Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

[PFDarkside]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

I’ll be the outlier and say that if it doesn’t need a real Strat headstock and be a “Stratocaster”, I’d look at the Yamaha Pacifica and G&L tributes in addition to the Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified Squiers. Unless you want to do some work and upgrades I’d avoid the Bullet and Affinity Squier lines. Might also be able to find the right thing in the Ibanez line. (I’m assuming used across the board)

 

[Aceman]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

oooh - Yamaha Pacifica....that's one I let get away. intriguing.

 

[dazedandconfused001]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

Worst guitar I've ever played was cheap HB strat.

well in my defense ive only personally played one (still own it tho) and it was a les paul copy and it plays amazing so when other internet people rant &rave that all HarlyBentons are the best for the $$$ i tend to think they might be on to somethin cuz the ONE i got was great. side note if u get somethin in the super el cheapo range i dislike my affinity strat very manys

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

Get a bullet squire
Used around 50 bucks
Used affinity under 100 bucks

Scratch that inch
Throw it back in the corner

Shove it under the couch

Chase burglars with it

 

[Aceman]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

Now I'm shopping for my Lost Pac 712....

Wilkinson, Locking Sperzals, PAF Pro.

dammit

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

Heck I had a violin burst with a humbucker bridge
I just couldn't bond with it

Got it used. Still had the plastics on it
Never had been brought up to tune

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

2010s Pacifica Solid Body Electric Guitar: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Yamaha/2010s-Pacifica-Solid-Body-Electric-Guitar.gc

 

[Progbusters]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

I have a Roadhouse Strat. I also like the Highway 1 strat. and the Jimmy Vaughn strat. They're all mexi-strats and can be found for a good price used. Classic vibe strats would also be a lower price choice for me. These are all real SSS strats.

 

[Progbusters]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

sometimes I see ads on facebook for sale on the G&L Legacy Tribute, which seems very stratty to me at a good price

 

[Mikesr1963]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

I love this game. Standard Squier Strats are great and I've never received one where our fantastic Virginia humidity didn't suck every fret end back into the fretboard. The one pictured is a silverburst I bought from MF open box years ago. Appearance is stock except for the cross. Under the pickguard is a set off Jeff Beck noiseless pickups from Fender. The set came with 1 meg pots, with the caps and resister's needed. I also put a Fender American 5 way switch in too. The frets did not need leveling and to finish it I polished them to a chrome finish using a dremal tool and buffing compound. I put strap locks on everything. It sounds and plays fantastic. Total cost including guitar: $300.

 

[Mikesr1963]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

This is another Squier Standard Strat I got from MF open box. Here I added GFS Premium Hot Alnico Stagger Pickups; Fender 250k pots and American 5 way switch; strap locks; brass trem block from GFS. No fret issues to address and the only work done on them was to polish them to a chrome finish. Pickguard was wired per Fender diagram 0107100/7102. I scalloped the fretboard near the neck pickup and added a clear coat to the headstock. Total cost including guitar: $250.

 

[Mikesr1963]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

This is a Squier Affinity Fat Strat I bought from the auction on Goodwill.com for $37 (NOTE: always check your shipping zip code on these auctions and buy from the closest stores to you). The auction photos show it with enough dirt and grime on the neck to grow potatoes. You could tell the strings were crusty and one string was broken (G-Wiz: when I removed the strings it had 3 different makes of strings. Fender bullets, D'Addario, and something else). It had white marks on the top, back and side from rubbing up against a painted wall. The pickguard and knobs had grime on them as well as the nooks and crannies of the trem. For some reason the pickups were adjusted so they were nearly touching the remaining strings. I cleaned it then used a drill with pad and Meguier's M105 Mirror Glaze Ultra Cut and removed all the fine scratches and paint scuffs and then waxed it (I thought I took before photos but apparently I did not). Put new strings on it, set it up, and fine tuned the pickups. The cable input nut would not stay tight so I used blue locktight to solve that issue. Guitar also came with a Fender gig bag. This little guitar sounds and plays great now and has one of the sweetest sounding position #4's for an Affinity I have not modded. All positions sound so good that I have no plans to upgrade the electronics at this time. Total cost: $65.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

Squier Bullet.
A little metallic sounding on the pickups but does a great rendition of all the strat sounds for about $100.
They are so cheap but such amazing guitars for the money, you can beat the snot out of it and not feel bad

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

If they are still doing any Tex-Mex Strats (famously the Jimmie Vaughan model was one of these), those are always good for the price.

I got a Deluxe Roadhouse Strat used for $550. It's basically an American Deluxe Strat that was assembled in Mexico, more or less.

 

[Mikesr1963]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

I don't know your set up/mod abilities and would like to pass on some info. As long as a guitar has good bones don't be intimidated about the rest. I've used this for the last 20 years and you can get it used on Amazon now for like $2.50. Pay attention to body wood. Alder, Ash, Mahogany, Basswood and surprisingly good on the Squier Standard Strats, Agathis (which is the only guitar I have seen it used on). Create your own monster.

 

[Jacew]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

I have a big @$$ pool. I have an $8k Gibson Custom shop Les Paul.

I also as you said - want the "occasional sound." $50 or $5000, they will all sound the same when I play them. No need for a badge or brand. Just one that does what it is supposed to. Just needs to be playable after adjustments and stay in tune. I can handle the rest.

Yeah I guessed that

Was just talking in a general sense, not specifically you.

 

[Jacew]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

well in my defense ive only personally played one (still own it tho) and it was a les paul copy and it plays amazing so when other internet people rant &rave that all HarlyBentons are the best for the $$$ i tend to think they might be on to somethin cuz the ONE i got was great. side note if u get somethin in the super el cheapo range i dislike my affinity strat very manys

I have heard their LP's are not bad. Never tried one though.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

I am so curious about Harley Bentons

I felt that way about Xaviere from GFS
Till I saw a used one over at a local shop

Hey Slick guitars at GFS look great
https://www.guitarfetish.com/Slick-...aple-Fingerboard-Alnico-Pickups-_p_20549.html
nuts and knobs

Black ash and maple

 

[mxaniac]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

I'm looking for a bone-stock no-frills Stratocaster. Squire, Fender MIM, I don't care.

Just something with three single coils and is a Strat.

HB in bridge is ok, if it splits.

Go! And be specific....

Korean Squier has very good value for the money, but really any Squier with an insert around the truss rod adjustment is going to be playable. For a considerably larger investment you can get an American made Strat with Tex Mex pups in a 62 reissue flavor dirt cheap in the California series from the 90s.

 

[YeRedHouseOverYonder]

Re: Recommend a cheap Stratocaster

The Korean squiers are definitely nice guitars for the causal strat sound. They'll retain their value as far as squiers go too. The only issue would be the frets due to their age. The necks are awesome to play however. I have one on an AVRI body and don't feel like I need to upgrade per se.

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