Okay, well I don't have the $ for a MIA Strat, so I'm wondering which new MIM Strat would be the best for playing surf music... I'm not opposed to changing pickups in a standard MIM Strat if that's the best answer. I would just need some suggestions for pickups... Would the CP 60s Strat be a good choice?

My advice is to guy try out a few and see what you think.

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Why not try a jag or jazzmaster instead? If it had to be a strat i'd start with a 50's. After all thats the sound the surf guys wanted.

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No no and no

The reason I wasn't considering the Jazzmaster or other Fender guitar was that I figured the Strat would be more versatile if I want to play other than surf music...

Get yourself the guitar FIRST. Fit the heaviest string gauge that you can comfortably play. Then play it and see how it sounds. The main ingredient IMHO for the surf sound is a good amp with a good Spring Reverb.

Then and only then would I consider changing pickups. I've seen guys play surf music with Telecasters. I think its more down to the amp, and picking technique than the actual guitar itself.

Cheers.

it's all about tuning, sliding, trem and reverb. in these days of "anything can sound like anything," you could probably surf with a Toronado HH! i'm not saying don't try a strat, but try the versatility of the jazzmaster first.

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anti-rhythm circuit

IMO you can get the 'surf sound' from pretty much any fender. Good fender amp, spring reverb. I like the pos. 2 and 4 on my pick up selector for surf.

the cp 50 and 60 for excample are ok when you want to play other stiles also.

good luck and cheers

Hey Oldguy-

I play Surf with my 2000 MiM standard- No Mods as of yet. The Ceramics have a good twang particularly in Pos 1, 2 and 4. Heavy Strings (11's and Up) also give it that nice Thump that Surf Guitar likes on the bass side.

Get a good tube amp with a Spring Reverb. A Fender Twin Reverb is ideal but IMHO - My HotRod Deluxe does a really nice wet Reverb.

You will use your wammy alot so have your guitar set up for dive bombs-

Good Luck-

The Freeze

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There's Always Room For MELLOW !!!!

2000 MIM Stratocaster, Midnight Wine W/Texas Specials
2000 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
1969 Fender Vibro Champ

Hey, thanks for all the advice everybody. Sounds like any of the choices mentioned will do -- the amp probably makes as much or more difference than a particular Fender guitar...

Agreed. I don't think you can go wrong with any current Fender guitar. For Surf, I prefer position #1 -- the bridge p/u -- and a lot of reverb!