Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
- Thread starter BennyD
- Start date
kill your scene
New member
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
Fender makes the best Strats. You're basing your perception of the entire company on ONE guitar? That's weak.
Also, what's up with your "pride" comments? Unless you know the people making the guitars, how do you know how proud they are? Can you feel pride when you play? It's an intangible concept.... that's like saying I don't like B.C. Rich because they're made with frustration. wtf?
I think you should go back and give a wide variety of Fenders a shot and leave the stale rhetoric at home. Just my .02.
Fender makes the best Strats. You're basing your perception of the entire company on ONE guitar? That's weak.
Also, what's up with your "pride" comments? Unless you know the people making the guitars, how do you know how proud they are? Can you feel pride when you play? It's an intangible concept.... that's like saying I don't like B.C. Rich because they're made with frustration. wtf?
I think you should go back and give a wide variety of Fenders a shot and leave the stale rhetoric at home. Just my .02.
Curly
Moe's Bluesman
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
Fender is such a HUGE company nowadays :sad:
to find a good strat, you have to look at 20
I got a new AS strat recently that I love, but I got lucky
I also had a Deluxe that I sent back - too heavy!
I want 'em light and resonant acoustically, with a comfortable neck.
I own G & Ls, custom Warmoth strats, Fenders .... most are nice, but a couple are "sellable"
It just basically takes some effort and searching to find the right one for you.
G & Ls are nice, but I don't care for the pot values. Fenders vary a LOT. The used Hamers are attractive, but I've never played one. :sad:
I'm not a big fan of the high end custom stuff, either ... I'm CHEAP, and I also feel the strat was kind of a well-designed 'junk yard dog', and too much fussiness spoils them.
probably the real value is in doing stuff like Lew and others suggest - get a good MIM, like a Jimmy Vaughan, a Robert Cray, or some other one, then change the pickups and hardware till you're satisfied.
I went and look at 50s and 60s MIMs at Buffalo Bros, and I think the quality's fine. ('Course, I have just MIA guitars!)
Fender is such a HUGE company nowadays :sad:
to find a good strat, you have to look at 20
I got a new AS strat recently that I love, but I got lucky
I also had a Deluxe that I sent back - too heavy!
I want 'em light and resonant acoustically, with a comfortable neck.
I own G & Ls, custom Warmoth strats, Fenders .... most are nice, but a couple are "sellable"
It just basically takes some effort and searching to find the right one for you.G & Ls are nice, but I don't care for the pot values. Fenders vary a LOT. The used Hamers are attractive, but I've never played one. :sad:
I'm not a big fan of the high end custom stuff, either ... I'm CHEAP, and I also feel the strat was kind of a well-designed 'junk yard dog', and too much fussiness spoils them.
probably the real value is in doing stuff like Lew and others suggest - get a good MIM, like a Jimmy Vaughan, a Robert Cray, or some other one, then change the pickups and hardware till you're satisfied.
I went and look at 50s and 60s MIMs at Buffalo Bros, and I think the quality's fine. ('Course, I have just MIA guitars!
)Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
I think maybe you should not be so defensive when one voices there opinion on a guitar.
Putting pride in something you do is a pretty simple concept. If you have pride in doing something, you are going to go that extra mile to make sure you are 100% happy with it and not "Eh, this finish could be better, but, I've got more guitars to make to meet my quota (next)".
I'm also not basing my opinion of Fender off ONE guitar. I'm basing that off 13 years guitar playing experience and never being happy with any Fender I put my hands on (except the older ones, and maybe my $150 dollar mexican made Squire that I started with). I thought when I bought a sparkling new American Deluxe one it would change, it didn't, it only made it worse. And I disagree with your statement that they make the best strats, that's all in the eye of the beholder, and we're each entitled to their opinions.
If you own a Fender and are happy with it, great, I however, will choose something else, and that is my choice.
---Edit---
I'd also like to know what you are making your perception off of saying that Fender makes the best strats? Best strats for who? How many different types of strats have you played?
kill your scene said:
I think maybe you should not be so defensive when one voices there opinion on a guitar.
