Strat Hunting

[ErikH]

The last time I actively looked for a Strat was in 1994 at the time when I bought my first American Standard. I sold that one a couple years back to fund a SG Classic, which has also been sold to help with bills while the wife is off work with our new baby girl.

So, we (the band) find out our keyboardist/3rd guitarist is leaving at the end of the year. Moving to Tulsa (work related). I totally understand. Gotta do what ya gotta do. With that, I'm looking at getting another Strat and have it set up HSS for some more diversity to help make up for being one man down. I have the pickups already (Lil Screamin' Demon and 2 x Classic Stack Plus). I just need the guitar.

Last time I was Strat hunting I didn't have internet, didn't own a computer, (damn, I sound old....lol) but have been reading up on reviews and opinions on the various models that fit my budget (used and maybe new, depends).

I know all about the MIM Standards. Solid workhorses. There's one locally on CL I'm eyeing but it might sell before I have the funds ready. I'd be perfectly content on a 2006 and later MIM Standard. Gotta have the MJ frets.

The Squire Classic Vibes look cool. Never played those but have read lots of favorable reviews on them. The specs match what I like. As long as the neck isn't too thin, I'm good.

The Vintage Modifieds seem to get a lot of praise too. I think I played one of them last year for a bit. Can't remember much about it though so it must not have been too impressive...HAHA!

The Modern Player caught my eye when first introduced. Some say it's a high end Squier with a Fender logo. Don't know the truth to that, and honestly don't care.

The Deluxe Player has always intrigued me. I've played a few of them and like them a lot. The push-button switch to get neck + bridge or all 3 on is a great add-on. It's a mod I've done myself in the past. I've been looking for used ones.

I'm definitely not leaving out the possibility of a good used American Standard, but it has to be a great deal. I'm on a tight budget, like crazy tight. Next step is to start pounding the pavement and checking out the stores too, playing them and narrowing it down.

So, Strat players, what's your thoughts on each of these models? Give me some honest feedback. Like I said earlier, I have pickups for so those don't matter. I'm good with a soldering iron and willing and able to rip out the electronics and put in what I like. I just want a solid, reliable and lively platform to work with.

 

[ajeffcote]

Re: Strat Hunting

The Deluxe Player(MIM) is a pretty good Strat and if you find one used, it's a very good value. I had one, well I still have the body and the hardware, but I swapped the p/us, neck, pickgaurd, controls. It really had a good neck. I'd say a little on the narrow side of medium, if that makes sense. I had a 2008 American Standard for a couple of weeks. The Deluxe Player had the better neck and sounded better.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Strat Hunting

I sat and played a Deluxe Player's a few times. Once was at a guitar show here locally and I didn't want to put it down. Really nice. At the time I wasn't Strat hunting so I didn't really consider it. The 12" neck radius is nice.

Crazy enough, there's one on the local CL. Too bad my funds are ready. I got stuff listed up there that I can't seem to move, more non-music gear than anything. Just stuff to move.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: Strat Hunting

Have you had a look at any G&L's? I trialled my G&L Legacy against a '97 Strat Plus in mint condition, and the Legacy 'out-Stratted' the Fender. A really good balance between vintage and modern features, and great Strat tone. My Legacy currently has the Everything Axe set in it, coupled with the PTB wiring, but I'm toying with either going back to SSS, or maybe keep in the JB Jnr and going HSS.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Strat Hunting

Is building something from Wamorth's or USACG's gallery out of the question? I know you're on a tight budget. It just seems like a more logical idea for someone that has very specific ideas when it comes to Strats. That's not a knock on ya. I'm the same way.

I'm not much help on the Fender's. I own 1 and I think the neck is an oddball lol. A lot of people are raving over the Classic Vibe series though. I've considered picking one up to use the exact same pickup set you're planning on using!

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Strat Hunting

G&L JUST issued Tribute Series S-500s.

MFD pickups, mahogany body, their awesome PTB system, their awesome trem...

