What Strat would you buy?

[tremoloman]

I think MIMs are fine as is once the tremolo block has been upgraded.

 

[Guitar-Chris]

I think MIMs are fine as is once the tremolo block has been upgraded.

The new 2006 models have an upgraded Tremolo block (more solid/massive).

 

[Robert]

So should I buy a new MIM Fender or 4 SX strats.... hmm.... (can of worms opening...)

 

[Cranium]

Go for the MIM, lol you already have 4 guitars, how are you gonna decide which one to play if you get 4 more, I think the upgraded MIM's are good.

 

[Spudman]

I agree. I played a new MIM in the store the other day. It was black with a maple fretboard. I normally wouldn't even look at a black one cause I think they are a little plain looking. Boy was I surprised how good it played and sounded. I have a 92 MIM myself and this one was in a whole different league.

It was more comfortable to play, sounded better than mine and played better than every other Strat in the store from the Eric Johnson to the Am Standard to the reissues.

Go check them out!

 

[SuperSwede]

I think that they just had to raise the quality on the MIM, the squiers were getting so close in tone/comfort...

 

[Katastrophe]

Just to open another can o' worms, Fender is upgrading the Hwy 1 line of Strats (and increasing the price). SOOOOOOO, Guitartrader (standard disclaimers apply, don't work for 'em, not connected in any way, etc.) is blowing out the existing models (normally $629) down to $499.00, in MIM territory, which is a great price for an American Made Strat.

 

[Cranium]

Wow, if I get a chance Im getting one, that a good deal :R

 

[Cranium]

Sorry guys but I felt the need to say this and didn't want to start a new thread about it.

The upgraded MIM strat sucks a**, the frets feel exactly like old models! the hum was so bad I couldn't put the sound on the amp over 1 (although the lead channel gives off a little more noise then the clean, it was still horrible) my Ibanez RG350 $400 guitar playes like a $1000 comparing with the MIM strat, don't get the new MIM strat, it doesn't feel any better then the old one, also the neck felt all "dried up" I slided my hand on the neck but it felt really...not good.
Only the sound was better then the old ones the block seemed better, but I hated it overall so bad... this thing made me mad sorry again.

 

[Katastrophe]

Cranium, I have yet to play any of the upgraded Strats, so I won't dispute at all what you found when you played one... Do you think you might have found a lemon? Even though the US factory is close to the Mexican one, and Fender has reps going back and forth checking quality, a certain percentage of the guitars out of the factory aren't going to be up to snuff. Unfortunately, it's a problem with all mass produced items, from musical instruments to cars to washing machines.

I will say that the '05 MIM that I test drove a while back was a fine instrument, worthy of comparison with more expensive guitars. As with any single coil guitar, there will be hum, but the example I played had a tolerable amount. The neck pickup, however, had great tone, and sounded like a Strat should. The only fault (if you could call it that) was that the frets on the MIM were a bit too small for my tastes, but I'm used to bigger ones on my guitars, and that can be overcome with practice.

To be sure, Ibanez makes a fine guitar at every price point. I know, as I've had one for a number of years now. BUT, even with as nice as Ibanezes are, I had to play a number of different models of different brands to find just the right one.

And, it could be that you're just not a Strat guy... That's cool, and that's why there's a huge market that can fit every taste. I would be very interested in a write up of the guitar(s) you own, and why they feel good to play to you.

 

[Cranium]

Maybe it was just because Im not used to the feel of the neck, but I played an old MIM strat a while ago and tried a new one, the frets feel pretty much the same, sometimes I think I felt the neck on my fingers, on my ibanez if I try to press all the way to touch the neck the note with definatley go sharp. It is possible I played a bad one, maybe next time I go to the store I will try out another one, also I will try out the highway one model and see how it compares with the MIM one, I noticed palm muting is alot easier on the strat then on my ibanez, I liked the single coil sound but it hummed really bad, I had to put it in position 2.

I like the look of a Strat, I love the single coils, but it just doesn't feel as nice as my Ibanez, Im gonna try the YJM model with the scalloped neck, I always wanted to try that one out R

 

[Katastrophe]

I actually had a YJM Strat in my possession for a week or so in the early '90s (quite a while ago!). At the time, I loved the scallops, as you can grab the string and bend like a madman, but, as I was into Ibanezes at the time I found the neck too chunky and gave it back to my guitar teacher to sell to someone else. Funny, how tastes in guitar necks change over time!

 

[Cranium]

True, who knows maybe in some years I'll be playing vintage frets (probably not though) I like chunky necks because...they just feel good to me and I used to play acoustic when I started on guitar quite a while ago...and the neck was pretty big but I liked it alot, so it would be even better for me with a chunky neck, Im definatly putting the YJM on my list of possible next guitar to buy.

 

[Justaguyin_nc]

I am more of a beginner as you know Robert.. But I think I did one thing right.. I have a MIM 60's Strat.. Rosewood Fretboard..with tinted headstock.. Olympic White, Aged Parts.. Split top vintage tuners and vintage six screw bridge all marked Fender from yesterday's... I have been fortunate enough to play the American Strats now.. and I don't see or hear the price difference.. I have been fortunate enough to let those that own the American versions to try this one.. they, like myself love it... it has it all including the sound.. I play it less than the others though... 1)I kinda cherish it..even with the chipped paint on the bottom already..(adds to the age look anyways) 2) it does humm in front of the computer..(I always sit in front of the computer) But when I really try to make good sound (well best I can) it is always in the mix.. as nothing else I have can touch it... My hands have adjusted to the thinner Squier type necks and the spacing just seems monsterous to me on the 60's strat.. It sounds great playing Rhythm..Pots actually work.. Frets are the smaller Vintage type.. many sounds available in the right hands.. I can't see ever buying American other than by Peer Pressure...(GAS)... The MIM has it down pretty well. just my opinion...

