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Post subject: Custom Shop Postmodern vs. American Pro/Elite
Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2019 4:38 pm
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Hobbyist
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Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 4:32 pm
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Hi All,

I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the extra money for custom shop - could someone elaborate on the key reasons that CS strats are in the $4K+ range while you can get an American Pro/Elite for $1.5-1.7K?

I totally understand for models such as the relic'd versions or closet/journeymen versions where there was time spent aging the guitar, but as someone who likes their guitars to look new and pristine (e.g. the NOS versions from CS), what is the main difference?

Are CS guitars actually made with better materials? Or is it mainly for those who want a vintage look? Do they sound better (and why)?

The other alternative I was thinking was just going with the Mod Shop and putting in some Texas Specials pickups for a total of ~$1.8K.

To summarize, will a CS guitar always be better sounding/have higher build quality IGNORING all of the relic'ing/aging? Thanks.


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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Postmodern vs. American Pro/Elite
Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 11:03 pm
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Professional Musician
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Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2015 6:57 am
Posts: 2235
Location: UK
You are in the realms of diminishing returns. A $4K guitar isnt going to be twice as good as a $2K guitar in the same way a $2K guitar isn't twice as good as a $1K guitar....all subject to how you measure good.

There are a great many videos which explain the extra care and attention that goes into a CS build. The tone of the neck and body are matched to compliment each other and much time is spent on finishing the neck and frets. It is a great deal more than just a better set of PUPs.

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John

After all this time I should be better.


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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Postmodern vs. American Pro/Elite
Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 12:33 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2011 4:49 am
Posts: 660
Location: Cambridge UK
CS guitars do receive more personal care and attention, I'm led to believe.

However, my Custom Deluxe (bought from a reputable shop) immediately needed a new nut (done under warranty at Fender GB) and was factory-fitted with Taiwanese locking tuners. Not that impressive for the money, really. Is the wood any better, and does it make any difference to the resultant sound? Don't know to the first, and doubt it to the second!

It's a nice Strat but not my favourite (apart from the Fiesta Red colour); I'm just as happy with my 'ordinary' US Strats, playing-wise. It's nice to have a CS guitar, but if you find the one that speaks to you, I'd say you'd get on just as well with a Pro...

Just my opinion, of course! Cheers - Peter.


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