Should I sell my Les Paul Standard & Hot Rod '62 Strat for a Fender Wildwood 10?

[StratStringSlinger]

Looking for some advice here. I've narrowed down my guitars down to 2 guitars. A 2005 Les Paul Standard and a 2008 Fender Hot Rod '62 w/ Fender Custom 54 pickups. I've always wanted a Fender Wildwood 10 '59 Strat. It's pretty much the exact strat I've always wanted. I play my strat 95% of the time. I like to play blues/blues rock and I'm learning to play jazz but I don't necessarily need to have a jazz sound as I'm more interested in just learning the technique/skill. Should I sell both my guitars and get my utlimate guitar? Do you think the Wildwood 10's will hold it's value or eventually go up in value (as they are currently being built with Braz Rosewood and limited edition)? Thoughts? Thanks.

[stryker59]

if you play a strat that much then i say go for it. on the flipside, if you think you would kick yourself in the ass for selling the two you got now then you may need to save for the wildwood.

[Thwap]

I've got a 59 WW10 strat...sell the others and get one.

Mine's the best strat I've ever laid hands on....by far.

As far as it going up in value??? No idea, can't picture myself ever getting rid of it, so it's a non-issue for me.

It is liberating to be able to look at other strats, by the myriad makers out there, and know, that for me, there's nothing going to touch the one I've got.

They're really just that good.

[FatStratDaddy]

I have a few LP's, and a '65 Relic WW10 and '56 Relic WW10. The differences between the LP and WW's are night and day, obviously, but as far as Strats go, like everyone else has said so far, they are the kings of my Strat collection. They are that good and those who have sold them usually wish they hadn't. Of course, I am totally predjudiced also because I am trying to get the Wildwood Registry up and running (www.wildwoodregistry.com)

I played this one last time I stopped in, and if I had the cash right now it would be at my house. Its a KILLER looking and playing guitar for sure. Good luck!!!

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/fender/10s/59strat/r43586/r43586.php

[Joe_Steeler]

I would wait for a used WW10.
IMHO, the only way they are worth it.

[Polynitro]

sure why not.

[guitarnut]

i guess if its your dream guitar for life then i get that - but i wouldn't. the '62 hot rods are fantastic guitars - mine is my fav strat i've had. and you have a lp. i'd rather have those than one hella expensive strat.

[ecbluesman54]

The Wildwood will probably be better than the Hot Rod, so its up to you if you want to sell your LP. I have a WW10 and I think its a great Strat!

[Gasp100]

Are you going to need to sell those two plus add a good deal of cash? What's a used LP Standard and 62 Hot Rod strat go for these days? That WW10 looks amazing, but damn over $4K? Too rich for my blood.

[Binaural]

The WW10 is amazing, but they do turn up used from time to time even from Wildwood. I was going to get one, but order a Custom Shop one off, about the same price. As for selling the others, personally I can't bring myself to sell a Strat....but I've sold a few LPs over the years.

[lakehaus]

I'm thinking about doing the same... selling all 3 Strats and getting one Strat. And for me, the WildWood or a Master Built seems to be the logical choice. Luckily, I have a couple other guitars to keep me sane if I do it.

I'm just grappling with the diversity in tone I get from the 3 Strats I have, versus settling for just one. I think it's time, though.

For you? If you play a Strat 95% of the time, then do it. If you miss the Les Paul, which isn't likely, then get another one later. Meanwhile, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[DrumBob]

Why do you ask us a question like this? What do YOU want to do? How can one of us possibly make a decision for you about what guitars to sell or buy?

[JoeNewbie]

People tend to get passionate about their guitars, especially when spending close to $5K for an instrument.

Personally, I think the WW10 and all the relics of this world are the result of very good marketing indeed.

Unbiased experts usually agree there isn't a huge difference in sound between customshop Fenders and the vintage reissues from the standard line.

I'd keep the 62 Hot Rod and the Les Paul.

[OrangeAD30TC]

Why do you ask us a question like this? What do YOU want to do? How can one of us possibly make a decision for you about what guitars to sell or buy?

...cause its a guitar forum....

