Fender... why do you like them?

[Muzzzz]

^ ^ ^ ^

Wow, nice axe dude!

And a good idea as well, I must try that on my strat copy...

[Bob Johnson]

What a great thread; everybody has had their say, some folks have ripped lumps out of each other but that's ok. The thing to remember is that the Strat, which as you know is not my "weapon of choice" has, in it's various forms, contributed a huge amount to the development of the electric guitar. T.O. had it dead right when early on in this thread he made the "Betamax" analogy (showing your age there mate); there's was loads of stuff around in the early days that was equal to or better than a Strat but the Strat prevailed. What you should also be mindful of is that the Strats that most of your heros play are so far removed from a production Strat that they bear no resemblance. All of the mods that many of you hold up as examples of the Strat's versatility are ways of getting around it's short-comings rather than enhancing it's strengths. However having said that the Strat holds a unique place in the mind of all it's detractors and supporters and I can't ever see a time when the Strat will not be a part of our musical heritage. I don't like 'em but I do love 'em.

[noodleplugerine]

What a great thread; everybody has had their say, some folks have ripped lumps out of each other but that's ok. The thing to remember is that the Strat, which as you know is not my "weapon of choice" has, in it's various forms, contributed a huge amount to the development of the electric guitar. T.O. had it dead right when early on in this thread he made the "Betamax" analogy (showing your age there mate); there's was loads of stuff around in the early days that was equal to or better than a Strat but the Strat prevailed. What you should also be mindful of is that the Strats that most of your heros play are so far removed from a production Strat that they bear no resemblance. All of the mods that many of you hold up as examples of the Strat's versatility are ways of getting around it's short-comings rather than enhancing it's strengths. However having said that the Strat holds a unique place in the mind of all it's detractors and supporters and I can't ever see a time when the Strat will not be a part of our musical heritage. I don't like 'em but I do love 'em.

You win the internet.

best post so far in this thread.

Strat's are good, but the number of mods that are made to them - since when was that an advantage?

[Ratrod]

Strats have been compared to VW Beetles. Affordable (well, they used to be), simply built and easy to modify. That's one of the reasons they're so popular.

[Elliot]

I don't agree that the mods are getting round shortcomings in the strat -the mods can be done because the strat is a radio repair man's guitar, its not the design of a luthier putting together a masterwork to show off the luthier's art.

For example - I don't agree that sticking a humbucker in the bridge is overcoming a shortcoming - Buddy Holly, Dick Dale, Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler didn't find the single a shortcoming - but if you want a bucker in the bridge the strat is easy to mod.  The same is true of the trem system - the kahler and floyd are a response to a specific need for metal guitarists, but the above guitarists never needed such a device for their playing.  The fender system is not 'a short coming' but in 1954 it was for country and western slurs not divebombing.  It stick works pretty well 50 years on.

I think an important comparison would be to ask who mods Les Pauls or SGs?  The answer is not many people.  But that is not because a Les Paul or SG is a perfect guitar (well not for me, I hate them) but it is pretty hard to mod and because it is too expensive to put a jigsaw to.  A strat was/is (custom shop aside) cheap, has big scratch plate and a production line design mentality - it is easier to tailor to a players wants than a Paul which involves obvious and damaging surgery to mod.

[noodleplugerine]

Ah yes - All guitars have these short comings, but the arguement is that although Strat's are very varied - the reality is that they aren't, however, they are easy to mod and are therefore often modded to suit other styles.

If this means they're varied then ok - but in reality no individual strat is as varied as the stratocaster collection as a collective.

[dave_mc]

Ah yes - All guitars have these short comings, but the arguement is that although Strat's are very varied - the reality is that they aren't, however, they are easy to mod and are therefore often modded to suit other styles.

If this means they're varied then ok - but in reality no individual strat is as varied as the stratocaster collection as a collective.

Maybe I'm tired (did a lot of driving today), but I have no idea what you just said at all,  :lol:

:drink:

EDIT: actually, I think I got it. But the first time I read it I was like  :?

[38thBeatle]

Ever so slightly to one side of topic, there is a new Haynes Manual on Strats-you know the guys who do the car maintenance books.Looks pretty good.

