View Full Version : Suggestions on Strat-style guitar?
MaxBoogie
09-04-2008, 04:56 PM
I'm toying with getting a custom "Strat-style" guitar made... I like my G&L's and the Suhrs I've played. No experience with anything else.
Can't spend a TON of money, so no D'Pergo.... Suhr certainly has a decent reputation. Who else should I consider for a quality guitar along these lines?
TIA
LENTZ...http://www.lentzguitarforum.com/forum/index.php?
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/433373883_ddf781f5ea_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2408/2217815155_fabe3aa55e_o.jpg
matt5150
09-04-2008, 05:11 PM
May I offer a suggestion?
I would edit the title of this post to solicit opinions for quality Strat style guitars instead of asking what is better than a Suhr?
This type of post only provokes the haters.
Matt
XKnight
09-04-2008, 05:15 PM
I can only comment based upon my own experiences. I've owned Strats made by the Fender Custom Shop, Suhr, Gadow, Melancon and Grosh. Of all those, my favorite is Grosh. I like the worn in feel of the necks, the exceptional fretwork and the vintage tone. Suhr is great too, but has a more modern feel with the ones I've tried. There are so many great builders these days that it's easy to find a good one though. Good luck!
Zuper
09-04-2008, 05:29 PM
I love my Suhrs. I don't think anyone makes a "better" guitar, just different.
MaxBoogie
09-04-2008, 05:32 PM
May I offer a suggestion?
I would edit the title of this post to solicit opinions for quality Strat style guitars instead of asking what is better than a Suhr?
This type of post only provokes the haters.
Matt
Well I certainly don't want to incite the haters! ;)
Title changed...
keninsyr
09-04-2008, 05:39 PM
Have tried and owned many and by far the best I have come across is a Grosh Retro Classic. Of course its just a personal preference but its based on my experiences looking for the ultimate Strat style guitar. My search ended with the Grosh.
ThePK
09-04-2008, 05:41 PM
- Suhr, Tyler, Grosh, or Anderson. All great, but have their own personalities. I have owned/own all of them and they were/are all great guitars.
If you have the chance you should really try a few of each. If that's not an option these instruments are so consistent that buying one unseen is not a major risk.
cnardone
09-04-2008, 08:25 PM
what are you trying to get out of it? Vintage? Super Strat? Etc...Talk to Bill Chapin before making any decisions.
cmn
allman5
09-05-2008, 01:19 AM
Lentz SSL , Callaham S...........enough said!
/Bjorn http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon10.gif
Boomer
09-05-2008, 02:26 AM
I'm in the Lentz SSL camp. I've owned Suhr, Anderson, Grosh and Fenders.
The SSL is the Strat that I've heard in my head for at least thirty years. I've never handled a neck like Scott makes.
Naturally, YMMV!
MaxBoogie
09-05-2008, 02:32 AM
Lentz SSL , Callaham S ...........enough said!
Oh come on, there's never enough said! :D
Lentz guitars look great, but not flexible enough in the design for me. For instance, I can't do 9" radius on the fretboard... I need 12", or perhaps 10" - 14" compound. Neck shape is another one...
The Callaham S is close... but again he's intent on that 10" radius fretboard...
So far, the Suhrs seem to be able to offer a design the way I want it...
But keep the suggestions coming!
polaris
09-05-2008, 03:39 AM
Grosh fan here!
corn husk bag
09-05-2008, 07:57 AM
Yes for me it is Grosh by Gosh! But all the guitars brought up so far are great guitars. I have a knock around American made Fender Strat that I bought off craigslist for 300 bucks that I dearly love, so go figure. It plays as nice as any of the Fender Custom Shop rigs. But not as nice as the Grosh. Plus multiple Gibsons, not as nice a feel as the Grosh. As far as tone, I won't compare apples and oranges, individual guitars have each their own tone to offer. But still #1 is the Grosh by Gosh!
Best Regards,
Steve
mprvise
09-05-2008, 08:23 AM
Though I'm in a cycle where I'm not playing strat style guitars much, my Tyler Classic is my "traditional" strat. Love it!
SteveStevens
09-05-2008, 10:41 AM
I would naturally suggest checking out www.stevensonguitars.com
Ted is making guitars (s and t style) that boggle the mind. His custom options are pretty vast. And his proprietary features (neck joint, for example...) are both aesthetically pleasing and toneful. Jump on the bandwagon now. He's blowing up!
Steve
astigtigas
09-05-2008, 10:59 AM
i agree with the lentz
donostia13
09-05-2008, 11:34 AM
Of all those, my favorite is Grosh. I like the worn in feel of the necks, the exceptional fretwork and the vintage tone.
When you say "worn-in" feel, exactly what are you referring to? Did you happen to own an oil-finished neck? I'd love to know the difference in feel between the oil and satin lacquer finish.
I'll have to hoof it up to A-Sharp Music near Seattle soon, as that's the closest Grosh dealer...
