"Player" strat questions...

[jpage]

I've found myself without a strat and am thinking about going to my local retailer and playing a bunch of them to see if I can't find me a keeper. And I'm not going to be a snob about it for once--I want a player not a piece of art this time. My budget is $1k. I've owned plenty of strats and to be honest, my favorite of them all was an old 1982 60s RI that I sold awhile back and miss terribly. And I've had 5 "boutique" strats since then.

I want to try some MIM guitars,but I heard that their bridges/saddles/spacing are different from the MIA versions; is this true? If so, why on earth would they do this? Would a drop in Callaham replacement remedy the problem? I have huge hands BTW and need wide or at the very least "standard" spacing.

Any other tips for my hunt tomorrow?

 

[jpage]

Sorry...wrong place...

 

[alivegy]

G&l tribute legacy, with a 1k budget you can buy 2. Really great playing guitars, made in korea with american components. I found the vintage style pickups not be hot enough but thats a personal preference thing. If you want an american model you can get them for around $1200 new. They're great guitars and put recent fenders to shame, wherever they're made.

 

[jpage]

Thanks, but nothing from China or Korea. Just a personal choice.

 

[dk123123dk]

I would build a Warmoth Strat myself. Also check out the Wilkenson vintage tremolo for a great trem with a steel block for $40. Also keep an eye out for Japanese Squires from the 80's. These are very fine instruments. Pretty much any Japanese guitars are great values. You might be able to get a new Crafted in Japan Fender imported from Japan. I would also take a look at the Edwards model guitars. I like the artist series the best. I like the deluxe model Mexican guitars. They are good values as well. Esp since you can check out a few at your local store and find a keeper. Good luck to you.

dk

 

[dougk]

I'd find a used MIJ reissue. Never picked up a non custom shop AmSTD that's been remotely as nice as mine.

 

[dk123123dk]

http://www.guitarjapan.com/edwards/spec/e-se-98r-lt.html

http://www.guitarjapan.com/edwards/spec/e-se-100r-re.html

http://www.guitarjapan.com/edwards/spec/e-se-100m-re.html

 

[NTBluesGuitar]

There are some great MIM Strats out there. Look for some 50s or 60s RI models to start with.

 

[jpage]

Yep, I spent just under $2000 and almost a year building the perfect strat from Warmoth wood. Pretty pretty guitar. But Warmoth will be over the $1k ceiling and--another problem--I will never again buy a guitar I don't play first. That pretty much cuts out Japan.

What about the 10,000 different strats hanging on retailers' walls all over every city in the US LOL?

Any info on these guitars with the tiny hardware?

 

[big mike]

Moved.

 

[Tone_Terrific]

Sounds like you want vintage string spacing and the wide nuts, which is only 1 11/16 anyway, so check the MIM deluxe series.

 

[jcoggins7]

I'd grab an MIJ Reissue series guitar as well. Some very nice pieces out there.

 

[jpage]

Any idea if the "Classic Player 60's" has the wider spacing?

 

[jpage]

I'd grab an MIJ Reissue series guitar as well. Some very nice pieces out there.

Are they available locally? Or do you need to mail order from Japan? I like to play a guitar before I purchase one.

 

[dk123123dk]

Any idea if the "Classic Player 60's" has the wider spacing?

Its the custom shop two point trem with vintage saddles so I'd assume it is the wider US spec spacing.

I also would check out the highway one guitars, that is if you like the thinner finish. I like it very much, but then again I don't mind if a strat gets roughed up a bit. Adds character.

dk