Pretty tempting!!!

http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/TributeSeries/guitars/S500_new/index.asp

The G&L S-500™ debuted in 1983 as Leo’s own evolution of the traditional double-cutaway bolt-on axe, delivering innovations including the Dual-Fulcrum™ vibrato and Magnetic Field Design™ single-coil pickups, each designed by Leo Fender† himself. These MFD™ pickups deliver a bright and sparkly top end and robust bottom end, all without losing midrange focus.
You’ll find plenty of punch in the MFD pickups, but what’s surprising is how glassy and detailed they become as you roll back the volume and bass controls, the latter a part of the S-500’s PTB™ (Passive Treble and Bass) system which functions on all three pickups. What’s more, the G&L Tribute® Series S-500 includes a push-pull expander switch on the treble pot to allow neck+bridge or all three pickups together. In a pinch, the neck+bridge combo does a convincing faux ASAT™ Special. Talk about versatile!
The new G&L Tribute Series S-500 features one of Leo’s favorite pairings: the power of MFD pickups mellowed by the high porosity of a mahogany body. Making the most of this delicious combo is Leo’s Dual-Fulcrum vibrato, a work of engineering art which allows bending up or down with unsurpassed stability, while offering a silky feel through its beefy aluminum vibrato arm.
Leo’s forward-looking spirit is clearly reflected in the S-500, a guitar he designed for players who share that spirit. And now, it’s available at a price within reach of every working musician. Once you play a G&L Tribute Series, you’ll never look back.
Available in:

• • Tobacco Sunburst over mahogany body, 3-ply black pickguard, tinted gloss neck finish, rosewood fingerboard
• • Vintage White over mahogany, 3-ply white pickguard, tinted gloss neck finish, rosewood fingerboard

 

[brunogio]

Re: Strat Hunting

PM me because I have one I may be able to let go at a good price. 94 MIM with upgraded bridge and pups.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Strat Hunting

Have you had a look at any G&L's? I trialled my G&L Legacy against a '97 Strat Plus in mint condition, and the Legacy 'out-Stratted' the Fender. A really good balance between vintage and modern features, and great Strat tone. My Legacy currently has the Everything Axe set in it, coupled with the PTB wiring, but I'm toying with either going back to SSS, or maybe keep in the JB Jnr and going HSS.

Oh yeah. I've picked up some G&L's in the past. I like them. Great build quality. Only one problem, 1 5/8" nut width. Too narrow for me. With my hands, I have to have a 1 11/16" nut width.

Is building something from Wamorth's or USACG's gallery out of the question? I know you're on a tight budget. It just seems like a more logical idea for someone that has very specific ideas when it comes to Strats. That's not a knock on ya. I'm the same way.

I'm not much help on the Fender's. I own 1 and I think the neck is an oddball lol. A lot of people are raving over the Classic Vibe series though. I've considered picking one up to use the exact same pickup set you're planning on using!

Going the Warmoth route has crossed my mind, even if just for the neck. Heck, I have the parts laying around; hard-tail bridge, tuners, neck plate and screws, string ferrules, strap buttons, pickups. Just need the wood and a pickguard. I may visit this again. Just hard to make time to paint it and all (which I would do myself).

G&L JUST issued Tribute Series S-500s.

MFD pickups, mahogany body, their awesome PTB system, their awesome trem...

Pretty tempting!!!

http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/TributeSeries/guitars/S500_new/index.asp

Very nice, but see above for reason why G&L is a no-go for me.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: Strat Hunting

I hear you about the G&L nut width, funnily enough I prefer the narrower feel...

 

[ErikH]

Re: Strat Hunting

PM me because I have one I may be able to let go at a good price. 94 MIM with upgraded bridge and pups.

Vintage frets. Another thing I can't get a long with....LOL. Unless you've had it refretted with medium-jumbos.