Edit: Nevermind, I see your Grosh in the Emporium!
mattc41
09-05-2008, 11:39 AM
Oh come on, there's never enough said! :D
Lentz guitars look great, but not flexible enough in the design for me. For instance, I can't do 9" radius on the fretboard... I need 12", or perhaps 10" - 14" compound. Neck shape is another one...
The Callaham S is close... but again he's intent on that 10" radius fretboard...
So far, the Suhrs seem to be able to offer a design the way I want it...
But keep the suggestions coming!
Scott will do a 12" radius now. I believe a few members here have such necks on their guitars. I'm pretty sure they won't do a compound though if that's important. I have a Suhr Classic that I love, but every time I play my Lentz HSL, I can't help but think I would love that same neck and feel in a Lentz SSL. Maybe someday :)
MaxBoogie
09-05-2008, 12:06 PM
That's good to know... I guess all ya gotta do is ask! :)
One thing I've noticed is that most of these luthiers are offering SSH pickup designs! Is that really where people are headed these days? As much as I like the classic SSS design, I find I never use the bridge pickup alone because I don't like the tone... and that goes for the many bridge pickups I've tried.
On the other hand, I don't like any of the bridge pups on my HH guitars either even though I've tried many... So I don't think it would really make a difference if I went for SSS or SSH.... Hmmm.
codyj84
09-05-2008, 12:09 PM
Gotta throw Rocketfire in the mix....especially if you dig the relic vibe. Mine was stolen not within this last month and I have already commissioned another to be built by Nick. Great guitars....period.
anyone
09-05-2008, 12:11 PM
I would talk to Ron Kirn...
Especially after reading this thread: http://www.tdpri.com/forum/stratocaster-discussion-forum/104487-ok-so-i-promised-here-ya.html
I'd definitely go Danocaster if I was after a worn-in one.
Cheers,
Chris
KennyM
09-05-2008, 01:06 PM
Can't say enough great things about Jeff Senn. Not only is it the best Strat I've ever had(including several early 60's I've had) it's also one of the finest guitars period I have ever played or owned in the 40+ years I've been playing guitar. I waited a long time (over a year), but would have no problem doing it again. He would be my first and only call on any Fender related guitar I was thinking about getting. On the plus side he's really retooled his business to be a more efficient process and drasticly shorten future wait times. That is if he can keep off the road gigging (he's a great player too). Here's a couple shots.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q224/kennym101/IMG_3744.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q224/kennym101/IMG_3774.jpg
flyingvees
09-05-2008, 01:09 PM
Bill Chapin...I used to own about 12 guitars....Now I own two Chapins with a third on the way....Very good prices and reasonable wait times...He is the best at s or t style guitars...
derekd
09-05-2008, 01:47 PM
Like everyone else, I have played/owned Suhr, Grosh, Anderson, Melancon, Fender, G&L, etc. All wonderful guitars, it seems to be about personal fit. For me these days, the best fit is my Bill Nash. Happy hunting.
sw686blue
09-05-2008, 01:54 PM
I'll also add my vote to Stevenson guitars.
keninsyr
09-05-2008, 03:49 PM
That's good to know... I guess all ya gotta do is ask! :)
One thing I've noticed is that most of these luthiers are offering SSH pickup designs! Is that really where people are headed these days? As much as I like the classic SSS design, I find I never use the bridge pickup alone because I don't like the tone... and that goes for the many bridge pickups I've tried.
On the other hand, I don't like any of the bridge pups on my HH guitars either even though I've tried many... So I don't think it would really make a difference if I went for SSS or SSH.... Hmmm.
My Grosh Retro Classic has Fralin vintage hots with the base plate on the bridge pickup and it really helps. Also having the tone control be a master helps. My bridge pickup is fat and clear. very Tele like.
bosstone
09-05-2008, 07:46 PM
As far as just sound goes, Calaham sounds best to me.
XKnight
09-05-2008, 07:59 PM
When you say "worn-in" feel, exactly what are you referring to? Did you happen to own an oil-finished neck? I'd love to know the difference in feel between the oil and satin lacquer finish.
I'll have to hoof it up to A-Sharp Music near Seattle soon, as that's the closest Grosh dealer...
Edit: Nevermind, I see your Grosh in the Emporium!
Worn in as in not feeling like a typical high gloss new guitar neck. Mine is a Satin Lacquer neck. I've never tried a Grosh with an oil neck, but did have a G&L with a gun oil tinted neck. I like both necks, but the Grosh just feels better to me.
Although my Grosh is in the Emporium I think my input and opinion is still valid. I'm only trading/selling the Grosh because I've come to the realization that Strats aren't for me. I'd be very happy to trade my Grosh RC for a different Grosh, such as an Electrajet or T type.
Long2Play
09-05-2008, 08:30 PM
Another Grosh vote here..... Superb and magical tone.
I'm having a fellow named Rick Kelly (New York) build a sunburst maple neck 50's Strat for me. Fralin Vintage Hots for the pickups.
jmcerlain
09-05-2008, 08:49 PM
I'll chime in. After going through many Strat style guitars, many we have already mentioned, I have never been more happy than I am with my Tuttle guitars. It's strange for me, I am not interested in any other guitars since I got them. That is a first for me!
