Hi!

After having played an old Ibanez RS100 for a couple of years now, I decided that it's time for a new guitar. And I'd like to make it a real strat, preferably a '60s model.

Since an American Vintage '62 is out of my financial reach, I took a look at the MIM Classic Series '60s and the Classic Player '60s. I got my local guitar shop to order both of them, so I could compare them side by side. Maybe that wasn't a good idea: I just can't decide which one to pick - whenever I play one of them for a couple of minutes, I'm sure that it is the one...

They both appear to be very fine instruments, and they retail at about the same price here in Germany, at least with the 3TSB finish. I like the Pickups on the CP, but the ones on the CS don't appear to be "worse", just "different". The neck of the CS is fantastic, really beefy, I have big hands and don't like my guitar to feel like a toy, and I am never going to be a high speed lead player. On the other hand, the playability of the CP's neck might be a little better. I can't really judge the tremolos, since my current guitar does't have one.

The only thing I'm sure about: both guitars are way better than what I am playing at the moment, and it's gonna be one of them.

So can anybody here help me decide? Is there anything beyond the playability of the guitars that makes one of the models superior? Oh, BTW: I can't afford to buy one and then invest money in modifications...at least not at the moment.

Thanks!

I can't comment on the CS but my CP60's (in Blue) is a cracking guitar. The neck is quite thick compared to many other guitars and I love the overall feel, look, and more importantly, sound of the classic player. Only you can decide which of the two you prefer though...

What ever one you pick, enjoy it!!

I have personally only tried the classic player 60's strat but from specs, I would choose the classic player
The PUs in the CP are my favourtites

I have never played the Classic Series Strat but have briefly jammed with the Classic Player '60s Strat. I have to say I loved the sound of the '69 pups in the Classic Player and have read many great reviews of these pups. However pickups are only a part of a guitar's sound so my advice is to pick the one that feels the best and sounds right to you. Pickups can be changed later (if some money turns up) if you find you really dislike the Classic Series pups but I think you will be happy with them as well. My buddy has a Classic Series 70's that he loves. Just take your time and go with what feels right.

Russ

I would go for the classic series

go for the one that feels the best in your hands. neither guitar is "better" than the other. in this case id say its all about the feel. remember pups can be switched pretty easily

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i have a classic player 50s and had the same problem as you when i bought it because i also liked a 60s classic lake placid blue but i think i made the right choice its awsome it all comes down to what you prefer

minuteman,

Welcome to the Forum. I voted for the Calssic Player just because you stated that the neck felt a little better. As far as tone, that can be adjusted by changing pick-ups later down the road. Even if it is months to a year later for the mod. Always go for the one that your gut tells you is the best. Try playing them un-plugged as well. If it sounds good w/o an amp it will sound great with an amp.

Let us know what you decide and please post pics if you can.

RK

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Thanks for all the responses. What came to my mind was the following: If both guitars retail at the same price, and the CS '69 pups in the Classic Player are more expensive, did Fender save somewhere else in that guitar compared to the Classic Series? Wood / finish / craftsmanship? Do you have any idea which of the two might have the better long term resale value (in case I decide to sell in favour of an American Vintage Reissue in some distant future)?

I'll go to the store again in the beginning of next week...as soon as I make up my mind, I'll let you know what I ended up buying (the "why" will most likely be personal preference in some possibly minor detail, if no hard facts come up in favour of one of the two - as I stated above, both guitars have a lot of character).

I had a Classic 60s for about 6 months. Loved the sound but couldn't get used to the 7.25" neck radius. I've played the CP 60s, and really liked it. But now that Fender has raised the price of the CP to about the same as an American Strat, I wouldn't buy it new. One of the MIM signature Strats, like the Jimmy Vaughn or Robert Cray, seems like a better deal to me. Both have great vintage tone and they're the same price as the Classic 60s. I own the Cray, it's a great guitar.

I've been struggling with the same decision. I'd like my next guitar to be either an American Vintage 62 or a 60's Classic or a 60's Classic Player. The downside to the American Vintage 62 and the 60's Classic is the sharp radius to the neck. Harder to solo on. Of course I suppose a guy could pickup a Classic Players neck and put it on instead.

The Classic Players Strat already comes with a great 12 inch radius neck. Very easy to play but the downside is many people don't like the two-point bridge as much as the like the vintage six-point.

Quality wise I'd say they are pretty close.

classic player for me.

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