I have two different tastes in strat sounds. I like both the sonic Hendrix sounds from his clean to heavy fuzz, and I also like the bell like chimes of Buddy Holly.

I am in the market for a strat, but no clue which to get. And I know everyone says play them all and pick one but that is a flawed method because not every store has them all and I am not sure which amp to pair the guitar with at the store.

Now I have the money to buy an American made top end, and even enough to buy a new amp if need be. I just dont want to waste money is all. Id rather buy the best once and be happy then buy a whole bunch of crap several times and be satisfied.

Which strat should I get???


Can I get the same sounds froma 2009 Strat American, as I can with their vintage models lfrom the 50s, 60s, and 70s? or do they sound very different???

MIA Deluxe

_________________
Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

Playing guitars and buying the one you like is never a "flawed method."

The truth is, a Stratocaster from any decade will sound pretty much like every other Stratocaster. The amp you chose and the way you play will have far more to do with achieving your tonal goals. There is virtually no difference between the guitars Holly and Hendrix played. Huge differences in their playing style and their signal processing.

Practice is much more important than shopping.

Thank you for saying that! +1

Buddy didn't have Marshall amps available to him.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Sounds like you need a vintage reissue

_________________
Custom Shop '59 Strat with John Cruz Master Design Pickups
Vibro King
Fulltone Clyde>Deja-Vibe>TS-808>TS-9>Boss Tuner

You can bring you amp t the store with you, so you find one that mates well to your amp. When I got my strat home, it did not work with my settings for my HB equiped guitars. Some tweaking fixed that though.

My process:

1. look at them all to find the ones that meets you visual appeal. Show the guitars that meet your requirements to the salesman, and let him know that you want to try all of them you picked.

2. Descibe to him your amp, and musical tastes and see what he has that might be close, or bring your own amp if you are sold on it. I highly recommend your own amp, or you may get home and be unable to find the sounds you had at the store.

3. Play acousically for a bit, check the feel action and scope down the neck. Check the guitar visually real well noting any imperfections.

4. Plug in and play with the electronics

5. Narrow it down to your 1-3 favorites and stare at em a bit and decide. Play some more if your still torn

6. If nothing for certain makes you want to drop your $$$ down and run home to play, walk out and think about more and repeat the process.

_________________
Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst

If you go to any store have a chance and try the highway one strat U might end up liking it