[blue]

Ah yes - All guitars have these short comings, but the arguement is that although Strat's are very varied - the reality is that they aren't, however, they are easy to mod and are therefore often modded to suit other styles.

If this means they're varied then ok - but in reality no individual strat is as varied as the stratocaster collection as a collective.

Maybe I'm tired (did a lot of driving today), but I have no idea what you just said at all,  :lol:

:drink:

EDIT: actually, I think I got it. But the first time I read it I was like  :?

i still don't understand, care to translate?

[Philly Q]

there's was loads of stuff around in the early days that was equal to or better than a Strat but the Strat prevailed.

I'm curious - what other stuff do you have in mind?

Of course there are many playability/performance tweaks that can be made to suit individual players.  And even then, playing-wise, a Strat doesn't suit everyone - personally I like them, but I'm more comfortable with an SG or Tele.  Regardless, as far as I'm concerned the Stratocaster prevailed because the basic design is a work of utter genius.

The body shape, the complementary scratchplate and headstock shapes, the forearm contour and rear cutaway, the simple but elegantly functional tremolo system, the control layout, even that funky jack socket plate and angled bridge pickup.  It's one of the great designs of the 20th century - cars, buildings, aeroplanes, fashion, works of art - the Strat is the equal of any of them.  The thing is PERFECT.  It's like a vision from God.

[Muzzzz]

I'm curious - what other stuff do you have in mind?

What immediately sprung to my mind was the early Gretsch models, specifically the White Penguin and White Falcon...

IMO, they tried too hard to make the perfect guitar, with it's gawdy white finishes and gold hardware, and they were worth the equivalent of $5000+ AUD today, but what was left was a design not nearly as memorable as the stratocaster, which was pretty much a 'budget' instrument at the time, and that's probably why you don't see too many Gretsches any more.

[Jp.]

Ah yes - All guitars have these short comings, but the arguement is that although Strat's are very varied - the reality is that they aren't, however, they are easy to mod and are therefore often modded to suit other styles.

If this means they're varied then ok - but in reality no individual strat is as varied as the stratocaster collection as a collective.

Maybe I'm tired (did a lot of driving today), but I have no idea what you just said at all,  :lol:

:drink:

EDIT: actually, I think I got it. But the first time I read it I was like  :?

+1 to that Dave... and your wierd nuts ( :lol: )

Anyways I've been following this thread for a while now and finally decided to put my 2p worth in.

I love my Fender Strats because of their Familiarity within its diversity. If that makes sense.

Its kinda like my passion for BMW's. You drive one, and love it. So you think to yourself "If the 328 drives like this I wonder what the 318 drives like? Or the M3, or the 330, or 535?" Not that I can afford any of these :(  :lol:

Before you know it, you could and can drive one of its rivals. But every time you drive a BMW.... no mater what the model. Its like coming home to your favourite friend.

man I watch too much Top Gear.

Back on topic. Its the diversity of necks, Pickups and standard spec models that really make for an interesting experience every time.

Not to mention their handsome stature. For instance when I scan through any thread on this site I will quite often see the avatar of Indysmith and 38th beatle. Not to say Indy's guitar is ugly (I quite like it) but Steves, 38th beatle's, strat catches and draws my eye every time I see it.

Now I have expressed my opinion I shall gradually slip into the darkness that is the opposite side of the globe. And hope not to get flamed in my absence!

[sambo]

38th beatle's strat catches and draws my eye every time I see it.

thats cause its luminous blue! stands out like a chav in a library...  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

nah just joking man,  :) , i know what you mean...

i dont have any fenders, havent played many either... but their aesthetics are iconic... that sums it up from an 'outsiders' point of view..

[Dakine]

playing that Flat Head WAY more and (although maybe not ya Typical Fender) it has to be (and it's ALL personal I know) THE nicest guitar I have EVER played in my life!

Anyone want a '91 Les Paul,'89 Explorer,2005 Ltd. Edt. Petrucci, Custom Lowell SG?






















Only kiddin,














for now  :lol:

[sambo]

i'll quite happily take all of them...  :D