Strats - anyone else not like them?

[Ian Price]

The Custom Shop stuff is something else, especially the mid-price upwards range (special runs, limited editions etc).  The bottom of the range '51 NoCasters, CS Classics etc just don't seem to have that extra mojo or attention laid on them.

What would you define as mid-price upwards? I'm looking at some custom shops on the V&R website at this very moment.

[gwEm]

Indeed it will Gwem, that squier has a 25.5 conversion neck on it to bring it down to 24". Not tried one yet, but the gold guard and pickup placement is a huge turn off.

for you, maybe ;) i think the gold guard and the pickup placement are quite cool! shows the differences we all have in taste

[Twinfan]

The Custom Shop stuff is something else, especially the mid-price upwards range (special runs, limited editions etc).  The bottom of the range '51 NoCasters, CS Classics etc just don't seem to have that extra mojo or attention laid on them.

What would you define as mid-price upwards? I'm looking at some custom shops on the V&R website at this very moment.

I would say a non-Masterbuilt (don't pay for a name) that isn't a stock Time Machine series NOS/Closet Classic/Relic or Custom Classic.  Head for the limited run guitars....

[Ian Price]

I would say a non-Masterbuilt (don't pay for a name) that isn't a stock Time Machine series NOS/Closet Classic/Relic or Custom Classic.  Head for the limited run guitars....

Agree - some of those masterbuilts are stupidly expensive, the ones in the new guitarist calendar are ridiculous. I have seen a red sparkle strat in V&R that I really like the look of. I assume that your Avatar is a red sparkle tele.

Only problem is that to get a red sparkle strat I would need to trade my tele (currently not getting on with it - again) and gretsch (don't like it).

[Twinfan]

I assume that your Avatar is a red sparkle tele.

Yep, my Tele is '58 Reissue 'Heavy Relic' Limited Release in Red Sparkle  :D

[Ian Price]

I assume that your Avatar is a red sparkle tele.

Yep, my Tele is '58 Reissue 'Heavy Relic' Limited Release in Red Sparkle  :D

As this is your thread are you saying you wouldn't like a strat even if it matched your tele?!?!

[Twinfan]

Correct!  I just don't bond with them.  I find them awkward.  Horses for courses!

I keep meaning to try out a really nice Strat to see if that can win me over, but I'm guessing it won't!

[Philly Q]

I keep meaning to try out a really nice Strat to see if that can win me over, but I'm guessing it won't!

I can see you trying a Custom Shop one and it'll be signed sealed delivered... 

[Ian Price]

I've just spoekn to V&R about the Custom Red Sparkle Strat. I may well be paying a visit to them shortly - interestingly the price was lower than the Red Sparkle Tele. Not sure why.

[Twinfan]

I believe the Strat is a special run colour, but based on the regular production model spec of a '60 Time Machine Relic.

The '58 Teles have a non-standard spec such as soft V neck shape, Dunlop 6105 frets, 9.5" fingerboard radius, 'heavy' relic finish etc.  This will account for the price difference.

[Ian Price]

I believe the Strat is a special run colour, but based on the regular production model spec of a '60 Time Machine Relic.

The '58 Teles have a non-standard spec such as soft V neck shape, Dunlop 6105 frets, 9.5" fingerboard radius, 'heavy' relic finish etc.  This will account for the price difference.

Aaaah - it all becomes clear. Thanks for that. I now like the spec of the tele, the V neck shape is the one I find most comfortable.

[Twinfan]

The Strat is 'Vintage Correct' in spec, whereas the Tele is more 'Modern' if you will.

If you want modern frets and radius, you'll need to hunt down one of these:

http://www.fender.com/customshop/instruments/search.php?partno=9270008802

Like these:

http://www.peachideas.com/acatalog/copy_of_Fender_Custom_shop_1962_Heavy_Relic_Strat__2099.html

http://www.peachideas.com/acatalog/copy_of_Fender_Ltd_Run_1962_Daphne_Blue_Heavy_Relic.html

Or these slightly older models with different pickups:

http://www.peachideas.com/acatalog/copy_of_Fender_Custom_Shop_1960_Heavy_Relic_Vintage_white.html

http://www.peachideas.com/acatalog/copy_of_Fender_Custom_shop_1960_Heavy_Relic_Strat_Sunburst.html

http://www.peachideas.com/acatalog/copy_of_Fender_Custom_shop_Strat_Sonic_blue_over_S_B__2299.html

None of them have the V neck though, unfortunately.  They only come the maple 'board guitars, such as the '57 Heavy Relic below:

http://www.fender.com/customshop/instruments/search.php?partno=9270007803

Which Peach also have in stock:

http://www.peachideas.com/acatalog/copy_of_copy_of_copy_of_Fender_Custom_Shop_57_Heavy_Relic_strat__2099.html

As an aside, I've just noticed that V&R have got three Teles the same as mine now!  And they're already sold mine and one other -  they must have had most of the global stock!

[Philly Q]

Or these slightly older models with different pickups:

http://www.peachideas.com/acatalog/copy_of_Fender_Custom_Shop_1960_Heavy_Relic_Vintage_white.html

Oh blimey, that'd do nicely!  :o

[Twinfan]

I can see why that's your thing Phil - suits you, sir  ;)

[Ian Price]

Or these slightly older models with different pickups:

http://www.peachideas.com/acatalog/copy_of_Fender_Custom_Shop_1960_Heavy_Relic_Vintage_white.html

Oh blimey, that'd do nicely!  :o

Me too! I really am tempted now but don't really want to sell my tele (although it feels bad compared to my '57 reissue)