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Post subject: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice pls
Posted: Fri May 12, 2017 8:38 am
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I've owned and played on pretty much everything over the years and I do agree with the consensus here - you can find great guitars built anywhere, whether it's MIM, MIJ, CIJ, USA. My current favourite guitar that I own is a Road Worn 60's strat - changed the pickups to John Mayer's Big Dippers and it is definitely great.

However, after 30 years of playing, I finally decided to try a CS Strat. Actually, a few of them...and I have to say, the ones I tried were far superior to anything I've owned/played. I played them through a $@!&#* Roland Cube and they sounded amazing. I played them acoustically (no amp) and they truly were very resonant. In fewer words...I was blown away.

I've drunk the koolaid and now, I'm selling some of my guitars to find the one to keep for a lifetime and maybe hand down to one of my kids.

I've read up on CS vs MB's and essentially what I've concluded is - people that own MB's say they are superior to CS'. I realize the MB thing is a bit of smart marketing but having seen Dale Wilson's builds, I mean, just wow.

So, I've started the process of getting a quote from Fender for my dream guitar built by Mr. Wilson. But yes, there's a 2 year wait. That's a long $@! time to wait for something.

The alternative is to try to find one that's already built and I may have found it. BUT, it's a team built CS. Almost EXACTLY what I wanted except for a couple of items:

1) it has H/W '69 pickups.
2) It's got the fatter '64 logo on it.

I realize a logo isn't a massive deal but I've always really disliked the logos from '64 onwards and prefer the spaghetti. :)

I can't play/hear the guitar because it's overseas but have listened to a similar guitar with '69 H/W pickups. In all honesty, I prefer the H/W 60's pups better. I could be crazy but they sound warmer to me.

So, here are my questions:

1) Does anyone know if we can order H/W Custom Shop 60's pickups?

2) How much damage would replacing the fender decal do to the headstock and future value?

3) Let's say you guys were in my shoes - you find the guitar of your dreams but it's 95% correct. But you have the option of getting one EXACTLY the way you want, by the builder you think is the best...you just have to wait 2 years and spend a few grand more. What would you do?


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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Fri May 12, 2017 11:14 pm
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Hi there there ... these days if you are after handwound watch the second hand market but 60s hand wound are pretty rare. Currently fender do not offer hand wounds as an accessory item which is a shame because there would be a market for them.
Definitely leave the logo!
You will pay a lot more for a master built for what in your case I see are minor differences.
Not decrying mb though .... those guys are experts and you get exactly what you ask for and the workmanship is superb.
Anything can happen in two years.
Just my dollar bill worth... :D


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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Sat May 13, 2017 1:17 am
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You have obviously set your heart on what you see as your ultimate specification. Anything else will fall into the "...if only" category. However, do you really want to pay another $1000 (or what ever), and wait 2 years, for the exactly right logo and PUPs.

You can buy and try a great many artisan hand wound PUPs with $1000 in two years.

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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Sat May 13, 2017 1:17 am
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You have obviously set your heart on what you see as your ultimate specification. Anything else will fall into the "...if only" category. However, do you really want to pay another $1000 (or what ever), and wait 2 years, for the exactly right logo and PUPs.

You can buy and try a great many artisan hand wound PUPs with $1000 in two years.

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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Sat May 13, 2017 11:22 am
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John Sims wrote:
You can buy and try a great many artisan hand wound PUPs with $1000 in two years.


+1

Find the *right* guitar (plays good, feels good, looks good). Then spend a little time to find the *right* pickups for it (those that sound the best to your ear).

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Sat May 13, 2017 1:59 pm
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Last time I looked the mb fee alone was $2400 which you have to remember is pretty reasonable considering these guys are master craftsmen.
Most people wouldnt think twice spending that on a sofa
You could buy the first and sell it when the mb comes home.
Also remember with a new guitar any problems fender should resolve but with a second hand guitar any problems they may be yours so caveat emptor..
:D


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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Sat May 13, 2017 11:46 pm
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Wagamama wrote:
find the one to keep for a lifetime

Much like unicorns, that kind of guitars only exist in dreams and visions.


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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 10:43 pm
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jmattis wrote:
Wagamama wrote:
find the one to keep for a lifetime

Much like unicorns, that kind of guitars only exist in dreams and visions.

They exist, but when you find it, there's generally not a lot of lifetime left.

But as Stills said, if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with. Make the guitars you have something special by playing them, and learn to take advantage of all they have to offer.


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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 1:30 pm
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Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for the responses. After owning over 20 different guitars over the years, I think it is definitely possible to get the one that lasts a lifetime.

And just to throw in a wrench, my favourite guitar right now is a Road Worn 60's strat, modified with a trio of John Mayer's pickups I found on the 'bay a few years ago. Does it sound great? Oh yes. Love the neck. But I'd still say the custom shop guitar I tried was miles ahead - it resonated so well...and it sustained for days. But hey, I paid $1000 for the guitar and something like $400 for the pickups.

So will spending around $7500 more get me a much better guitar?

Actually, just writing this is making me NOT want to get the CS/MB guitar. LOL

But then again, I've never owned an American Strat and for whatever reason, I've owned EVERYTHING else, despite strats being my absolute favourite.

This is likely just part of the start of my midlife crisis. Just thankful my wife understands my *first world problem* obsession.

Anyways, thanks again folks!


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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 12:05 am
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Another approach to the midlife crisis G.A.S. could be to hunt down any Strat you like in the used gear market, then feeling happy with it as long as the honeymoon lasts, then trade it for another. Repeat as many times as necessary.
There's a myriad of options where to start; all the CS/MB's of course, but you could also consider Clapton/Sambora signatures, Pluses and Ultras, THE STRATS, pre1985 MIJ's...

arth1 wrote:
Wagamama wrote:
find the one to keep for a lifetime
jmattis wrote:
Much like unicorns, that kind of guitars only exist in dreams and visions.
They exist, but when you find it, there's generally not a lot of lifetime left.

Now I have an image in my head; of a person prancing proudly out of a guitar store with his/her/its all time dream MasterBuilt guitar & getting run over by a unicorn...


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Post subject: Re: Opening Can of Worms (but differently) - CS vs MB advice
Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 12:24 am
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LMFAO!!!

:mrgreen:

Arjay

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