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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 9:22 pm
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voxampguy wrote:
chec, I totally understand.


Sorry, cech

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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 5:53 am
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cechansler: Apparently you don't get the point of what the VG is all about. Either you are a collector &/or home studio type, or else you have roadies for all your gigs. Most of us that play regular club gigs aren't about to carry more than a couple guitars (main and a back up/spare), need to minimize stage space for our rigs and keep our maintenance time and costs to a minimum as well. (String prices and the time to change them all.)

I am a working musician and own 14 guitars, but I don't take more than 3 to any gig and I normally take just 2, one being my VG. I don't need to carry my Ric 370-12 and make a quick switch (during the song) to play Hotel California or Stairway to Heaven. Not only is the 6 easier to play 12-string parts, but it's much more convenient to switch a setting than switch out guitars... AND (obviously) it's quicker too! Sure, it may not have all the dynamics and overtones of the real thing for a Ric-12 part, but for live stage, it works and I don't have to invest in (nor cart around) a Gibson/Epiphone/Ric double-neck that only gives me those 2 options and, needless to say, is a lot heavier.

Maybe you enjoy every guitar you acquire each in its own way for what it is and how it plays, but when it comes to having 37 sounds at your instant disposal without investing in 37 different guitars and dragging them all to a gig, that's called convenience! Besides, having just one scale length and neck size to deal with and not needing to 're-set' your hand and fingers between different brands (and their respective scales), cuts way down on any physical acclimation adjustment as well. Jumping from 24" to 24.75"/25" to 25.5" can throw you off enough to under- or over-shoot a quick upper line; therefore you can make a mistake that's not easy to cover up &/or hide. Everything I point out here is from almost a half-century of professional experience and believe me, that's a lot of gigs and a lot of pressure to get a big range of different sounds as quickly as possible.... and the VG certainly does that better than any other guitar I'm aware of. Maybe some prefer a guitar like the Variax, but no matter what, it's definately not a Fender!


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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:31 am
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Guitarman1117, I couldn't have said it better. Though I don't play out hardly anymore, in the 40+ years I did, I would have given anything to have had the VG technology. It goes without saying, there's not a guitar in the world that's going to please everyone. For what the VG offered, I was satisfied with. I have 13 guitars. The VG being possibly the last one I will ever buy. I've got two 1972 Tele Deluxe that were manufactured 17 from each other (according to the serial number) and they don't sound identical, close but not exactly.
I really can't see any difference between my VG and the promos that I watched proir to buying one. Never did Fender claim that all 37 settings were the cats meow. Anyone who assumes differently just wanted something to complain about.
Amp types, settings, postion, room size plus many other variables all contribute to what is heard. The FIRST thing I did when I got my VG was turn every button on my amp to 0. I then brought them up in small increments untill I got the sound that I like. Maybe this won't work for everyone, but before driving the VG into the ground, one should try the basics first, then add all the effect pedals (that was sarcasm). Love the VG for what it is not what you thinnk it should be.

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Everyone have a great day and VG ON!!!


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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:09 am
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howebber: Wow, thanks for backing me up here. I'm sure many others feel the same way too; more than likely, (owning and really employing it), a much bigger percent than don't.

From what I've seen (and heard) over the years, too many of the more 'modern' guitarists use one guitar, its main sound(s) and only vary with a multitude of F/X (pedals). Us older-school types who still play a lot of Classic Rock understand that shred isn't the only thing most audiences want to hear all night long. Nearly every song we play has its very own character and even bass players, keyboardists and drummers are aware of that, each for their own instrument's parts. Moreover, a single front man/singer has all they can do to try and match style, phrasing and range of the many different vocals they emulate &/or attempt to cover. Any group is lucky to have more than one lead singer. Let's face it, literally all musicians start out with cover tunes until they develop their own approach and style. Even then, they have their 'heroes' that influence their technique, which can sometimes be detected in things that they play &/or how they play'em.

If you take any notice, a change in personnel will change the over-all sound of a band, even if that new person uses the same equipment. However, equipment aside, I'm talking more about musical influence. For example, slight regarding bass in Metallica yet drastic in adding keys and changing lead vocals in the Doobie Brothers. More to the point, look at all the differences Clapton went through until he settled on a Strat. Even then, different pickups and amps have varied his sound(s) over the years. Besides, what sounds great in the studio and on record may not always work for you live on stage.... and vice versa.

