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Fender Strat Advice

Discussion in 'Sports, Hobbies & Interests' started by jgwheeler17, May 18, 2011.

  1. May 18, 2011 at 7:23 PM
    #1
    jgwheeler17

    jgwheeler17 [OP] I'm a zit. Get it?

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    So ive recently really been wanting to get a Fender Stratocaster and wanted to hear some input on models and personal experience of any owners or anyone else who really know a good bit about them.

    A little preface - ive been playing guitar for 6 years and am what i would call an experienced player. I own several acoustics and know a healthy bit about models, pricing, different woods, so on and so on when it comes to acoustics. I rarely "perform" and have always been cheap, so my crappy squire and 10 watt peavy amp have always sufficed my electric needs.

    Embarrassingly i just don't know too much about electric guitars in regards to all the different pickups and electronics along with what a "fair deal" is.
    I've always loved the look and sounds of Strats and i know their customization is endless. So conversation and input in regards to American vs Mexi vs Jap models and so on is encouraged and appreciated. Im looking to spend $700 or less on a quality guitar (that i do not plan to ever sell once i get it) Thanks.

    EDIT: REFER TO PAGE 4 FOR CURRENT STATUS OF MY RECENTLY PURCHASED FENDER AMERICAN SPECIAL STRATOCASTER! thanks for the help everyone. feel free to continue any discussion, ask questions and generally bullshit about great music as most of this thread is anyway ha!
     
  2. May 18, 2011 at 7:25 PM
    #2
    jgwheeler17

    jgwheeler17 [OP] I'm a zit. Get it?

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  3. May 19, 2011 at 9:38 AM
    #3
    jgwheeler17

    jgwheeler17 [OP] I'm a zit. Get it?

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    lunch break bump.
     
  4. May 19, 2011 at 6:42 PM
    #4
    SlimDigg

    SlimDigg We Back!!

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    Fender strat advice: don't buy one.

    What kind of music do you play?
     
  5. May 19, 2011 at 6:51 PM
    #5
    hendooman

    hendooman The Stroker Ace

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    Why not a strat, you a Les Paul guy?
     
  6. May 19, 2011 at 7:00 PM
    #6
    Hiatt1991

    Hiatt1991 Well-Known Member

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    In order from best to worst, its American, Japanese, and Mexican. I used all of them but by far my favorite was the japanese. It was an older one. 86 I believe but i do really like the newer american ones. Try and go for the american standard. Those are great. Look for custom shop fender, or lace sensor pickups. As usual, if it is a used guitar, check the action, spring tension, wood quality, fret wear, and buzzing. Make sure it feels comfortable to play in your hands.
     
  7. May 19, 2011 at 7:02 PM
    #7
    Hiatt1991

    Hiatt1991 Well-Known Member

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    oh and btw, that c-list deal is a bad one. Try even looking at teles. this is what Im rocking. Its a warmoth. The amp is a 79' jmp and 79' slant checkerboard cab.

    agitr_1b972c49e5298f24ff860fc2856d281eff60d34f.jpg
     
  8. May 19, 2011 at 7:02 PM
    #8
    smuggiesrider

    smuggiesrider Well-Known Member

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    I've had my 1980 fender lead II (strat like, US made) for a long time and it has really held up. My buddies have had US strats and I LOVED them! I never have had experience with the mexi or jap models. If you can find a nice US made strat for under $500 I think your going to be happy. Not sure what years are best though. (my 1980 lead II is a heavy beast!)
     
  9. May 19, 2011 at 7:08 PM
    #9
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    I have a Gibson SG reissue , an Ibanez RG 570 , and an ESP Horizon

    Love them all , all totally different sound and feel .

    You just have to try the guitar , it will be pretty obvious if it feels / sounds right to you .
     
  10. May 19, 2011 at 7:10 PM
    #10
    Hiatt1991

    Hiatt1991 Well-Known Member

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    if you must go mexican, get a pre 2000. The pickups were wound more and sound better. If you want a japanese, go 80s-90s. All americans sound great imho
     
  11. May 19, 2011 at 7:10 PM
    #11
    hendooman

    hendooman The Stroker Ace

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    Sweet set up...what kind of tunes you rock?
     
  12. May 19, 2011 at 7:13 PM
    #12
    Hiatt1991

    Hiatt1991 Well-Known Member

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    hendooman. Mostly 70s classic rock, some 80s metal and some 90s grunge like Alice in chains.
     
  13. May 19, 2011 at 7:20 PM
    #13
    jgwheeler17

    jgwheeler17 [OP] I'm a zit. Get it?

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    i play honestly a lot of different stuff. a lot of alternative, classic and modern rock, country, soft rock. . . no need for anything capable of metal or anything like that (sorry oz). and thanks for the input, keep it up. i didn't realize the mexi strats weren't that great. . . . and i like tele's a lot too, i might get one instead, not rushing into anything right now.
     
  14. May 19, 2011 at 7:24 PM
    #14
    hendooman

    hendooman The Stroker Ace

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    Nice right up my alley. You a Drive-By Truckers fan by chance? If not check them out, great writing, and 3 guitars!

    I sent you some rep on the set up, and hit enter before I could get words down, but you got some rep none the less! lol
     
  15. May 19, 2011 at 7:24 PM
    #15
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    For the most part , the " metal " sound is acheived at the amp
     
  16. May 19, 2011 at 7:24 PM
    #16
    jgwheeler17

    jgwheeler17 [OP] I'm a zit. Get it?

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    i was talking to a guy the other day that had the angus young version and said he never played it. i was really trying to him to sell it to me, but he wouldn't haha. . . ive drooled over those guitars ever since i was a little boy.
     
  17. May 19, 2011 at 7:25 PM
    #17
    Hiatt1991

    Hiatt1991 Well-Known Member

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    just keep in mind teles have a really bright tone. To me, strats are a bit "glassier". Honestly, I think a strat would be perfect for you. A strat does everything great and is a very versatile instrument. Not to mention the very first Hawaiian styled electric solidbody guitar.
     
  18. May 19, 2011 at 7:25 PM
    #18
    jgwheeler17

    jgwheeler17 [OP] I'm a zit. Get it?

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    i saw them 3 months ago. they're just not the same without jason isbell (our whatever his last name is). their old stuff is the best.
     
  19. May 19, 2011 at 7:26 PM
    #19
    Hiatt1991

    Hiatt1991 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Hendooman! No I haven't heard them but i will definitely give them a shot. I love hearing new stuff.
     
  20. May 19, 2011 at 7:26 PM
    #20
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Mine is a reissue I bought in 1987 , it looks the same as Angus Young's main guitar
     

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