Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

[blueman335]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

The strat 'affliction' blueman335 is referring to, is a condition suffered by famous gibson players like eric clapton wherein the player wants the guitar to sound like them, rather than the other way around.

There's a reason jimmy page played a telecaster in the studio (where sound quality is more important) and a les paul live (where showmanship and ease of play is more important).

- Oh, that's not it. In Florida I've see more blues-classic rock guys playing Strats than everything else put together. It's nice to see players break from the mold (looks and tonewise) with something that's not such a cliche. Variety, that spice of life thing.

- I'm not understanding your statement that LP's are 'easier to play' than Tele's. There's a lot of Tele fans that would take serious exception to that. And there's no shortage of guys that aren't thrilled with LP's.

- Since the OP wants to 'expand his sound, tonal possibilities, and broadness as a player', he didn't come here to get recommendations for a Tele or another Strat. He could have come up with that on his own while sitting on the toilet. Since he wants to be 'more of a broad player who can handle picking up a guitar with a different style', let's not pigeon-hole him to Fenders-only just yet. There's lots more guitars out there, and he's looking for different tones.

 

[LReese]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

I've found the Gibby type guitars to be a little awkward. In the old days, they sure set up to play (action-wise) a lot slicker than a Fender but they just did not feel right ergonomically to me.

Fortunately, these days you have a choice in that 9.5 Radius is the norm for Fenders and you can get Strat types in 12 and 16 inch radiuses as well as various fret wire types. All that depends on your budget

A stock Tele would feel somewhat familiar and give a slightly different tone. If you want it to have Humbuckers, then get one with them installed.

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

I'm with the others that have suggested a Tele. You seem to gravitate towards the typical Fender neck shape, so a Tele makes perfect sense.

ETA: Or maybe a G&L? They make some really nice guitars.

 

[Kac]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

I would look for a used Music Man Silhouette or Silhouette Special (HSH and HSS respectively). Music Man guitars have a very hot rodded strat feel, and can often be had fairly cheaply. I got my Steve Morse sig for $500 (normally $2100). Their quality control is second to none and every one of their instruments I've picked up has been impeccable, although used pieces will require a setup like anything else.

The Silhouette is a beautiful guitar. Very strat-like and not at the same time. I've owned an Axis, but never a Silhouette. Definitely something to look into.


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[~Vintage~]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

Try a Fender Jaguar, Kurt Cobain couldn't have been wrong!

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

I'd agree with some above and say that you are very comfortable with the Strat shape and feel. I'd experiment with other body woods (basswood, mahogany, etc) pickup choices (PAFs, hot PAFs and high powered HBs) and different bridges (a hardtail Strat is quite different than a blocked tremolo).

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

I`d take a look at the Charvel Pro Mods if I were you, there`s a good reason they`re referred to as "Super Strats". Still a strat in most ways, but adding a Floyd and a humbucker opens up a whole new realm. without sacrificing too much access to the old.

 

[EET_FUK]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

Tele, Jaguar, PRS Custom 24...

 

[hydro]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

What about a Gibson firebird?
I played one recently and it reminded me of something more fender-ish, not in tone but in feel. And the upper fret access is killer.

 

[Kac]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

Played quite a few guitars for comparison today. Enjoyed a Tele, Ibanez RG, Schecter super strat, Music Man Silhouette.

Did not enjoy SG and Mustang (although a played an ESP viper that was alright)

The search continues!

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

It boggles my mind the OP tried all those other guitars but no tele! Thats my first recommendation.

I would look for a used Music Man Silhouette or Silhouette Special (HSH and HSS respectively). Music Man guitars have a very hot rodded strat feel, and can often be had fairly cheaply. I got my Steve Morse sig for $500 (normally $2100). Their quality control is second to none and every one of their instruments I've picked up has been impeccable, although used pieces will require a setup like anything else.

A music man is the next stop IMO. I LOVE my 25th anniversary. It goes to almost every gig. Silo is going to be the most strat-ish, to break that habit I'd look at an axis super sport or a Reflex.

 

[hydro]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

A lot of people don't like SGs because they are headstock-heavy and they dip down when you let go the neck. I love mine but I am used to it, I guess.

 

[Kac]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

It boggles my mind the OP tried all those other guitars but no tele! Thats my first recommendation.

Wow... That's the first guitar listed on the guitars that I said I tried... Come on now.

 

[thqm3]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

I'd vote for a Nonreverse Firebird Studio 2011, if you can find one - very Strat-like in feel, and with similar switching (three P90s/5-way). Great feeling and sounding instruments - I just never seem to have the money when they pop up used. The looks may not be your cup of tea.

Any of the Gretsch solidbodies, if you're looking for a retro vibe. Go second-hand, you can get a used Japanese one for the same price as a new Electromatic. I'd also add another vote for the SG, even though it didn't gel with you. What was it in particular that fell short of expectation? My three main guitars are a US Standard Strat, SG Standard and a Gretsch Silver Jet - I find they complement each other pretty well. The Strat is probably my favourite sound, the SG feels the best, and the Gretsch is a happy medium of the other two. My only gripe is that I wish my SG had P90s, but then I wouldn't own a set-neck guitar with humbuckers...

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

Not in your first post. Also if you'll look at my post time you'll see it's very close to yours so I didn't have my screen refreshed to see that, my apologies for being 11 minutes late. That said the fact you tried LPs and such but no tele prior to today while knowing your strat love still blows my mind.

 

[Kac]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

I've owned Telecasters before also...


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[Luke Duke]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

I've owned Telecasters before also...


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Alright then, solved that mystery for me. Thanks

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

PRS might be a good option...I find them to be far more Fender in feel than they are Gibson and the Swamp Ash models have maple necks and boards so they feel (and sound) even more like a Fender.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

Sounds like a problem not worth fixing There's always trem and hardtail.

An SG could be tried but it hangs "weird" on the strap, a true Strat player won't do it.

SG junior/special.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Best guitar for a Fender Strat player to branch out with

I'd vote for a Nonreverse Firebird Studio 2011, if you can find one - very Strat-like in feel, and with similar switching (three P90s/5-way). Great feeling and sounding instruments.

Good suggestion! Firebirds come with HB's, mini-HB's, and P-90's.