It all boils down to having options and plenty of them. The VG gives us all that and more. What else can be said but the fact that if you want options, the VG is all you really need. If you're satisfied with just a few sounds and whatever applied F/X, stick with it, but don't slam the VG for what it can or can't do. If the VG isn't your thing, why knock it? We have enough dissent between Strat and Tele players, let alone between Fender, Gibson, PRS, etc., etc.


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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:30 am
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Right on guys...the VG is what it is, a very good all around guitar. Bedroom guitarists and collector snobs steer clear! It's a workin' man's guitar.

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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:50 am
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Guitarman1117: Amen to that!!


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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:51 am
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voxampguy wrote:
Right on guys...the VG is what it is, a very good all around guitar. Bedroom guitarists and collector snobs steer clear! It's a workin' man's guitar.



Only time will tell if the VG will someday be a collector. How many were made during its brief production?

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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:07 am
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That will probably depend on how many were made, how many are left in the market and what Fender is going to do with the "platform" in the future. Their MO is that they are committed to the platform, but I would guess that if they are, the VG will be a Latin or Asian product to bring the cost down, don't you? It seems that overall, the guys that care about the probably don't care where the guitar is made as much as a purist would. I on the other hand bought this guitar because it also gave me an American Standard Strat that plays really well as just that!

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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:25 am
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Now, if I were an official at Fender, I'd be watching every post I could on the VG, both pro and con. Then incorporate some of the suggestions and after a year or two (or whatever time frame) come out with a VG with these added or replaced goodies.
The only gripe, for lack of a better term, I think the volume knob is a liitle close to the playing area but I find I am getting used to it.
Insofaras the amount produced, I just sent an email to my buddy at Fender. If he knows or is allowed to say, I'm sure he'll pass it on to me.


Later Guys & Gals.


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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 11:56 am
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The volume knob position is pretty much the normal Strat v position. The biggest complaint/suggestion that I could offer is that I would much rather see an Open E tuning rather than the Dorian D tuning. That is pretty worthless for the most part and open is the most common tuning for slide. 8)

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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 1:24 pm
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Agreed.


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Post subject: Re: Re:
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:29 pm
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nikininja wrote:
voxampguy wrote:
Sometimes, ya just gotta "cut out all that macho $@!& and learn how to play guitar!

EXACTLYIt's about making a sound, not showing off how much you spent.

Well mate, you well know that about two years ago, when the guitar was D/C'd, I searched the GC inventory for a Deluxe VG, SCN pickups, V-neck and Aged Cherry Sunburst finish. Awesome guitar dude.
Everything but the girl. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 7:39 am
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Because of ZZDOC I own the same GC FSR American Deluxe VG as he does.It is a really fun Strat,I have 7 other Fenders and a Les Paul an it is one of the most played of the herd.I had and American standard VG prior to the Deluxe and it was a nice guitar also.


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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 11:42 am
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I see they are about to release a VG strat with the 13 pin output added. All of the functionality of the original AWESOME VG strat and the output to drive the Roland synths. Great idea. By the way, I love my sunburst/maple VG strat. Take the batteries out and use it as the great guitar it is, but put the batteries in and love the added functionality. One click drop D tuning, baritone, 12 string, humbuckers etc. Not perfect but very good. And the battery issue is silly. Put a set of rechargables in it and use it for a week without worrying about it.


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Post subject: Re: What Killed the VG Stratocaster ?
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 12:13 pm
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zbumifu wrote:
I see they are about to release a VG strat with the 13 pin output added. All of the functionality of the original AWESOME VG strat and the output to drive the Roland synths. Great idea. By the way, I love my sunburst/maple VG strat. Take the batteries out and use it as the great guitar it is, but put the batteries in and love the added functionality. One click drop D tuning, baritone, 12 string, humbuckers etc. Not perfect but very good. And the battery issue is silly. Put a set of rechargables in it and use it for a week without worrying about it.

I'm going to have to revisit the Premier Guitar website wherein Skunk Baxter previews this guitar because the main critiques were that the synth jack was not in this new instrument. Maybe we all missed something. :? Beyond that, there doesn't seem to be very much new on this one. I'll stick with my '08 for the present.

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