Hello,

First noob post!

I thought this might be of interest. I posted this on the Rickenbacker forum... and you'll understand why I thought it would be fitting here as well. Who knows... maybe it'll inspire... or not. Either way, this is what brought me here today.

From the RIC site:
Update... and boy... I never saw this coming.

So, I did check out the 600 series a bit. Nothing. Not that those models are not nice in their own right, but... they just didn't work for me.

Here's the funny thing... I happened to stop at my local guitar shop. You know, just to kill some time that day. Well, I took a glance at all the Fender stuff on the wall... as usual. Then, I noticed something. There was a lovely 2-tone American Deluxe (with the maple v-neck and S-1 pickup wiring). I noticed there was no sales ticket on it. I asked the sales guy and he told me, "this dude purchased this and then a few months later, and the guitar just sat in the case, he wanted something else." I asked what they planned to sell it for... and it was a lot less than the couple other S-1 models they had hanging... a lot less. Like... $600 less. So, I thought... hmm... I've already got my '86 Strat at home... what the hell do I need another one for? I decided to test drive it anyway. I mean, it sure was beautiful... and it had the v-neck and S-1 pickup configuration... might as well check it out.

Well, it sure felt familiar to me. Then, I plugged her in... Ooo... now those noiseless pickups have a different tone to them... and that S-1 switch (which is nothing like those VG strats) really gave this Strat a different sound... my jaw was beginning to drop... if only a bit. Once into full strumming... that v-neck really felt like a well worn fine leather glove to me. No joke... there's something to those v-necks... at least with my senses there is. I also liked the locking adjusters... and the antique pick guard... and the solid maple neck... and the... then it hit me! This thing's the one! The guitar I've been wanting to treat myself to... to celebrate with... to punctuate my one year cancer free testament.

It was speaking to me... at least... that's how I was taking it. I fought it a bit. I didn't want to be one of those guys who buys a 3-4 of the same guitar because of color... or edition... or some such thing. Thing is... this Strat wasn't like my old Strat. No. This was like my '86 Strat in some regards, but... and here's the odd part... it was like what my '86 Strat might feel like after another 23 years together or something. The new Strat felt THAT much at home with me... like it was made for me. Like I've been playing her all my life. Someone at Fender really gave this one some love when they built her.

So, yes... I purchased ANOTHER Strat! Ha! I never saw that coming. I guess these things... you never do. They just happen. Such is life.

Oh yeah, I called Fender to reg. this in my name. I happened to ask what the built date was for my new friend. They told me, "that was built April, 2008." -cue Twilight Zone music. This was exactly when I found out I had cancer! Talk about a coincidence?!

The fact that this guitar was at the shop... just hanging out (had only been there a couple week days). The fact that it played... no... it talked to me. The fact that it was EXACTLY the combination of finish, tone, features, etc. And... that I the fact that I wasn't looking for this... oh... and that built date... well... I've found my guitar. A connection... relationship was formed. You can't fight these things when they're meant to be.

Just wanted to thank you guys... and let you know how this all played out. I'll still be trying out Rics when I see them at guitar shops... and many other brands as well. Not to be "searching" mind you, but just to try them. For shits and grins. I don't feel that desire... that quest any longer. I've got my old friend (the '86 strat) for hanging out with. The one that's been there for me... that I've fallen back in love with. And... I've got this milestone Strat... this guitar that feels like it was meant just for me. I'm a fortunate man.

Take care... and happy strumming. :^)


PS Yes, in most of the bands that I've grown old with... the ones with the RICs in them... well, there's also been another guy with a Fender playing in the mix as well. I mean, what would The Church be without Peter Koppes? :^)

The end.

Hello Modrover,

Firstly welcome to the forum.

Secondly hope you got that Big "C" in check.

Thirdly Congrats on that fine axe,
Best of luck with it.

Cheers.

Welcome to the Forum!

Congrats on the new Strat! Post some pics, we love pics here.

Sending you some Major MOJO and Prayers for your battle with the Big C!

_________________
Chet Feathers

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

Hey Buddy, good to see ya here.

Thank you... yes... I'm one year cancer free!!!

That is how this whole new guitar thing came about. I told myself that once all the smoke settled and I was clean for one year... that I'd treat myself.

I've had my 1986 MIJ Fender Stratocaster (with Kahler) since new. It's been a great old friend to me. It's always been there for me and has never let me down. Stays in tune like no other and plays really fine. I wasn't looking to replace her... rather... I wanted something special to punctuate this one year milestone. I thought it to be a new Rickenbacker (and they are extremely fine guitars BTW), but made a real spiritual connection to this new '08 Strat. Go figure! I guess I'm a Strat man after all.

I'll try to post some photos...

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I'm a big fan of mid 80's MIJ Strats (I own 2) and would love to see pics of that too!!!

_________________
Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
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F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

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

I'm working on posting photos here... I'm rusty at this stuff

Mod, I guess God is watching over you .It seems like you got dealt a tough blow but everything is going fine for you now in life as I see you have had a good year and a lifetime ahead of you .Music can work magic and a strong mental outlook is needed to beat that disease which 3 members of my family are dealing with now. You will be in my prayers, and bend some strings for us Fender guys.

Amen to that! Thank you... my prayers go out to you and yours as well.

Cancer is an equal opportunity destroyer... plays no favorites. Doesn't care if you're wealthy or poor. Doesn't care if your Mr.Fitness or Mr.Couch Potato.

You're correct... attitude is key. I've got a lot to live for mate... and checking out because of cancer is sure NOT how I visioned my demise. God's got plans for me... I sure hope I can live up to them!

Welcome to the site and congratulations on an amazing purchase.

_________________
2005 Fender American Stratocaster W/Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge and Seymour Duncan SSL-5 in neck.
1995 Fender American Standard Stratocaster
Line 6 Spider II 150 watt head W/Ampeg 4x12 Cab
Laney Pro-Linebacker PL65R

modrover, congrats on the purchase and, more importantly, congrats on the clean bill of health. You'll be in my prayers for continued cancer-free living.

By the way, we desperately need pictures.

Good grief... I can't get photobucket to work on this... I'll keep trying.

_________________
"Boomshanka... may the seed of your loins be ever fruitful in the belly of your woman" (Neil -The Young Ones)

My 1986 Fender Stratocaster MIJ with Kahler. It's been with me since new. It's the longest relationship I've come to know.

_________________
"Boomshanka... may the seed of your loins be ever fruitful in the belly of your woman" (Neil -The Young Ones)

Good post! and good point. It dosn't matter whether its a deluxe, squire, or whatever. When it feels right, thats what counts. Good story, and great outlook. Thanks

Welcome modrover, from metro Chicago.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 'Riding with you. Best of wishes for enjoyment of the Am Deluxe Stratocaster. Personal feeling about the breed is they are truly amazing, far beyond excellent guitars. The phrase, "Too nice to be a Fender" has come to mind on multiple occasions.

Prayers and mojo for many more magnificently robust, diseases-free decades.