 

[StratFreak]

Re: Strat Hunting

My MIM Stratocaster has been with me for almost a year now, and its amazing ! I've played both an Am Std. and a MIM (seeing as I own one) and the MIM didn't seem to different to me. If you already have the pickups then you're set. I personally love the stock pickups as-is but if you feel a need to change them after you hear them, then feel free.

I've yet to come across a problem with anything, with a set-up and minor maintenance the guitar is amazing ! Good luck with the choice !

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Strat Hunting

My MIM Stratocaster has been with me for almost a year now, and its amazing ! I've played both an Am Std. and a MIM (seeing as I own one) and the MIM didn't seem to different to me. If you already have the pickups then you're set. I personally love the stock pickups as-is but if you feel a need to change them after you hear them, then feel free.

I've yet to come across a problem with anything, with a set-up and minor maintenance the guitar is amazing ! Good luck with the choice !

I second this recommendation. Get a good MIM that speaks to you, and has the specs you want, and just upgrade the pickups.
Just remember most of them have slightly more narrow string spacing.

Also might want to consider this; when I type 'strat" into the search on the trader forum, I come across a veritable treasure trove of bodies and necks ( and even some entire partscasters). If you can weild a screwdriver, and I know you can, then serendipity could but be a couple hundred bucks away.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Strat Hunting

Yeah, the MIM Standards are high on the list. Pickup change is inevitable due to the versatility needs.

Good input so far. Keep it coming.

 

[Davidandrew]

Re: Strat Hunting

I would go for a CIJ or an MIJ strat I have american strats that dont play as good as some of my CIJ strats and you can get tem for a good price. I always see them for around 350.

 

[Left_Hand_Strat]

Re: Strat Hunting

I'd go down the Squier Classic Vibe route, then just throw in the pickups of your choice. the 50's would be great for the maple neck and board.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Strat Hunting

I'm another G&L user; currently I own 17 of them, and can't recommend them highly enough. USA-made G&Ls have wide neck and profile options, as they are basically a custom builder. I'll take my G&Ls any day of the week over any Fender. G&L IS Leo Fender. The Tribute models are great values.

If your budget can't handle that, then you should look at the ESP LTD ST-Series. I was very impressed with these, and they street for around four bill. Very nice vibe to them.

What's the neck width on a MIM Strat, anyway? I doubt there's much difference between it and a G&L.

Bill

 

[ErikH]

MIM necks are 42mm nut width, just .8 mm narrower than the MIA's. I can deal with those. That's wider than the G&L's.

MIJ and CIJ. Will add them to the search.

 

[bungalowbill]

Re: Strat Hunting

Erik...I believe the individual guitar is more important than what specific model it is......that being said, if I were you, I would scout the pawnshops and mom and pop music stores for an older Japan crafted Squier....just so long as you can play before you buy.

 

[AllOnBlack]

Re: Strat Hunting

I don't know man, I personally am obsessed with hardtail strats but I've been told time and time again that most people prefer the tremelo bridges by far.

I'm generally a Gibby guy, I love my Gibsons--I'll buy a Gibson Special over a top-trim Epi anyday. BUT, I'm the complete opposite when it comes to Fenders. Don't get me wrong MIA Fenders are beautiful. But if it were me buying a Strat again (which probably will be me in a few months) I know I'll be looking for a good deal on a MIM Strat over a MIA Strat so I'll have the money left over to drop a humbucker in it or whatever pickups/goodies you'd like to add that can make it sound not just as good but better than a stock MIA Strat. That's just my opinion, but I think the quality of MIM Strats is not a far cry from the quality of the MIA's. If you're stuck on an American tho, you might wanna checkout the Highway series of Fenders. They're American made Fenders that are great deals because they generally have simplier finishes, usually Satin.

 

[Kramer Guy]

Re: Strat Hunting

If your on a budget and you want a USA made Strat, then I would go with a Highway One model. I've tried them in the past and IMO, they're just as good as the USA standards. You can find them on E-Bay where dealers still sell them brand new for around $699.99 or you can get a used one as well.