Micheal can make you what you want and it will feel like you have been playing it for years. I can't speak more highly about him as a person and a builder. He just finished a tele for me.
At least call him and talk with him. That's what sold me.
www.bestfrets.com
57special
09-05-2008, 09:36 PM
What's your budget? How long can you wait? Some of the axes mentioned are over 3G's new, or have a 3 year waiting period.
darkmonohue
09-06-2008, 09:39 AM
No one has yet mentioned U.S. Masters. Their LeGrand is a thorough, and in my opinion, highly intelligent and coherent rethinking of the Strat-style guitar. The neck joint is engineered for tight lock-up and excellent upper-fret access, the Point Classic vibrato unit operates smoothly and holds tune tenaciously, the conical radius fretboard and satin lacquer neck make it smooth-playing and extremely comfortable. I love mine.
reentune
09-06-2008, 10:14 AM
I can't believe there's been only one mention of Gerard Melancon, and that in passing.
He makes my favorite S-style. I think Mr. Moderator Scott Peterson is fond of them too.
Oh come on, there's never enough said! :D
Lentz guitars look great, but not flexible enough in the design for me. For instance, I can't do 9" radius on the fretboard... I need 12", or perhaps 10" - 14" compound. Neck shape is another one...
The Callaham S is close... but again he's intent on that 10" radius fretboard...
So far, the Suhrs seem to be able to offer a design the way I want it...
But keep the suggestions coming!I believe Scott will do 12" radius on the SSL now as an option...call him
That's good to know... I guess all ya gotta do is ask! :)
One thing I've noticed is that most of these luthiers are offering SSH pickup designs! Is that really where people are headed these days? As much as I like the classic SSS design, I find I never use the bridge pickup alone because I don't like the tone... and that goes for the many bridge pickups I've tried.
On the other hand, I don't like any of the bridge pups on my HH guitars either even though I've tried many... So I don't think it would really make a difference if I went for SSS or SSH.... Hmmm.Scott can do his "Tele" Broadcaster pickup in "Strat" form for a more "kickass" tone from the bridge pup...
stratdev
09-08-2008, 10:27 PM
I've owned a couple SSL's... both put my '66 strat into retirement
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/stratdev/Lentz%20B-Kaster/300_4067-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/stratdev/Lentz%20B-Kaster/Goldita_Body_GrungeBkd.jpg
Mister John
09-08-2008, 11:13 PM
I would naturally suggest checking out www.stevensonguitars.com (http://www.stevensonguitars.com)
Ted is making guitars (s and t style) that boggle the mind. His custom options are pretty vast. And his proprietary features (neck joint, for example...) are both aesthetically pleasing and toneful. Jump on the bandwagon now. He's blowing up!
Steve
Big +1 on Stevenson guitars.I own one and have never been happier with a guitar.
cr8z4life
09-09-2008, 08:32 AM
- Suhr, Tyler, Grosh, or Anderson. All great, but have their own personalities. I have owned/own all of them and they were/are all great guitars.
If you have the chance you should really try a few of each. If that's not an option these instruments are so consistent that buying one unseen is not a major risk.
That about covers it!
oscar100
09-09-2008, 12:06 PM
john suhr custom spec is teh way to go
johnflynn
09-09-2008, 05:21 PM
I think Suhr's are exceptional instruments. I am partial to Don Grosh when it comes to this type of instrument. He is a smaller builder but his quality is outstanding and his wood is second to none. In the same price point as a Suhr. Either way you are going to get an outstanding instrument.
I'm toying with getting a custom "Strat-style" guitar made... I like my G&L's and the Suhrs I've played. No experience with anything else.
Can't spend a TON of money, so no D'Pergo.... Suhr certainly has a decent reputation. Who else should I consider for a quality guitar along these lines?
TIA
So many great names already mentioned. Just to muddy the waters a bit I throw a few more out there (in no particular order) that are worth a look-see:
Rice
K-line
RS guitarworks
Oldworld
Vinetto
CP Thornton
Michael Stevens
Happy Hunting and let us know what you end up getting!
Edward
MaxBoogie
09-09-2008, 06:43 PM
Happy Hunting and let us know what you end up getting!
Edward
So many great suggestions all!
And we all know it's the hunt that drives us!! :D
Mutley
09-11-2008, 09:00 PM
Zane posted a picture of my Roundup Orange SSL in the 2nd post. Everyone besides me has better pictures of my guitar. I'm looking at it right now and it still has some blood on the fretboard and top cutaway from when I broke the D string a couple of nights ago. I would go no further for this style of guitar. The bridge pickup has a huge tone. P90ish when you roll off a little tone. Not your grandpa's S style, that is for sure. :love:
Guitar Slinger6
09-11-2008, 09:28 PM
There a lot of great custom builts, i have a Callaham S model on order. I hear they are great guitars if you are not in a hurry.
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