Value for Money Hardtail strats

fingerace

fingerace

New member
Heys guys,

I am looking for cheap hardtail strats. I know I can lock the tremolo, but I prefer a proper hardtail.

There are some made by Fender but I was wondering if you 've seen any others.

I have a 1978 Japanese LP copy that I am happy with. I 've seen some Japanese hardtail strats but they go for a lot of money these days.

Thanks, I appreciate the input.

Andreas
 
Re: Value for Money Hardtail strats

Look for a ca 1981 Ibanez Blazer. You'll need a new pickguard to mount normal Strat pickups. The wood is first class as is the fretword. The downside for some is the small frets.

I have several of these, they are guitars any bit as good as expensive US made ones:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-198...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Be aware that before 1981 they had a different headplate shape and 22 fret necks. I don't like the older ones and the necks can't be exchanged with Fender necks, but some others swear by the older 22-fretters.
 
Re: Value for Money Hardtail strats

FretFire said:
I'd shop for a used Fender Robert Cray signature model.
Click to expand...

dammit i was just gonna say that, its a mim and the only HD currently in production, and if i know fender they drop sig models like they pick up one hit wonder endorsers. so get while the gettn's good
 
Re: Value for Money Hardtail strats

In addition to the Robert Cray, there is the Tom Delonge signature model. They are routed under the pickguard for HSS, so all you need is a pickguard and pickups (which aren't difficult to find). It's MIM and mine seems to be pretty solid quality. If you want to go even cheaper, there is a Squier version too, but I don't know how well this is made. I do love a good hard tail!

Tim
 
Re: Value for Money Hardtail strats

Carvin has hardtail strat options as well.

Might be hard to find great options without crazy shipping costs in Cyprus, though.
 
Re: Value for Money Hardtail strats

How cheap is cheap? I'd say if you want high quality, look for a used USA G&L with the saddle lock bridge. Great bang for the buck, though not necessarily "cheap."
 
Re: Value for Money Hardtail strats

Thanks for the input guys. I was thinking about something in the Ibanez Blazer kind of price range... or maybe a used Tom Delonge signature model. Under 500 USD.

I see a lot of strat bodies going on ebay, any thoughts about those? Will it be cheaper to get the parts, or will everything add up?

I am studying in the UK now so it's a good chance to get some gear. I already got me a nice Guild acoustic here.
 
Re: Value for Money Hardtail strats

Getting a parted out Fender back together from parts is definitely more expensive. There are some dealers on ebay who do nothing but buy Fenders and part them out.

If you want to be under $500 for the whole thing and want it to sound good you shouldn't ignore my recommendation for the old Ibanz Blazer (or some Roadstar II variants). For that money a Fender only gets you some bulletproof plastic covered dead piece of body. Kinda pointless worrying about what kind of bridge it has at that point.
 
Re: Value for Money Hardtail strats

I can vouch for the Tom Delonge, I own one. It's just a pickguard swap away from whatever you want (unless you want humbuckers in the neck position)...

...BUT, I have to say, for MY tastes, if I could go back in time I would have gotten the Robert Cray model, no questions asked. If you're more vintage inclined, then that'll be the ticket. Great stock pickups and a slightly fatter neck, just what the doctor ordered.
 
Re: Value for Money Hardtail strats

Recently got a 1980 Ibanez Blazer. I was looking for a 1981 model with 21 frets, but this one is absolutely great... It was quite cheap (190GBP) and it sounds phenomenal irrespective of price. It's set up very very low, so some frets are buzzing. I'll set it up properly with thicker strings... VHT special 6 head and 1x12 cab came in today as well. I'll post pictures of the setup soon.

Again many thanks to all the suggestions. This forum comes through once again.
 
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