Decisions, decisions...(Old 70's Strat vs AVRI 57)

[silot]

Here's the dilemma:
This one is a 1975 Strat.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k132/toliskoskinas/1.jpg

Quite heavy (for me) at around 8.4 pounds and not-so-original. She had the finish removed from the entire neck except the headstock and she has been refretted with 6105's and had the radius converted to 9'' :crazy. The original pickups are long gone and the tremolo is sticky in its function making tuning an issue when used. No case, of course.
The owner brought it to me asking to help him sell it. His starting price was out of subject, to say the least but he seems more closer to reality after a briefing and a few calls to some of the local experts.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k132/toliskoskinas/2.jpg

What you see is what I've done with it today. I re-oiled the fretboard trying to protect the almost raw wood, changed the pickguard to tort and the covers to white and gave it a good cleaning and polishing. I think she looks nice and she has some sonic potential although in her current condition it needs a lot of work. A LOT of work.
But I think I got a thing for her...
I was always attracted to 70's strats and while this one doesn't even come close to my long gone '73, I have a feeling that judging from the state of the economy (Greece, 2012, you get the pic :rolleyes:) I may not have the chance to grab some old wood any time soon .

But to be able to buy the above oldie I'll have to move this one.....

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k132/toliskoskinas/7d8aec188f1211e1be6a12313820455d_7.jpg

....which is a really, really exceptional avri '57 strat. Super light-weight and resonant, in one of my fave colours, gig-tested and set up to perfection (here is her story http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=1071875) .

Would it be a no-brainer for you ? Please, share your thoughts.

[treeofpain]

I would rather have the reissue personally.

There were TONS of 70's Strats made, so you will have the opportunity to get one you really like for years to come with no problem. It's not like the post-74 strats are appreciating in value for the most part.

The only way I would buy a modded 75 Strat is if it was cheap or if I really loved it.

[Radspin]

The pickguard on the '75 is most likely not original either. I don't recall seeing anything but white on earlier '70s Strats and black on later '70s Strats back in the day.

[arem]

If things were equal or close I'd say go for the 70;s guitar since you've wanted one for a while. However, since the old guitar needs work and you say the newer one is a real gem it seems like a no-brainer to me. Like it was said, there are thousands of 70's Strats around, another one will pop up for you.

[mad dog]

The fact that you already value the RI strat says it all. You might gain much by swapping, but you would definitely lose the use of this proven newer guitar. IMO, not worth it.
MD

[saladin]

http://www.readthehook.com/files/imagecache/max_viewable/images/field_images/cover-opEquinox-nancyReagan.jpg

[dshobe]

No brainer, keep the RI.

[SAVOIE]

My experience with mid to late 70s strat are pretty much consistent with what you hear on TGP. I haven't really come across a GREAT one, and for what they're worth they should be just that. You're likely to love the RI more if you don't give in to the novelty of a vintage strat.

[CasinoK]

proportionately, there are far more complete 'boat anchor pieces of dogshit' 1970's Strats than there are 'POS DS' reissues...BUY THE RI

[serial]

I'm a HUGE fan of 70s Strats-probably one of the biggest cheerleaders for them here. That being said-no way would I ditch that AVRI for that 75.

No Way.

[Tito83]

RI.

[Custom50]

avri. no contest for me.

[Rumble]

Choose the one that sounds/plays the best.

[NPP]

As an owner of a late 70s Fender which is my main / only workhorse guitar (it looks more or less like the one you posted except for the black guard and being a lefty) I'd say these things really aren't very special - keep the green one.