[localmotion411]

...cause its a guitar forum....

yeah, "drum"bob

[VaughnC]

Looking for some advice here. I've narrowed down my guitars down to 2 guitars. A 2005 Les Paul Standard and a 2008 Fender Hot Rod '62 w/ Fender Custom 54 pickups. I've always wanted a Fender Wildwood 10 '59 Strat. It's pretty much the exact strat I've always wanted. I play my strat 95% of the time. I like to play blues/blues rock and I'm learning to play jazz but I don't necessarily need to have a jazz sound as I'm more interested in just learning the technique/skill. Should I sell both my guitars and get my utlimate guitar? Do you think the Wildwood 10's will hold it's value or eventually go up in value (as they are currently being built with Braz Rosewood and limited edition)? Thoughts? Thanks.

In my experience, Strats are inherently tonally inconsistent...so, IMO, you'd have to directly A/B the WW10 with the '62VHR to know which is the better of the two to YOUR ears & hands. I've played $300 Strats that were better than some $3000 Strats...so there are dogs & gems at all price points. Future value is meaningless if the guitar isn't a good fit. Personally, I wouldn't sell the '62VHR without first playing the WW10 because, like a new pair of shoes, you just never know how the fit is going to be until you try 'em on.

[dukeastaire]

I would in a heartbeat!

[StratStringSlinger]

Yea it's a tough choice, I appreciate all the different opinions as it helps bring up things I may not have considered. I would definately buy the wildwood in person. Even though I live in San Diego I happen to have family in Colorado so I can stop by next time I'm in town (as we usually visit for major holidays). My '62 hot rod is almost perfect; I like the vintage hardware/vibe, modern radius/bigger frets, & a nitro finish (as I hope it will age well). I also like a slightly beefier neck but the hot rod 62's neck is just a little too fat, though it's so fun to grab it and do bends, I do find myself struggling a little bit especially when playing chords with my thumb over the top and trying to move that chord around. I've been playing the hot rod 62 for about 6 months and though I've adapted to the neck I still find it kind of a struggle. I like how Wildwood has so many dang WW10's in stock and with so many variations (neck profile, finishes, different weights, different variations in tone) I'm sure I can find one that suits me. The Braz fretboard is also attractive b/c it gives the guitar that little extra bit of exclusivity. On the other hand I'm so close to nirvana with a solid les paul and strat. I would say in my mind my start is 90% of the way there to what I imagine a perfect strat/what the Wildwood 10 would be like (assuming I find the perfect one). I just can't image if I'm going to get more out of having the 90% strat along with a rock'n les paul or if I just have one uncompromised strat. Ahhh!

[StratStringSlinger]

P.S. I have a theory...I believe Fender purposely put a slightly oversized/uncomfy neck on the hot rod '62 strat so it wouldn't compete too closely with the custom shop guitars. Kind of like how Porsche purposely puts a slight lower power engine in the technically superior mid engine Boxster so it won't compete with their venerable 911 flagship car. Does anyone (or any regular size person) really think the size of the hot rod '62 neck is perfect?

[guitarnut]

i enjoy playing the 62 hot rod neck a lot. not sure if its 'perfect' but i don't find it uncomfortable. i enjoy playing it much more than skinnier neck guitars. its meaty. fantastic sounding guitar too.

[Oakley]

I think I'd rather have the Hot Rod than the WW10. I guess the more you charge for something, the more desirable it appears to be. Gibson and Fender are both going with this strategy. The WW10s are in this category too. It's just snake oil marketing.

IMO, of course.

[dougg]

Dave's Guitars in WI makes 60s Relic Strats with similar specs to the WW10s. And I believe they are a good deal cheaper. They don't do the Brazilian board or custom pickups, and the fretboard is 9.5 instead of 10, but I believe they are just a little more than half of the price of the WW10s.

I've never played a WW10 (although I'd love to try one), but I've played a few of the Relics from Dave's & they are some great guitars. I'd recommend checking those out. I have seen people on this forum say that Dave's run doesn't compare to the 10's, but for the price difference it's worth considering.

[buddastrat]

No. Unless you played a particular 10 that just slays. You could end up with one guitar that does'nt sound as good as you're hot rod and you're out an LP too!

[VaughnC]

That's the thing about Strats....you can play a bunch with the same specs and they can/will sound and play differently. However, if you find "the one", only YOU can put the value on it. The '62VHR is one of the better Strats I've ever played...but I'm sure there are dogs & gems with that model too. Sounds like tire kickin' time...but let your hands & ears make your decision, not a spec sheet.

