Underated Fender Guitar by far

[MetalManiac]

Today I just snapped up a Fender "powerhouse" Strat body. I've been on the prowl for one a decent price.
For one thing, these seem to really fly under the radar. Maybe it's the cutout in the back for a battery Maybe its cause they are "Poplar" ( the poor cousin to Alder).
Really though, they are discontinued I think because they are kind of very good guitars and not at all cheap to make compared to some other MIM's.

The cool thing is they come in some good vintage custom colors like Shoreline Gold and Lake Placid blue ( mine is Lake Placid blue, which I've always wanted).
Also, it has the American spaced 7/32 tremolo with steel block like a Jimmy Vaughan.

I got mine cause I have a loaded EMG SA pickguard sitting around and the rear battery compartment means never having to unscrew the pickguard to change the battery! Cool thing if you don't have a full time tech like Gilmorr ( David, not Happy).
Okay, so "Poplar"..how bad can it be..its very Alder like, but a bit more Maple-y I suppose.
At any rate, I'm going to slap a Mighty Mite neck on it, and have a Gilmore-esque Strat!;

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Underated Fender Guitar by far

Awesome....Actually Fender went back to alder because Poplar for a time,was more expensive than alder..I called Fender about this...Nothing wrong with Poplar...The grain isn't as pretty or as easy to work with because it has green streaks through it(as does Basswood)...but not a bad wood overall.

 

[milkbone]

Re: Underated Fender Guitar by far

I have a Yellow PH body with a MIA Maple neck and did just what you're looking to do. I love mine!! I think the body is Alder. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/fender-deluxe-powerhouse-stratocaster-electric-guitar And I see my friend John beat me to the keys!!! My SpinaDrive is still on my board and used all of the time!!

Here's mine:

And I say don't ever count Poplar out. My MIII is Poplar and it sounds and plays great!!

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Underated Fender Guitar by far

I have a Yellow PH body with a MIA Maple neck and did just what you're looking to do. I love mine!! I think the body is Alder. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/fender-deluxe-powerhouse-stratocaster-electric-guitar

Here's mine:

Hi buddy....How the hell are ya?

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: Underated Fender Guitar by far

I have a Yellow PH body with a MIA Maple neck and did just what you're looking to do. I love mine!! I think the body is Alder. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/fender-deluxe-powerhouse-stratocaster-electric-guitar And I see my friend John beat me to the keys!!! My SpinaDrive is still on my board and used all of the time!!

Here's mine:

And I say don't ever count Poplar out. My MIII is Poplar and it sounds and plays great!!

SIR. Your guitars are alluring to the eyes and I...

Yup.

I'm erect.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Underated Fender Guitar by far

My favourite Strat has a poplar body.

It's not a pretty looking wood, but it does have a very nice tone and resonance.

The only reason Fender stopped using poplar in the MIM's is because of cost. The price of poplar went up in the late 90's and it's no longer cheaper than alder.

 

[Crane]

Re: Underated Fender Guitar by far

I want to 'slap on' an ebony neck to a blue Robert Cray body.
Most folks are telling me it may or may not work as far as neck fit.
Please update.
Good luck !

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Underated Fender Guitar by far

Nlow that I have a captive audience, does anyone happen to know if one of the aftermarket plastic battery "boxes" like 'Allparts' sells will work on the back of the Powerhouse? ( because it came without the original back plastic battery box), or i may call Fender and see if they stock the part.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Underated Fender Guitar by far

Nlow that I have a captive audience, does anyone happen to know if one of the aftermarket plastic battery "boxes" like 'Allparts' sells will work on the back of the Powerhouse? ( because it came without the original back plastic battery box), or i may call Fender and see if they stock the part.

Yes call Fender? Hmmmm?