Putting pride in something you do is a pretty simple concept. If you have pride in doing something, you are going to go that extra mile to make sure you are 100% happy with it and not "Eh, this finish could be better, but, I've got more guitars to make to meet my quota (next)".
I'm also not basing my opinion of Fender off ONE guitar. I'm basing that off 13 years guitar playing experience and never being happy with any Fender I put my hands on (except the older ones, and maybe my $150 dollar mexican made Squire that I started with). I thought when I bought a sparkling new American Deluxe one it would change, it didn't, it only made it worse. And I disagree with your statement that they make the best strats, that's all in the eye of the beholder, and we're each entitled to their opinions.
If you own a Fender and are happy with it, great, I however, will choose something else, and that is my choice.
---Edit---
I'd also like to know what you are making your perception off of saying that Fender makes the best strats? Best strats for who? How many different types of strats have you played?
Last edited:
strat_master
New member
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
id say g & l but i love fenders personally i guess you had bad luck with fender
id say g & l but i love fenders personally i guess you had bad luck with fender
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
I'm inclined to agree with you on that one. There is no way in hell you'd catch me paying over $1500 for a strat (unless it was a 69 sunburst in good condition). Those Andersons and Suhr's look nice and all, but just way out of my price range.
Curly said:I'm not a big fan of the high end custom stuff, either ... I'm CHEAP, and I also feel the strat was kind of a well-designed 'junk yard dog', and too much fussiness spoils them.
I'm inclined to agree with you on that one. There is no way in hell you'd catch me paying over $1500 for a strat (unless it was a 69 sunburst in good condition). Those Andersons and Suhr's look nice and all, but just way out of my price range.
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
I'm going to post before reading the replies ... so , quite simply ... my vote ... G&L ... hand downs! That being said, if you can find an old Fernandez strat they are very good, although they to have some differences. Mine for instance has a 10" radius fingerboard, the pups that came in it had ceramic bar magnets with steel poles (vintage stagger unfortunately) ... they are still around on used. Looks like a Strat with the regular headstock (not the large curvey '70's one ... which I love). There are many other options of course, but those are my two, that's for straight out playing, for nicer stuff (well G&L fits that bill as well) ... either custom makers or a few other companies make some as well.
I'm going to post before reading the replies ... so , quite simply ... my vote ... G&L ... hand downs! That being said, if you can find an old Fernandez strat they are very good, although they to have some differences. Mine for instance has a 10" radius fingerboard, the pups that came in it had ceramic bar magnets with steel poles (vintage stagger unfortunately) ... they are still around on used. Looks like a Strat with the regular headstock (not the large curvey '70's one ... which I love). There are many other options of course, but those are my two, that's for straight out playing, for nicer stuff (well G&L fits that bill as well) ... either custom makers or a few other companies make some as well.
bvc310
New member
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
yea, I played one the past 2 times I was at my guitar center. They have a used ash one for 500, but could be talked down. It has very good tone, but the body is a bit on the heavy side. The neck was very good too, but I would take a G&L particularly due to the weight. If your ever comin to Cincinnati, gimmie a shout, and Ill check if they still have it. They still had it as of 6 oclock today.Hoss said:
That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
See bro, that's where we disagree. If you check out my post, you'll see many brands there. All of which will blow ANYTHING Fender puts out nowadays to shame. I have played atleast a hundred Fender Strats and nothing sounds, plays, is built, or looks like the babies I listed.
If you want to think Fender makes the best stuff, go right ahead... we're not here to force our opinion on you (or anyone else for that matter).
The fact remains that there are insanely great guitars out there that redefine what makes a great guitar. In fact, I'm spoiled now. Nothing can touch my Grosh and I'm not sure I'll EVER find something that will. I WILL not play a Gibson or Fender any longer, there's just better stuff.
My next guitar way down the road will be something from one of the companies I just listed because they are superior products. Better tone woods, light real lacquer finishes, much better build quality all add up to a much better guitar than anything you buy cheap and hotrod. Funny thing is, I'm taking a $3500 guitar and hotrodding it, but once it's tweaked, very very little out there can touch it. My sound clips will be coming in a couple of weeks and all will be revealed then
kill your scene said:
See bro, that's where we disagree. If you check out my post, you'll see many brands there. All of which will blow ANYTHING Fender puts out nowadays to shame. I have played atleast a hundred Fender Strats and nothing sounds, plays, is built, or looks like the babies I listed.