 

[Riley]

The Jimmie Vaughan MIM Strat is sweet bang for the buck! All american appointments, awesome soft V neck, large frets, and MIM so the cost is affordable.

-peace
-Nate

 

[TS808]

The Jimmie Vaughan MIM Strat is sweet bang for the buck! All american appointments, awesome soft V neck, large frets, and MIM so the cost is affordable.

-peace
-Nate

I agree. The JV (in my opinion) is pretty close to the American strats in terms of quality. Great neck and the tex mex pups are pretty good too.

 

[SuperSwede]

A played on that 60th anniversary mexican strat, it was really nice! It has the tex-mex pickups which is rather hot, and a really sweet maple neck.

A warning for all strat-o-buyers, dont buy the lite ash model. It lacked everything that makes a good strat.

 

[Tone2TheBone]

The more I understand the more I am inclined to agree with the Jimmy Vaughan Strats as being pretty cool. For the moolah.

 

[abraxas]

The new '50s and '60s Player's Strats (MIM) seem very promising too, and at a very affortable price. In fact, along with the Baja Tele, I believe them to be the best value for money Fender has to offer.

 

[Robert]

Abraxas, you have me very interested in the Rockinger strats though....

I played a few AM strats recently, even a deluxe, but I was not impressed. Maybe it was poor setups, but they felt much less comfy to play than my Squiers! Those noiseless pickups with push-pull feature were really nice though.

It made me think. Since I love my '51, I could Frankenstratotize it with high quality parts and still be under $600. Then I'd have a strat to love!

 

[abraxas]

Abraxas, you have me very interested in the Rockinger strats though....

I played a few AM strats recently, even a deluxe, but I was not impressed. Maybe it was poor setups, but they felt much less comfy to play than my Squiers! Those noiseless pickups with push-pull feature were really nice though.

It made me think. Since I love my '51, I could Frankenstratotize it with high quality parts and still be under $600. Then I'd have a strat to love!

Hej Robert! (yes I do have a few friends from Sweden! )

First of all let me congratulate you for all the effort you have put into your site and forum. You are a true inspiration for a lot of guitarists!

Second of all, as chance has it, I was just on the phone with my guitar technician, he has my Blue Dream for final "fine tuning".

Almost everyone seeing my guitar asks "what kind of Fender Strat this is?" They are astonished by the quality of the finish and components. And, for playability, sound and sheer "mojo" this guitar assasinates everything by Fender, except for very expensive custom shop models. This is not my evaluation, but that of my technician's, who happens to be a die-hard Fender fan!

I firmly believe you can make a "custom shop" guitar of your own, with few financial resources. My Blue Dream cost me a little less than 950€, labor inclusive, but, should I be living in the US (with much lower prices on parts), it would be closer to $700.

Try Allparts and USA Custom Guitars for necks. They are very high quality and totally compatible. You can still do the neck finishing yourself, it is quite easy actually.

Tuners and bridges of very good quality can be purchased for less than $30 in the US. As for pickups and electronics, I got my Suhr V60s for $216 from a US online shop (actually, an american friend bought them for me). And they are about the most expensive Strat pickups you can get.

I say go for it, apart from all other considerations, you shall finally have a totally personalized instrument, with specs available nowhere else!

 

[Robert]

Thanks for suggestions, I may go for a custom made FrankenStrat!

Did you post an introduction in the Fret players forum yet?

 

[abraxas]

Did you post an introduction in the Fret players forum yet?

Not yet, will do ASAP

 

[Katastrophe]

Hey Robert - here's another vote for the MIM 60th anniversary edition MIM. Man, that guitar felt GREAT! Nice neck, perfect frets, and the pups where like buddah! For me, they were just right, and not too hot. A little hum at louder volumes, but nothing a good shielding job couldn't fix.

 

[Leonidas]

Hey Robert, just jumpin in this thread late, but Did you ever consider the new Agile strat copies? from Rondo Music? I know you have an SX, but them new Agile Strat copies look REALLY NICE. The Agile line is a much better line than the SX's. On the other hand, the MIM's are excellent strats. I have a friend who has a satin-finish one and it is a great all-around guitar. I have an Agile Les Paul clone.. and I gotta say everything about it is as good as the TOP END epiphones, especially with a good set of aftermarket pups.

Them agile strat copies look really nice... anyone try one out? (the only problem with ordering from rondo..)

 

[Robert]

Well, Leonidas, I haven't thought about the Agile much. I've never tried one. At this point, whatever (if any) Strat I buy, I need to try it first, and it better be good. I have enough budget guitars, I want something really good! I am in no hurry though.

 

[Leonidas]

Yep, I figured you would want to try it first. Just thought I'd throw that out there.. plus I'm curious if anyone else has tried one.... Anyone??

 

[elavd]

Abraxas, you have me very interested in the Rockinger strats though....

+1 for Rockinger. Robert, I think that you would be excited if you had the chance of trying one of them...

Elias

 

[Robert]

One more thought I had - a G&L Legacy. G&L make awesome guitars. Anyone tried a Legacy?

 

[abraxas]

One more thought I had - a G&L Legacy. G&L make awesome guitars. Anyone tried a Legacy?

Although I haven't tried them (I believe you are talking about the American Series, not the Korean made ones), all reviews speak of very well made and sounding instruments.

One catch though: considering this one, you are drifting a bit away from the "standard" of the Stratocaster, both tone-wise and as far as parts/philosophy are concerned.

In that sense, I believe the best "modern" incarnation of the "Strat Ideal" to be the Musicman Silhouette Special. It comes in a version with 3 single coils as well as H-S-S config. Cost should be about the same as a Legacy. And I guarantee, should you try one, you will not be able to put it down.