Fender Deluxe Strat

[Robert****]

Perhaps you can try them at a store?

Another option is to buy a cheapo and mod it... can be fun too.

[duhvoodooman***]

Another option is to buy a cheapo and mod it... can be fun too.

Or in the same vein, build a "partscaster" to your personal specifications. If you're not in a hurry, you can monitor various sources (eBay, Reverb.com, The STRATosphere, etc.) for good deals on the parts you're looking for. The biggest ticket items will be the body and neck, but the good news is that you can get good quality Strat bodies and necks at very reasonable prices, particularly if you buy Squier parts (Classic Vibe or Vintage Modified model lines are the best quality) or non-Fender "licensed" parts. Many of the aftermarket pickup makers offer noiseless Strat pickups, so you should have no trouble finding some you like. I'm almost certain that you could put together a good partscaster Strat that meets your needs for $500 tops. And the build part is a cinch--a few solder joints for the electronics and the rest pretty much just screws together.

[marnold***]

Perhaps you can try them at a store?

Another option is to buy a cheapo and mod it... can be fun too.

Resurrecting an old thread!

I stopped by a local shop today and they had a Fender Deluxe Stratocaster in stock in blue. I was going to try it, but the only guy there was helping someone else. While I was waiting, I felt the neck. It had the worst case of fret sprout I've ever experienced. Granted, it's been unseasonably cold here, but this was significantly worst than what my Squier 51 was originally. I was literally afraid I would tear up my hand if I tried to play it.

I know it's a relatively inexpensive fix, but if I'm spending $800, I don't expect to fix anything like that. Disappointed.