If you want to think Fender makes the best stuff, go right ahead... we're not here to force our opinion on you (or anyone else for that matter).
The fact remains that there are insanely great guitars out there that redefine what makes a great guitar. In fact, I'm spoiled now. Nothing can touch my Grosh and I'm not sure I'll EVER find something that will. I WILL not play a Gibson or Fender any longer, there's just better stuff.
My next guitar way down the road will be something from one of the companies I just listed because they are superior products. Better tone woods, light real lacquer finishes, much better build quality all add up to a much better guitar than anything you buy cheap and hotrod. Funny thing is, I'm taking a $3500 guitar and hotrodding it, but once it's tweaked, very very little out there can touch it. My sound clips will be coming in a couple of weeks and all will be revealed then
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
I've been doing research and have a few gripes about G&L im hoping someone can anwer. They use plastic nuts (gah plastic?!?!)? No locking tuners? The sides of the cavity aren't shielded? Can someone explain why G&L switched to swimming pool routing, or can they confirm that they even did (I take everything Ed Roman claims with my own personal salt flat)?
Kent S. said:
I've been doing research and have a few gripes about G&L im hoping someone can anwer. They use plastic nuts (gah plastic?!?!)? No locking tuners? The sides of the cavity aren't shielded? Can someone explain why G&L switched to swimming pool routing, or can they confirm that they even did (I take everything Ed Roman claims with my own personal salt flat)?
That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
I'm pretty sure that the nuts aren't plastic (atleast from the one Legacy I played). I don't believe they have locking tuners, but apparently they don't need it with their patented dual fulcrum trem (which I've heard kicks, unfortunately the store model I tried out didn't have the trem arm on it).
Most people do their own shielding anyhow, so that shouldn't be a big issue.
It's also been proven that swimming pool routes do not change the tone at all. After '93 (I'm pretty sure that's the year), the G&L Legacy's started coming with swimming pool routes. And for a good reason, if you want to switch a single coil to a humbucker or something, just get a replacement pickguard and you're good to go. Much more options than having it prerouted for one certain configuration.
I'm pretty sure that the nuts aren't plastic (atleast from the one Legacy I played). I don't believe they have locking tuners, but apparently they don't need it with their patented dual fulcrum trem (which I've heard kicks, unfortunately the store model I tried out didn't have the trem arm on it).
Most people do their own shielding anyhow, so that shouldn't be a big issue.
It's also been proven that swimming pool routes do not change the tone at all. After '93 (I'm pretty sure that's the year), the G&L Legacy's started coming with swimming pool routes. And for a good reason, if you want to switch a single coil to a humbucker or something, just get a replacement pickguard and you're good to go. Much more options than having it prerouted for one certain configuration.
Curly
Moe's Bluesman
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
they have locking tuners on certain models
my '94 has non locking sperzels, and I love 'em .... and I've NEVER had any tuning problems
the trem is the best I've used on a strat
shielding is not a big issue with me, either ... mine has a brass ground plate that covers a good part of the bottom of the control cavity
I'm not a fan of the swimming pool rout, but I've played a number of newer G & Ls that I'd consider buying
I've never even thought about the nut material on my Legacy! it just was never an issue ... for that matter, I can't think of too many companies that use a bone nut for production models.BennyD said:
they have locking tuners on certain models
my '94 has non locking sperzels, and I love 'em .... and I've NEVER had any tuning problems
the trem is the best I've used on a strat
shielding is not a big issue with me, either ... mine has a brass ground plate that covers a good part of the bottom of the control cavity
I'm not a fan of the swimming pool rout, but I've played a number of newer G & Ls that I'd consider buying
some_dude
Raging BB Gunologist
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
Traditionalists don't want locking tuners, so if they installed them, they'd turn some people off. I know I'm not a fan of them.
I don't know about the nuts, but I'll check tonite.
If you want a classic Strat sound, the swimming pool route is the way to go. Some people even custom order their Strat's with a swimming pool route.
