The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

[tc]

Since vol.1 with the Les Pauls didn't do bad at all, I figured I'd do Strats.

This time though, I'm not going for Standard Vs. Custom, but rather, I'm going for four distinct Strat eras, early 50's (huge boat necks, maple boards, ash bodies), late 50's (hard and soft V-shaped necks, alder bodies, maple boards), early 60's (rosewood board, rounded necks) and the holy grail of the rock n' roll Stratocaster, the late 60's/early 70's Strat (big headstock, large logo, micro tilt, etc.)

When I think 50's Strats I think Hank Marvin, Dave Murray and Buddy Holly
When I think early 60's I think SRV, Rory Gallagher, and maybe Mayer
When I think late 60's I think Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, and Yngwie.

BTW, lookswise, I'd go 50's two-tone, sound/feel wise, I'd go early 60's, coolness-wise, I'd go late 60's.

Edit: duh! since when were the 50s one three tone!? *kicks himself in head*

 

[WhoFan]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

-50's were 2-tone sunbursts... the late 50's era were my fav period for strats in most ways... i also like early 60's but the late 50's win for the necks alone... V shape maple necks i love...

 

[Iron Horse]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

Early 60s for the tone and overall specs, although 70s look is very cool, too.

 

[wahwah]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

I tend to think of the L Series as the ultimate Strat, but I have no complaints about my '68. I draw the line at the introduction of the micro-tilt, it seems like things went rapidly downhill at that point.



Cheers...................................... wahwah

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

Embarrassingly enough, I know almost nothing about vintage Strats, except for early 70's. I don't dislike it, but I think my late 80's/early 90's MIA Peavey Strat is a nicer instrument.

However, since I've gone on record a few times stating that wahwah's Strat is the coolest Strat ever, I'll go with late 60's.

 

[tc]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

-50's were 2-tone sunbursts...

Yeah I was looking at a MF catalog after posting the thread and nearly kicked myself.

 

[Gunny47]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

Late 50s - custom colors, boat necks, maple boards, alder bodies - I think that wins for a strat...

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

For me 57 is the archetype!

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

Big necks, ash and maple sound very good.

 

[Petrovsk Mizinski]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

Where's the laet 80s for the Strats that finally came with a decent trem?

 

[JohnnyGuitar]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

The Stratocster does nothing for me if it doesn't have the big headstock with the curly logo... late 60's and early 70's for the win!

 

[LReese]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

I've got no real vintage Strats, but my preference is for the 54-55 reissues, though I like 'em all - a good one is a good one. I actually prefer the feel of a rosewood fingerboard, but I'm very OK with a well cured nitro finished board.

My turnoffs are more cosmetic - non-staggered PU's, etc. But I'm trying to get over it.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

Hmmm.... I love my '62 RI, so if that's what the originals are like - count me in with the early '60s.

 

[scottish]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

late 50s for me. Cant beat a maple v necked strat with an ash or alder body.

 

[Bludave]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

A 61' slabboard is the ulimate Stratocaster IMHO

 

[Philcguitars]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

My observation is most people rave about 59-62ish

 

[Gamera]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

Any "ultimate battle" of Strats needs to include all decades IMO.

The Strat Plus and the Lace Sensor Strats and the first sig Strats of the 80's deserve some recognition. Not to mention the HM Strats. Not too sure what the 90's had to offer but I'm quite fond of some of the newer Strat variants too.

 

[Fender_Punk]

Re: The Ultimate Battle of the Stratocasters

late 50s for me. Cant beat a maple v necked strat with an ash or alder body.

+1.