The most expensive Fender Squier HSS is $459 new. The Mexican Player Strat HSS starts at $879. I’m looking to spend something firmly between those values. Like maybe 5-6 hundred plus a pickup swap or something. Or maybe a non-Fender S-style HSS or HSH. What other models are say, upper-end Epiphone quality? I have an Epi Les Paul Custom and by comparison, my Classic Vibe seems like kind of a toy. Shit tuners, questionable bridge, cheap plastics, unimpressive finish. I could maybe get a deal on a Mexican Strat, but I’m a bit frightened because someone already told me that the Classic Vibes aren’t that far off from the Mexi-casters. Help! I prefer a kind of conservative appearing instrument-not something super-pointy or metal or pastel. Thanks!!
Mid-tier HSS Strat?
- Thread starter Frater106
- Start date
Well, if you really hated the squier, and prefer mahogany-bodied 12” radiused guitars—maybe you’re just not a strat guy.
for a stratty vibe that’ll feel closer to your preference, I’d recommend a Schecter omen extreme or a prs se custom 22 or 24. They’re both mahogany (I think) bodied, flatter fretboards with humbuckers that sound very good (my opinion, of course) when split. They’re a bit more modern looking, but still rooted in a traditional styling.
and both within your budget.
for a stratty vibe that’ll feel closer to your preference, I’d recommend a Schecter omen extreme or a prs se custom 22 or 24. They’re both mahogany (I think) bodied, flatter fretboards with humbuckers that sound very good (my opinion, of course) when split. They’re a bit more modern looking, but still rooted in a traditional styling.
and both within your budget.
The Fender Player Strat HSS Floyd Rose and Fender Deluxe Strat HSS both come with 12” radius. They made an American Special Mahogany from the mid-2000s for a few years, but I didn’t snatch one. I found one used for $900, but that’s maybe $200-$300 over my budget and I’m not sure of the fret radius. Was hoping people might have some suggestions from other makers. I’ve already got the Classic Vibe. We’ll see how it plays after the setup. I’ll know more then.
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ThreeChordWonder
New member
Player Series and you don't really need to change anything.
Pick the right weekend and GC will give you 15% off the sticker price.
Pick the right weekend and GC will give you 15% off the sticker price.
PFDarkside
of the Forum
The problem with Fender is that they keep jacking the prices up so now a mid 2000’s MIM is like $600. (Ridiculous) I think a good deal on a MIM Strat is is hard to beat though, all the parts are standard and easily replaced now. They are routed HSS so a simple pickup swap will get you where you want to be.
Alternatively, check out the Yamaha Pacifica lines.
Alternatively, check out the Yamaha Pacifica lines.
Yeah, I got total sticker shock when I looked up the Mexican HSS Strat. The last time I considered buying one they were $399! This was back in about 2007. Now the Classic Vibes are more than that, and the Mexi-caster has more than doubled in price. I guess I should have bought one back then, but I was gassing for a Les Paul Custom at the time. I was really into Zeppelin back then and whatnot.
Fender/Squier is kind of losing it, though. By comparison, my ‘07 Epi LPC was either $549 or $599 plus $49 for the hardshell case. Now they’re $729 (but come with ebony boards, Graphtech Tusq XL nut, and full-size CTS pots) plus $129 for the case. If Epiphone was doing us like Fender/Squier, the Custom would be like $1300 now-nearly as much as a Gibson Studio. In the same time, the Studio has gone from $999 to $1599 (not $2,100-which is approaching LP Classic prices). I’m familiar with inflation, but Fender/Squier is tripping. A Squier simply doesn’t compete with Epiphone for quality as far as I’m concerned. China is doing great stuff these days (and has been for at least 15 years). My Custom is a beautiful, capable instrument.
Obsessive Compulsive
New member
Bacchus and Tokai make decent Strat copies cheap af, but I don't know if they are readily available in the US. They are much better than plywood Squiers.
Gesendet von meinem ASUS_X00RD mit Tapatalk
Gesendet von meinem ASUS_X00RD mit Tapatalk
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...nslucent-black
Now, this is more like it! Flat board radius, alder/maple body, rosewood fretboard, Seymour Duncan Custom V bridge, Vintage Staggered Strat middle, and neck P-90? I’m feeling it!
Mononoaware
Active member
Came here to say this. The PAC612VIIFM is everything you want. The hardware is perfect as-is, and the fit and finish are top-notch out of the box. Love mine.
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Schecter and PRS make some pretty great-looking guitars! I’ll have to put some thought into them. I’ve kind of been wanting to try a PRS. The Schecter Solos look pretty wicked, too!
Ashurbanipal
Well-known member
I'd also say a Pacifica 612VII is a good option. Duncans (SSL1s and C5), Wilkinson trem, graphite nut/string trees, locking tuners, flame top or solid colour options. Has all the upgrades you'd find yourself putting on a guitar that doesn't have them. There is also a model which is P90/hb, the 611. You can get it with a trem or hardtail.
The matte blue one is pretty sweet.
For Schecter, there's the Nick Johnston model, which is more trad. Proprietary pups and hardware. Neck may be a tad smaller than Pacifica, and is roasted, by the looks of it.
The matte blue one is pretty sweet.
For Schecter, there's the Nick Johnston model, which is more trad. Proprietary pups and hardware. Neck may be a tad smaller than Pacifica, and is roasted, by the looks of it.
Artie
Peaveyologist
PFDarkside
of the Forum
That looks like a great time!
TVFV
Well-known member
Does the middle pickup look like it has been raised up a little bit? Look weird.