If shielding is that important, have it added in the shop, or do it yourself.
I'll confirm the nut, shielding and routing tonight and post it later.
BennyD said:
Traditionalists don't want locking tuners, so if they installed them, they'd turn some people off. I know I'm not a fan of them.
I don't know about the nuts, but I'll check tonite.
If you want a classic Strat sound, the swimming pool route is the way to go. Some people even custom order their Strat's with a swimming pool route.
If shielding is that important, have it added in the shop, or do it yourself.
I'll confirm the nut, shielding and routing tonight and post it later.
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
I wasn't a big fan of the LSR nut on my American Deluxe...I had both locking tuners AND LSR nut and the bastage still went out of tune after 5 minutes of playing ;-). If I do get a G&L i'll defenitely upgrade to the graphite nut.
Benjy_26 said:
I wasn't a big fan of the LSR nut on my American Deluxe...I had both locking tuners AND LSR nut and the bastage still went out of tune after 5 minutes of playing ;-). If I do get a G&L i'll defenitely upgrade to the graphite nut.
Gr8Scott
Wookieologist
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
Carvin bolts are good guitars. Change the pickups and you have a profoundly good sounding strat right there. Make sure to get the wilkinson trem option and the maple neck isn't a bad way to go either. You get lots of bang for your buck and a neck that owns every other neck I've played on top of it. My carvin bolt is my main axe and I built mine from a kit. The finish sucks (my fault), but it plays like a wet dream.
Carvin bolts are good guitars. Change the pickups and you have a profoundly good sounding strat right there. Make sure to get the wilkinson trem option and the maple neck isn't a bad way to go either. You get lots of bang for your buck and a neck that owns every other neck I've played on top of it. My carvin bolt is my main axe and I built mine from a kit. The finish sucks (my fault), but it plays like a wet dream.
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
I think I've pretty much decided on a G&L. It seems to be the only nicely constructed and AFFORDABLE (other than fender) strat out there. Suhr, Anderson and those other guys prices are just RIDICULOUS. I cannot justify paying 3,500 dollars for a stratocaster (which to me, is an instrument that is intended to be used and played hard). if I spent $3,000 on a guitar, I garuntee you it would never leave the case, because I'd be afraid to play it. It looks like I can get a new Legacy for about $1,200 bucks, or a used for for about $699. Good price if you ask me.
Gr8Scott said:
I think I've pretty much decided on a G&L. It seems to be the only nicely constructed and AFFORDABLE (other than fender) strat out there. Suhr, Anderson and those other guys prices are just RIDICULOUS. I cannot justify paying 3,500 dollars for a stratocaster (which to me, is an instrument that is intended to be used and played hard). if I spent $3,000 on a guitar, I garuntee you it would never leave the case, because I'd be afraid to play it. It looks like I can get a new Legacy for about $1,200 bucks, or a used for for about $699. Good price if you ask me.
Hot _Grits
Buttery Toneologist
Re: Who makes a good strat? Refuse to buy Fender
I've bought expensive strats before and been unhappy with them. The trick is to be really exhaustive when trying them out. You don't want a fender? -hey, whatever gets you hard. But whatever brand you substitute for fender, use the same process I do: play as many as humanly possible and don't worry about the price. Play the ones you can't afford so you have a benchmark to compare.
As for swimming pool routs, let me know if you can tell the difference. We've discussed this before at SD, and nothing especially conclusive can be claimed either way. I'm guessing that if I put you in a room with 100 strats, you wouldn't be able to pick out the swimming pool ones by tone.
I've bought expensive strats before and been unhappy with them. The trick is to be really exhaustive when trying them out. You don't want a fender? -hey, whatever gets you hard. But whatever brand you substitute for fender, use the same process I do: play as many as humanly possible and don't worry about the price. Play the ones you can't afford so you have a benchmark to compare.
As for swimming pool routs, let me know if you can tell the difference. We've discussed this before at SD, and nothing especially conclusive can be claimed either way. I'm guessing that if I put you in a room with 100 strats, you wouldn't be able to pick out the swimming pool ones by tone.
