ultra features a special wiring system using 4 Lace Sensor pickups. The pickguard comes shielded from the factory. Here are the types of pickups: NECK Pickup is a Blue Lace Sensor which has an increased output with the warmer 50's humbucking sound. It delivers a Gibson P-90 type sound. MIDDLE Pickup is a Silver Lace Sensor which delivers a fat 70's single coil sound with increased output and more midrange. Great for those out of phase sound when combined with the neck or bridge PUs. BRIDGE Pickup is a Dually Red Lace Sensor which is two Red Lace Sensors placed side by side. The Red Lace are the hottest output of the Sensor Series, and gives a fat, punchy humbucking output.
This is a 1991 Antique Burst Stratocaster Ultra. You will notice that this one has a solid, one piece, flamed, maple top and back. For the first two years, they did not say Ultra on the neck plate. All the Ultras have chrome Plated locking tuners, Bridge Saddles, and roller nut. Fender's rule of thumb is inconsistency. Some Ultras came with the Floyd Rose II Tremolo while others, such as this one, came with the American 2-point Floating bridge. Some came with a Gold Lace pickup in the middle position instead of the Silver Lace pickup, but mostly on the earlier models. On rare occasion, some did not have the Abalone dot inlays.
One thing they all did have, and that was the 4 Lace Sensor and the Mini switch used for the two red Lace Pickups used in the bridge. Very few people know the secret to the Ultra wiring schematics, which produces a unique variation in sound. Here is how the switch works. Position #1: The bridge pickup using a 3 way mini switch. This alone gives several variations, which are really cool. Here is what the Mini Switch does to the Dually Bridge Pickup (and remember too, that these settings can be mixed with the other pickups). Up) Splits off the back pickup. because of the dictance from the bridge, running this pickup in single coil mode creates as out of phase sound, similar that cool Strat hollow sound when in poisition #2 with the 5-way switch. this PU in turn can be mixed with the middle pickup with the 5-way switch. Middle) has the bridge pickups in parallel creating a hot humbucker sound. Down) splits off the front pickup on the bridge, giving a somewhat hot Tele type bite.
Position #2: The Bridge and the Middle pickups mixed together, which can get a multitude of Strat out-of-phase tones because of the Mini Switch and the TBX tone control.
Position #3: Here is where we part from standard Strat wiring. Instead of just running the Middle pickup, this position mixes the Neck PU with the Bridge PU like on any 2 PU guitars, such as a Telecaster. Again, with the Mini Switch you can shape the color of the sound. Full, rich rhythm sounds. And both tone controls are also combined in this position too.
Position #4: Is the Neck and the Middle combined in an out-of-phase vintage Strat tone.
Position #5: Is totally vintage Strat with just the Neck PU and the middle tone control.
As on all the Plus Series, the Ultra comes with Fender’s TBX tone system. The bottom tone control is a stacked set of potentiometers that cuts either treble or bass instead of the standard style of tone that cuts treble only. T (treble) B (bass) X (Cut) thus TBX). When you turn this knob, you can feel a halfway point which is tone neutral. This tone control gives the bridge and middle pickups a unique variety of sounds.)
i have a very good us-strat for sale
i payed in 1992 DM 3400,- for this [ €1700)
mint condition
price: € 1250,- incl case (mint too)
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
King Snake
()
Date: July 23, 2007 12:45
I`m sorry but no, it`s ugly first of all, and I don`t want a Floyd!! And the pickups are not for me either..
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
heinz_str
()
Date: July 23, 2007 13:11
why not with floyd rose tremolo?
for me it`s the best and with lace sensor pickups, you can make a lot of different sounds
for me it`s the best and with lace sensor pickups, you can make a lot of different sounds
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
nanker phelge
()
Date: July 23, 2007 13:43
I would also consider a Japanese make.
I bought a Japanese made Fender Tele about 15 years ago and it has lasted well- and a great sound-plus it is about half the US price.
I bought a Japanese made Fender Tele about 15 years ago and it has lasted well- and a great sound-plus it is about half the US price.
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
teleblaster
()
Date: July 23, 2007 14:32
If it's definately a Strat you want, I'd recommend the US standard model. They're good guitars that never go out of fashion - unlike Floyd Rose tremolo arms - and always hold their price well if you ever want to sell it on. As Spud suggests, try as many as you can and you will definately find one that just does it for you. You'll find that you spend more time playing it in the shop than the others, that you relax more and have a smile on your face. Don't rush it, you will definately find the right guitar.