[Jim S]

Do you think the Wildwood 10's will hold it's value or eventually go up in value (as they are currently being built with Braz Rosewood and limited edition)? Not in your lifetime. I think they will devalue like 99% of guitars. Supply and demand: you know many there are out there and how many are on their website?

I know the price on the website but what are they are selling them for ?

[JoeNewbie]

Don't forget how the truly collectible guitars became collectible in the first place. They were guitars that were meant to be "standard" instruments that nobody knew about -- and then someone famous did something memorable with the instrument, and the early examples become highly sought after.

The only modern example of legit collectibility that I can think of is probably PRS' early guitars.

Otherwise, a guitar that is sold as a "limited edition" and deemed "collectible" by the dealer is a marketing catch indeed. If it were so collectible, they wouldn't have to promote it as we would be all over them.

A guitar becomes collectible only when a bunch of people desire the instrument AND are ready to pay for it -- the sole fact that it's rare won't do anything for you.

[sanhozay]

Well, if you play the strat 95% of the time then you need to get a Grosh Retro Classic!

Aye, if it were me I'd get the WW10. The few I've played were fantastic but I'm weary of any Fender guitar. If you can buy with a return policy then have at it & go Wildwood.

BUT - a Les Paul & a Strat covers all the bases.

[Thwap]

I know the price on the website but what are they are selling them for ?

The price on the website...they don't deal on the WW10's

I got mine during a 10% off fender days event...so it saved me 400.

[FatStratDaddy]

They do occasionally get used ones in- I think I paid around $3000 for my '65 Relic, and they will deal a bit with those. I bought my '56 new, and honestly, I like the '65 more. Completely happy I bought both, though.

[thesjkexperienc]

I'd do it in a heartbeat! I am friends with Steve and have played many and they are all fantastic. I think that after the recession the guitars will sell used for what they are selling for now.

[Jim S]

The price on the website...they don't deal on the WW10's
Having looked at the website http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/fender/10s/59strat/ you are talking about 4,000-5000 on a new modern (non vintage) strat? I'd never do that.
:nono


I'd think long and hard about a Suhr, Sadowsky or Tyler strat or if in the relic camp a K Line, Nash, Dano, etc--especially a used one-- which cost far less than the Wildwood. I would not poney up for one of those unless it absolutely has to say Fender on the headstock for you. Or get a used Fender.

I'd consider a lower price model because I know you can get a great sounding Fender for far less money if you play a few of them. I lucked out and got a knock off SRV relic'd Fender strat for under a grand and it flat out sounds and plays very well.

I disagree with a post above. I think you'd be in a fool's paradise if you think you will break even if you sell it later on.

[Blue4Now]

I don't know but this WW10 Tele is freakin awsome looking:

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/fender/10s/59tele/r45899/r45899_lg3.jpg

[slowburn]

I would probably sell the 62 hot rod strat and save up the extra cash and pickup a custom shop fender, but I don't think I could plunk down $4K for a strat. I'm plenty happy with my grosh. if you look hard you can find a used grosh retro classic in the low $1200 - $1500 range...

[groovadelic]

I sold 2 guitars (high end Gibson acoustic and 65 relic strat) a few years back to pickup a CS Kendrick Master Design Strat. Probably one of the biggest regrets to date. I did it out of GAS and I wanted a 9.5 radius medium jumbo frets. Later I realized how incredible a job a local techs here is at refrets along with a re-radius.

And I agree with slowburn, $4K for a strat is just unfathomable for me... unless it's a vintage piece.

[svenhoek]

I agree with those who say every guitar is different, and that you can get a used CS strat that will just sing for an unbelievable deal every now and then. Having two 60 Reissue strats at the moment, one a limited edition and one a regular version from 2000, I can say the regular version is hands down the best strat I've played so far. And wow, it didn't cost me much.

Best to find the guitar in person that works for you, being a WW doesn't guarantee it will be perfect fit, even if it is stunningly nice.

[masayako]

I agree that one should try before buy, even a wildwood 10. But one good thing is, you can ask the wildwood guys to help test-drive each & pick you the best one. Still, if you don't like it for whatever reason(s), you can return and get a different one. It's pretty much worry free to buy from them.