I'v already got a 1969 custom shop, and an American Series strat and I'm now after a third.
I'v been looking for an old strat with a flatter fingerboard radius. I'd obviously like one of those "wildwood '10's'" strats in the custom shop because they have a radius of 10, but I don't think I'd even like to look at the price for one of them, because I live on London.

I also looked at saving up for a '62 re-issue Vintage Hod Rod because they have the also have a flatter radius of 9.5. This is the one I'm leaning towards most because there're cheaper (a bit).

Not sure if you can understand all that. (because I tend to present things terribly), but any advice and all that would be good. - Jimmy

Hi Jimmy, get an American Deluxe. As far as I know, it comes with a 12 radius.

_________________
One of God's own prototypes. Too weird to live, too rare to die.

The Hotrods are awesome guitars. I have a 57 that is tremendous. In comparison to my customshop guitar, theres not much in it difference wise. The neck is as comfortable, the fretwork as good. The nut slots could be lowered ever so slightly, but it would be a bit silly as theres nothing in it. When the hotrods as old as the custom classic it will no doubt be as low. The paint is super thin and everyone who has one mentions that they begin to see a body join beneath the finish before long.

I strongly recommend the hotrods. I love mine, user MrBill adores his as does CWPainter. With all production line guitars you need to play before purchase. Be prepared for a bit of a hunt. I travelled from nottingham to bolton for mine. Well worth the travel though, every time i pick the thing up im amazed.

_________________
No no and no

Jimmy,

Check out Wildwood '59s. They are very smilar to the HR 60s but I think they can be had for a bit less.

_________________
AmDlx HSS
62 Hot Rod
Luke w/Piezo
Carvin Belair

An Eric Johnson model has the 12' radius. Mike

_________________
The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

For the person who asked if I meant a 1969 re-issue, or custom shop 1969 strat - its a custom shop.

I think I'll hold on, and learn more about about one of those 'wildwood 10's' strats. I might take nikininga's advice, and go for THE '62 vintage hot rod if the 'wildwoods' prove to hard to get. (As I live in London).

I thought wildwoods were only for the wildwood shop in america somewhere. Nice guitars but your going to pay upto 40% on the advertized price for import taxes and vat.

_________________
No no and no

Yea, thats something I didn't know. I'll most likely go for a hot rod.

Bad news, Their exclusive to wildwood guitar shop.
http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/fender/10s/

You could order masterbuilt for the price they would end up costing you.

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/fender/10s/59strat/r44451/r44451.php
Your looking at £3800 roughly with only VAT @ 15% added. Theres customs charges and import tax to add after that. Customs charges vary from nothing to 20%, import tax is around 17.5%. Then theres shipping i doubt its free over 8000 miles.

For that kind of money masterbuilt to order is the only option that has any value for money.

_________________
No no and no

Hi Big Jay: he's a little unclear, but since there was no Custom Shop in 1969 I'm pretty sure Jimmy means a CS 1969 Reissue. I have a vague memory of his search for that guitar a few months ago - unless I'm getting mixed up.

Jimmy: I'd follow the two options that have already been suggested. Niki, Mr Bill and others have nothing but good to say of their Hot Rods (which have a 9.5 radius fingerboard, is that right?).

Likewise, everyone who owns one has been delighted with their Eric Johnson Sig Strat, with a 12 inch 'board. I've only played 'em in shops, but it seems to be the top of the production line output, from what I could see.

And I happen to know there was an EJ, blue with the bound rosewood fingerboard, in Regent Sounds in Denmark Street just a week or two ago. Ring first to check they still have it, cos I think you're a long way out of town, aren't you? But if you can get your hands on that one I think you may be pleased.

Good luck - C

Haha, thank you. But sheer reportage and window shopping, in this case!

Cheers - C

I don't know if I have the model name correct, but the Custom Shop Pro has a 12" radius. They can still be found online..... Mike