Don't be tempted by humbuckers, etc. You want a basic US model. Mexican and Japanese Strats can be great, but if you've been saving for over two years, you will want one to keep and cherish and that's a US Strat - it's the real deal and you'll feel like a million dollars when you strap it on.
Don't be tempted by humbuckers, etc. You want a basic US model. Mexican and Japanese Strats can be great, but if you've been saving for over two years, you will want one to keep and cherish and that's a US Strat - it's the real deal and you'll feel like a million dollars when you strap it on.
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
Elmo Lewis
()
Date: July 23, 2007 14:50
Try Musician's Friend - some good deals there
[www.musiciansfriend.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2007-07-23 14:50 by Elmo Lewis.
[www.musiciansfriend.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2007-07-23 14:50 by Elmo Lewis.
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
pay pay
()
Date: July 23, 2007 15:47
Hey, if your just going to goof off around the house for friends, get a Squier. I have a Squier Strat, put a humbucker in the bridge, and it sounds great. Plus, you save enough $$$ to get a pretty good amp too.
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
JuanTCB
()
Date: July 23, 2007 16:14
Damn it, PP, the "P&L statement" line just made me choke on my coffee. Quite possibly the funniest commercial ever made. I don't even like Kiss, but Ace clearly rules.
King Snake - how many guitar stores do you live near? You've gotta go to a couple and spend some time trying out a bunch of different guitars. See what's out there - U.S., Mexican, Japanese... try 'em all out and see what feels right, and try them on the type of amp you want/have.
Tell me this, my young Dutch amigo - how long have you been playing? What kind of amp do you have? What kind of sound do you want to get? What kind of guitar are you playing right now and what do you like/dislike about it?
King Snake - how many guitar stores do you live near? You've gotta go to a couple and spend some time trying out a bunch of different guitars. See what's out there - U.S., Mexican, Japanese... try 'em all out and see what feels right, and try them on the type of amp you want/have.
Tell me this, my young Dutch amigo - how long have you been playing? What kind of amp do you have? What kind of sound do you want to get? What kind of guitar are you playing right now and what do you like/dislike about it?
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
King Snake
()
Date: July 23, 2007 16:18
teleblaster Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If it\'s definately a Strat you want, I\'d recommend
> the US standard model. They\'re good guitars that
> never go out of fashion - unlike Floyd Rose
> tremolo arms - and always hold their price well if
> you ever want to sell it on. As Spud suggests,
> try as many as you can and you will definately
> find one that just does it for you. You\'ll find
> that you spend more time playing it in the shop
> than the others, that you relax more and have a
> smile on your face. Don\'t rush it, you will
> definately find the right guitar.
>
> Don\'t be tempted by humbuckers, etc. You want a
> basic US model. Mexican and Japanese Strats can
> be great, but if you\'ve been saving for over two
> years, you will want one to keep and cherish and
> that\'s a US Strat - it\'s the real deal and you\'ll
> feel like a million dollars when you strap it on.
I was thinking the same thing!!
But.. how much difference is there between US strats?!
My guitar shop has one US Standard hanging on the wall (at regular price, about 950).. Black with maple neck. I don`t like the looks.. So I guess I should be ordering another one. For example off the site Elmo suggested:
[www.musiciansfriend.com]
There`s loads of combinations there.
But between all of those, is the difference purely whether it`s a roseboard or maple neck, and the looks? Or do certain ``models`` use different woods.. which would influence the sound..
-------------------------------------------------------
> If it\'s definately a Strat you want, I\'d recommend
> the US standard model. They\'re good guitars that
> never go out of fashion - unlike Floyd Rose
> tremolo arms - and always hold their price well if
> you ever want to sell it on. As Spud suggests,
> try as many as you can and you will definately
> find one that just does it for you. You\'ll find
> that you spend more time playing it in the shop
> than the others, that you relax more and have a
> smile on your face. Don\'t rush it, you will
> definately find the right guitar.
>
> Don\'t be tempted by humbuckers, etc. You want a
> basic US model. Mexican and Japanese Strats can
> be great, but if you\'ve been saving for over two
> years, you will want one to keep and cherish and
> that\'s a US Strat - it\'s the real deal and you\'ll
> feel like a million dollars when you strap it on.
I was thinking the same thing!!
But.. how much difference is there between US strats?!
My guitar shop has one US Standard hanging on the wall (at regular price, about 950).. Black with maple neck. I don`t like the looks.. So I guess I should be ordering another one. For example off the site Elmo suggested:
[www.musiciansfriend.com]
There`s loads of combinations there.
But between all of those, is the difference purely whether it`s a roseboard or maple neck, and the looks? Or do certain ``models`` use different woods.. which would influence the sound..
