Well That's Just Great

[t_ross33]

Had some time to kill yesterday, so stopped by my local music merchant to hang out, see whuzzup and soak up the vibe. Someone (I'm guessing one of our local teenage punk rock musicians) had traded in an Ibanez RG something or other. Pretty cool, EMG p'ups, Floyd Rose trem, finish sanded down to the bare wood cuz it had been spray painted dayglo pink at some point. I had to test it out, even though I have very little use for such a machine. Those EMGs are feakin' hot p'ups! Instant shreddilicious, if I could shred

Which brings me to the point of this post in the Stratocaster forum... I pulled a Jay Turser Strat copy off the wall and played around on it for awhile. It wasn't a great guitar by any stretch of the imagination, the neck was really wack, but it offered somewhat Stat-like tones, very different from my Tele and, obviously, my semi-hollowbody. So now I think I need to add a Strat(ish) git to my collection (which is quite meager if one were to measure it on the Spudometer scale ).

Where to start? Do I pick up something economical like a Squier or SX, or save up for the real McCoy? My ear has been developing as has my playing since I've been gigging on a somewhat regular basis, so I can actually tell the difference between guitars , and know good tone when I hear it. What's a guy to do?

[marnold***]

I say go for an SX or a used MIM Fender.

[ted s]

I've picked up 2 new Jay Turser vintage series Strats in the past 8 months (gave my brother one) I have nothing bad to say about them.
Even if they were absolute crap (not these 2), for $100 they would look good hanging on the wall.

[Robert****]

I'd say a MIM Fender. They are not that expensive, but still very good guitars.

[just strum]

What is a MIM Fender?

[SuperSwede]

What is a MIM Fender?

Made In Mexico

[marnold***]

What is a MIM Fender?

SuperSwede gave the proper definition. Usually the MIMs are referred to as "Standard" Strats as opposed to "American Standard" Strats which would be MIA (Made in America).

Now that I think about it, you could also get a Floyd Rose DST-1. That's got all single coils plus the Floyd Rose Speedloader trem. I think MF still has them for $149.

[t_ross33]

SuperSwede gave the proper definition. Usually the MIMs are referred to as "Standard" Strats as opposed to "American Standard" Strats which would be MIA (Made in America).

Now that I think about it, you could also get a Floyd Rose DST-1. That's got all single coils plus the Floyd Rose Speedloader trem. I think MF still has them for $149.

Hmmm... something to think about, especially with the Canadian dollar being worth like, uhm... $1 USD! right now. Makes buying across the border pretty attractive :

That speed loader system might be a PITA as my local music store doesn't stock the strings (they are special strings are they not?).

I threw down a bid on a nice MIM Standard Strat on eBay. I kinda lowballed it so we'll see what happens. Doesn't close until next weekend. My wife is gonna kill me

Trev

[Fingers]

Get an MIJ Strat, Made in Japan, sometimes referred to as Crafted in Japan.........The standard is astonishing .............You get better than MIA for less than MIM.............Same with Tele's

:

[Tim]

SuperSwede gave the proper definition. Usually the MIMs are referred to as "Standard" Strats as opposed to "American Standard" Strats which would be MIA (Made in America).

Or Made in Asia.

[Plank_Spanker]

Don't compromise for the sake of economy. Buy a guitar that sets your hair on fire every time you pick it up - and it could very be an "economy guitar". Buying a guitar that you have any inkling of doubt with will eventually transform that guitar to a dust collector.

Play a bunch. Seek "The One". You'll know it when you have it in your hands.

[sunvalleylaw]

Yeah, play a bunch. And I just have to say, my special model MIM was better than the regular MIM's in the shops I shopped in. A used one of those might be great. The JV strat is the other one in a moderate price range that really seems to be a good deal. That's all I know. And I do know that my strat gives me that feeling Plank is referring too. I got lucky buying it as a full on newb. I know lots more now and still really love it.

[ted s]

Set's your hair on fire.. I like that Plank, I'm going to use that ok ?

[t_ross33]

Don't compromise for the sake of economy. Buy a guitar that sets your hair on fire every time you pick it up - and it could very be an "economy guitar". Buying a guitar that you have any inkling of doubt with will eventually transform that guitar to a dust collector.

Play a bunch. Seek "The One". You'll know it when you have it in your hands.

Thanks Spanker (BTW, don't ever change your avatar to this: ). I'll wait to see if my ridiculously low bid on eBay sticks, I'm not holding my breath, and then take my time to find "THE ONE" and save up. I don't NEED a Strat, it'd just be cool for the tonal variety.

Then all I need is a LP and I'll be set ude:

Trev

[t_ross33]

I've picked up 2 new Jay Turser vintage series Strats in the past 8 months (gave my brother one) I have nothing bad to say about them.
Even if they were absolute crap (not these 2), for $100 they would look good hanging on the wall.

Hmmm... the one here has a sticker price of $275 more or less. It sounds not-too-bad, but the neck feels kinda cheap and I think it might be warped. For $100 I might be tempted, but I may as well throw in a few more bucks for a real Strat at that price. I'll keep ya posted.

Trev

[Plank_Spanker]

Trev,

I've been down that road a few miles. I know that you will find a guitar that really stokes your fire.

[ted s]

Hmmm... the one here has a sticker price of $275 more or less. Trev

ya, I see what your saying, not for $275. The shop in my town has them for $99.95.
That put's a different spin on it.
Bit of a drive from 'Skatch to pick one up though..

you can see the red one here. http://www.box.net/shared/2n82z2zi6z

[Justaguyin_nc]

Trev,

I've been down that road a few miles. I know that you will find a guitar that really stokes your fire.

Yup... theres nothing wrong with that road... in my short time messing with guitars I already did the strat thing and it keeps growing... and each one at it's time was ok by me.. epiphone strat copy.. St Scorpion Fat Strat Copy.. Squier51 similar body..OLP pertucci..similar body.. than a MIM 60's Vintage..I thought that was it.. then a Jimmie Vaughan.. I think this is it!! Even thought of buying a second one like it with different pickups... which ever you choose.. it wont be your last... look around at all these 30+ year players..they are still searching them out...heh
ude:

As for Jay Turser..I had a Les Paul copy with Carvin buckers and cherry sunburst... it was nicely made.. gave it to one of my kids.. they make pretty nice guitars.. if you find them in the lower price from what a Epiphone/fender would cost.. but if your near the price...go for it..don't think you will regret it.. my 2 cents..enjoy the journey..

[Brian Krashpad]

I'll second the idea of a MIM Fender Strat. Basically, I'm not a Strat guy (more into Teles and LP's), but I like to have one of some kind around. I had a 90's MIM Fender Strat for awhile and it suited my purposes fine. I found mine in a pawn for $150 US.

I eventually sold the MIM to a kid from my church who was looking for his first decent guitar, and I knew he liked mine. I later replaced the MIM Strat with a used Peavey USA Predator from the 90's, which I got on Ebay for $100 US. Basically same guitar as the MIM in terms of features, wood, and construction, just a different name on the headstock. They later made an "International Series" import Predator I don't know anything about, but in general the USA Predators have a good rep, and are still pretty cheap. If you don't get a MIM Fender you should consider a USA Peavey.

Here's mine: