Ash or alder strat shape?

[dreadguard268]

Is fender the only way to go under $1000?

A buddy of mine is looking for a strat shape doesn't actually want a strat.

There's plenty of stuff out there but it's all mahogany and I'm guessing he just wants something different.

[Powdered Toast Man]

Re: Ash or alder strat shape?

A buddy of mine is looking for a strat shape doesn't actually want a strat.

Umm... wut?

[dreadguard268]

Re: Ash or alder strat shape?

Like a Schecter c1, ibanez rg, ESP horizon, etc etc.

[jtougas]

Either of the woods will do well, depending on what music he plays. Alder's pretty much the "good for everything" wood, though. If it's more hard rock than heavy metal, ash would be good.

[ItsaBass]

Re: Ash or alder strat shape?

Used G&L's are often within that price range. Invader for the factory Super Strat thing, Legacy, S-500, etc. for the plain Strat or hot-rodded plain Strat thing. (A Comanche is probably out of the price range or just barely within it, even on the used market.) Check the Website for all the various models made so you know what to look for. Check out used Tributes too. They are very good for the money.

As for alder or ash, I think that it is not an enormous difference, and either can sound great. That said, there is a difference, and if I could choose every detail, I'd always go for the snappy midranginess and great feel of ash. But I don't think twice if a Strat I otherwise love happens to have an alder body...and alder is the classic Strat sound, as not all that many were made of swamp ash "back in the day." There were a few early years of ash, then all alder except for certain custom-ordered transparent finishes.

[dominus]

Re: Ash or alder strat shape?

I'm guessing that he doesn't want the Strat's pickguard look.

There's plenty of Jacksons that have alder bodies, or maybe Charvel?

[jtougas]

And there's always the classic "roll your own from Warmoth" with a rear rout...