What Strat would you buy?

[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.

[Spudman***]

In case everyone hasn't heard...Music 123 has a pre sale going on for the new Standard series Strats (MIM). $399 for regular colors and $35? more for Sunburst. They come with choice of fretboard.

As of 8-29-2006

[r_a_smith3530]

Before you rush out and buy, I would also check out another "Fender," and that one is the G&L Legacy, in either USA trim or, if money is shy, a Tribute version. If money is not the issue, I'd also look at the George Fullerton Signature. Now we're talking Fender!

[WideAwake]

I believe the Hwy 1 Strat to be a relatively decent value for a 'Merican made Strat, and I happen to like the thinner finishes.

I know this was an older post, but the HW1's are American made...

[r_a_smith3530]

I know this was an older post, but the HW1's are American made...

Hmm, WideAwake? That is exactly what Katastrophe originally stated, and you quote, if you will take a moment to reread his post. He states that the HW1 is "a relatively decent value for a 'Merican (not Mexican) made Strat."

Yes, the Highway One series is American made. I almost laid down money on a HW1 Jazz bass until I checked out my ZON. I got such a great deal on the Sonus, and it is just so much more bass than even an American Fender, that I could not possibly pass it by.

Oh, I just noticed, I need to update my sig file. Later folks!

[WideAwake]

I humbly stand corrected, I read it wrong.

Way to go for my first post!!

[r_a_smith3530]

I humbly stand corrected, I read it wrong.

Way to go for my first post!!

Nothin' to it! Keep comin' back. Do you have an HW1? I can't speak for the Strat, but the Jazz bass is quite an instrument for the bucks.

[WideAwake]

I do have a HW1.



I love it. It's got the best neck I've ever played, personally. When I was shopping for my strat, I tried just about everything in the store, and I kept coming back to this one. I even periodically checked back in during my 30 day return window to make sure I "shouldn't maybe spend a little more" but always left feeling I made the right decision. I was torn between and American Deluxe for a little while, it was a very nice guitar, but I still went back to the HW1. I did play a few other HW1's, and while I liked them all, none of them had as nice a neck as mine, I thought. Maybe I just got lucky and found THE ONE.

I did play some of the higher end strats, Eric Johnson and John Mayer, and I liked the Mayer, but thought it was a little overpriced, and I absolutely hated the neck on the EJ.

Bottom line, don't let the price of the HW1 trick you into thinking it's a cheap guitar. I may change out the tuners with the Fender/Schaller locking ones, but to be honest, I am having zero tuning issues with the Pings, so it would be more of a want than a necessity. I did have my tech add two extra springs and set the bridge flush, I don't use the bar at all.

My only real concern (and it's fading fast - the concern, not the finish!) was the finish. I've already got a shiny spot where my arm rubs, and some slight pick scratches where I seem to always hit the wood before the pickguard, you can't see them unless you really look, but I'd imagine over the years it will wear a little quicker. That said, it's not nearly as sensitive as some of the naysayers have reported either. If you treat it right, it should be fine.

[duhvoodooman***]

Nice looking Strat there. I like the "zebra" look of the black p'ups and knobs against the white p/g. Did it come that way, or did you change it?

[WideAwake]

Came that way, and I agree, that was one of the things that caught my eye also.

[tot_Ou_tard]

WideAwake,

Did you try a Jimmie Vaughan in your quest for a strat? It receives rave reviews 'round here & elsewhere.

[r_a_smith3530]

WideAwake, I know what you're saying with the matte finish. My Schecter Stiletto Custom 4 has a matte finish, and it too is getting a shiny spot where my arm comes over the edge.

That's a sweet looking Strat. From what I've heard, some folks prefer the HW1's finish, saying that it lets more of the instrument's true woody tone through. Like I mentioned before, I really liked the blonde HW1 Jazz that I checked out.

[WideAwake]

No I didn't, but I've heard good things.

[Big_Rob]

Sunburst Highway One all the way.

[TS808]

I was out looking at guitars over the past weekend (didn't buy any though) and here's what I liked for strats:

Jimmie Vaughan-awesome bang for the buck, great build, great tone.
American Series strat....a little bit more money, but the necks on them are sweet.

American Deluxe Strat-the finishes on these are great, but why did Fender put those crazy colored pickguards on them??

[jpfeifer]

Hi Robert,

Here is my opinion for what it's worth:
Don't mess with the cheap guitars. Get yourself the best guitar you can afford, you won't be sorry. You're a great player and you should have a guitar that makes you play your best. (end of sermon)

I've heard that Shur makes great guitars, but I've never tried one.

From the ones that I've tried I would reccomend the Eric Johnson Model or the Eric Clapton model. Both are great guitars and have slight modifications that make them play very nicely. I own the Eric Clapton model and really like it. If I had to buy a new one I think that I would go for the Eric Johnson one.

my 2 cents. -- Jim

[Robert****]

Thanks Jim, I appreciate the advice. I think you are right. I got a Fender Deluxe Players a while ago. Nice guitar, and I'm still excited to play it. One day I'll probably get a Suhr! It could take a while before then though, they ain't cheap.