Contemplating on a Strat

[ZoSo65]

I'm thinking of maybe getting a Strat, instead of building one, and I've narrowed it down to three choices:

60th Anniversary Standard Stratocaster
or
Highway One Stratocaster
or
Robert Cray Standard Stratocaster

Any opinions on these?

[Tim]

ZoSo - I do not think you can go wrong no matter which one you pick. They’re all Cadillac’s. It just depends which model and interior package you really want. Looks like a tough decision.

[duhvoodooman***]

Well, one quick question to ask yourself is whether or not you want a trem bar, 'cuz the Cray model doesn't have one. Personally, I think the Highway 1 model has some nice features. It's MIA, if that makes a difference to you. I understand it uses the Greasebucket control system. And you can choose from a variety of colors, with either a maple or rosewood neck. But it's well over $100 more than the 60th Anniv. model. Best thing is to do is go to your closest GC and try 'em all!

[warren0728]

i agree with voodoo....try out a bunch of them and choose the one that works for you....within any of those given models there will be a variety of quality and feels....each guitar is different. The one thing is have heard is that the Highway one models have VERY thin satin finishes that tend to "relic" or show wear marks very soon. Also i think their electronics and such are the same as those used on the MIM's (my tele is MIM and it is great)....

just play them till one talks to you and says "take me home"

ww

[SuperSwede]

All three guitars are "safe bets" so you cant go wrong choosing anyone of them. But I must say that the finish on the anniversary strat is awesome, probably a future collectors item

[ZoSo65]

I know the RC one is a non trem, I almost bought one before I built Black Betty. RC also is a string through design, love that tone!
The finish on the H1 is the only thing that worries me, but I'm not brutal with my stuff.
I love the way the 60th one looks, she would look even better with a white pearloid pickgaurd too, that's the only one I haven't played yet. Guess I'll have to go play one.

[ZoSo65]

After doing a little hunting on flebay, I could put a nice American strat together for the third of the cost of a new one! (can't get away from the building thing,,hehe)

[r_a_smith3530]

After doing a little hunting on flebay, I could put a nice American strat together for the third of the cost of a new one! (can't get away from the building thing,,hehe)

If you were patient (that's a tough one!), you could probably do it, and get it in your choice of color too!

[ZoSo65]

If you were patient (that's a tough one!), you could probably do it, and get it in your choice of color too!

There's no rush with this one, but it would be nice to get that strat tone soon, but I can wait, I think,,LOL

[SuperSwede]

Chrome Silver?!? Pics.. PLEASE!

[Tim]

ZoSo - My wife says go with the Robert Cray signature Strat.

[ZoSo65]

ZoSo - My wife says go with the Robert Cray signature Strat.

I'd like to meet your wife,,,cause I really do like that strat,,,I think if I did get an RC strat, it would definitely be the MIA version, as it is more true to what he really plays.

Hope she turns out as easy on the ears as the eyes!

So do I DVM!!! On a good note though, everything I've been reading about the SCN pups has been everything but negative. Fender has even spoke very highly of them compared to the 56's and 63's they base most of there tone on. Fender has also mentioned that in several areas the SCN have surpassed them. The specs that Bill Lawrence has put on them are unbelievable!
From Fender(when SCN's where just a prototype):

We mounted his new prototype into our test bed guitar and began testing it against our original ’56 and ’63 Stratocaster pickups – the benchmark we’ve used for the past 10 years. We were literally amazed—no noise canceling pickups we had tested before had come this close to capturing the true essence of Fender’s original designs. The more we played it, using a variety of amplifiers and playing styles, we came to realize that this pickup actually exceeded our expectations—under certain conditions it actually out performed the originals!

As far as the neck, Katastrophe, I'm not sure yet, but it will be a fender.
There's a couple good dealers I found that have true replacement MIA Deluxe necks and necks from actual produced guitars that have never been played.

On a quick note here, I can't wait till it's all together, and making some true Strat tone!

[Nelskie]

I dig the look of the black p'up covers and knobs against that silver MOTO pickguard & body. Very tight! Sounds like she's gonna' be Strat-a-licious, Zoso.

[SuperSwede]

Oohhhh... hot hot hot... That is going to be a KILLER guitar Zoso!

[Spudman***]

Very Chi Chi! Don't forget since it is such a classy guitar you are obliged to practice proper etiquette and must always hold your pinkie away from the pickups.
Sweet color scheme.

[tremoloman***]

Are you referring to the MIM or MIA 60th model?

I played the 60th MIM the other day... the neck, action, and tone are just as good as an American Strat IMHO. The new upgrades really make a big difference.

[ZoSo65]

It would've been the MIM version.

I received my 2005 MIA Deluxe body today,,,man is she sweet!!
I'll get some pics up probably tomorrow.

[ZoSo65]

Pups and pickgaurd have landed, will post pics soon,,,I'll edit this post.

PICS,,,ok, I had to use the cell phone for these pics, but they came out pretty good.
Oh yeah,,pickgaurd is not screwed in and the protective plastic is still on it. It won't come off till it's finished

Just need the neck and tuners to complete it. Other then waiting for the other parts to arrive,,,heh

[duhvoodooman***]

Looking good so far, Z-man! Hope she turns out as easy on the ears as the eyes!