Strat Advice needed - which model?

[everton_fc]

Any Strat experts out there?

Which model, considering I will want an upgrade to a BKP HSS pickup set, would be best to buy?

USA Standard
Highway 1
Standard (Mexican)
70's Reissue (Mexican - I love the large headstock!)
Fender Japan

Any Fender Strat experts out there who can comment, with reasons for and against. I'm not a pro - I just want a good sounding, good playing Strat. Oh, any BKP HSS recomendations would be good too if poss...

Thanks

[dave_mc]

do you need 22 frets? you could probably discount about half of those models (mexican, japanese) if you do...

[Philly Q]

Unless cost is an issue, I'd rule out the Mex Standard, they're simply not as good as anything else you've mentioned.

After that, the next consideration (IMO) is neck shape and fretboard radius.  The American Standard and Highway One have slimmish C-shaped necks, 9.5" radius and 22 big frets.  The '70s Classic and most Japanese models have period-correct neck shapes, 7.25" radius and skinny vintage frets.

The world's your oyster really!

[gwEm]

the MIM 70s classic is really cool (i have got one recently) but you'll need to rout it for HSS.

i looked into other strat models and decided that the highway 1 was a pretty good deal. as philly says, theres so much variation - worlds your oyster.

[dave_mc]

Unless cost is an issue, I'd rule out the Mex Standard, they're simply not as good as anything else you've mentioned.

After that, the next consideration (IMO) is neck shape and fretboard radius.  The American Standard and Highway One have slimmish C-shaped necks, 9.5" radius and 22 big frets.  The '70s Classic and most Japanese models have period-correct neck shapes, 7.25" radius and skinny vintage frets.

The world's your oyster really!

agreed. :) i'd have typed that if i weren't so lazy.

[everton_fc]

Thanks for the response.

Is the USA Standard really worth the money? Does the Highway 1 paint finish have any impact on tone? Is the difference between highways 1 tremolo and USA strat trem huge, especially with regards to tuning stability after some whammy action?

[Philly Q]

Is the USA Standard really worth the money?

Well, I don't think they're overpriced for a big-name US made guitar.  But for £200-£300 less, I think the Highway One is better value.  The hardware's cheaper and they've saved money on the finish, but it plays just as well.

Does the Highway 1 paint finish have any impact on tone?

I've heard it claimed that the thinner finish helps resonance.  Is it true?  Depends more on the wood in that particular guitar, I should think.  Apparently it also shows signs of wear pretty quickly, so you have a cool-looking beaten-up Strat before you know it.  Having said that, Fender claim the new American Standards have a much thinner undercoat than previously, so they should be more resonant too.

Is the difference between highways 1 tremolo and USA strat trem huge, especially with regards to tuning stability after some whammy action?

I'll quote my own comment from another thread:  :P :roll:

The modern 2-point trem (as found on the American Standard) is meant to be more responsive and hold its tuning better than a vintage 6-screw one (as found on the H1). 

The 2-point type usually pivots on two knife edges and those are the only points of contact with the guitar (when the trem's in use), whereas the 6-screw has 6 knife-edge contact points and the bridge baseplate stays in contact and "rolls" on the body - so there's more friction but arguably better tone/sustain.

The new American Standard bridge has vintage-style bent steel saddles, so I guess it'll sound a bit more "vintage" than the old version with block saddles.

[gwEm]

The 2-point type usually pivots on two knife edges and those are the only points of contact with the guitar (when the trem's in use), whereas the 6-screw has 6 knife-edge contact points and the bridge baseplate stays in contact and "rolls" on the body - so there's more friction but arguably better tone/sustain.

I do agree - but having said that the 6-screw BKP trem is staying in tune pretty well so far. I think the ability of a trem to stay in tune depends as much on the quality of the components used as the design.

If I wanted an HSS strat I would personally go for the Highway 1. If the trem sucks I'd just stick 5 springs in to block it. The if I really wanted trem I'd sell the Highway 1 unit for 50/60 quid on ebay and stick the BKP trem in there.

[Ted 'N' Leo]

Aren't the classic player strats supposed to be pretty good? 2 Point tremolo, modern radius, choice of maple or rosewood board?