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
Dutch guy
()
Date: July 23, 2007 16:20
Rock with $$$ guitar!!! No... try V. cheap: yamaha 130 - rock for 1year maybe more and saving for $$$$$ fender. no worry with amp yet, guitar more important first. Rock!!!!!!!
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
King Snake
()
Date: July 23, 2007 16:21
`Cause I`m in love with the Olympic White (with maple neck)..!!
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
rknuth
()
Date: July 23, 2007 17:05
heinz_str Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> US-STRATOCASTER ULTR FLOYD ROSE
> i have a very good us-strat for sale
> i payed in 1992 DM 3400,- for this [ €1700)
> mint condition
> price: € 1250,- incl case (mint too)
Is this ebay here ? Go to ebay or use "All sold out"
-------------------------------------------------------
> US-STRATOCASTER ULTR FLOYD ROSE
> i have a very good us-strat for sale
> i payed in 1992 DM 3400,- for this [ €1700)
> mint condition
> price: € 1250,- incl case (mint too)
Is this ebay here ? Go to ebay or use "All sold out"
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
teleblaster
()
Date: July 23, 2007 17:59
King Snake Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> `Cause I`m in love with the Olympic White (with
> maple neck)..!!
Then you really MUST try to play a few white maple neck Strats and, if it's love, this will probably be the model you buy. When I bought my Strat, I tried loads and the shop even got more brought in from another branch for me to try. There was one that just seemed RIGHT to me and that was the one I bought. Still got it 18 years on - that guitar has taught me a lot!
-------------------------------------------------------
> `Cause I`m in love with the Olympic White (with
> maple neck)..!!
Then you really MUST try to play a few white maple neck Strats and, if it's love, this will probably be the model you buy. When I bought my Strat, I tried loads and the shop even got more brought in from another branch for me to try. There was one that just seemed RIGHT to me and that was the one I bought. Still got it 18 years on - that guitar has taught me a lot!
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
King Snake
()
Date: July 23, 2007 21:02
Ok, I will be doing some research!!
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
Mathijs
()
Date: July 23, 2007 21:06
For 1100 euros I would buy a second hand '57 or '62 Vintage Reissue. They're just great guitars, straight out of the box. They're good work tools with good wood and hardware. They look good, play well and are just excellent guitars.
If you're up to changing parts of a guitar , I sure can recommend a Japanese guitar. Better wood and workmanship than a US strat, but you have to swap the pickups and electronics for better quality material, and prefereably also swap the bridge for a proper steel one. A Japanese Strat can be bought from Ishibashi for about 700 euro, add 250 for good pickups and a good bridge, and you have a better guitar than an US made Strat.
Mathijs
If you're up to changing parts of a guitar , I sure can recommend a Japanese guitar. Better wood and workmanship than a US strat, but you have to swap the pickups and electronics for better quality material, and prefereably also swap the bridge for a proper steel one. A Japanese Strat can be bought from Ishibashi for about 700 euro, add 250 for good pickups and a good bridge, and you have a better guitar than an US made Strat.
Mathijs
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
King Snake
()
Date: July 23, 2007 21:17
So American Standards are a no-go?
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
BluzDude
()
Date: July 23, 2007 21:27
I disagree, an American Strat is a good Guitar, I've had one for over 20 years; the bottom line is, What kind of sound do you want? Look at the people you know who play strats, check and see if they are modified and if they are playing it straight or through other sound devices. Personally, if I want a humbucker sound, I'll play my SG or Les Paul.
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
Mathijs
()
Date: July 23, 2007 21:53
King Snake Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So American Standards are a no-go?
These are also excellent guitars, but personally I do not like the new tremelo much, and the neck radius is too modern for me. But that's purely personal taste.
Mathijs
-------------------------------------------------------
> So American Standards are a no-go?
These are also excellent guitars, but personally I do not like the new tremelo much, and the neck radius is too modern for me. But that's purely personal taste.
Mathijs
Re: Buying a good Fender Strat
Posted by:
open-g
()
Date: July 23, 2007 22:58
King Snake Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> `Cause I`m in love with the Olympic White (with
> maple neck)..!!
Is this the kind you're looking for?
[www.thomann.de]
dunno if it's any good, I'm not into Strats.
Who played an Olympic white with maple neck, that you fell in love with it?
-------------------------------------------------------
> `Cause I`m in love with the Olympic White (with
> maple neck)..!!
Is this the kind you're looking for?
[www.thomann.de]
dunno if it's any good, I'm not into Strats.
Who played an Olympic white with maple neck, that you fell in love with it?
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