I am completely undecided which to choose, i've heard the both have exactly the same body. So it's really the sound and general feel of it. Since i mainly play SRV, John Mayer Trio and Hendrix. What would you recommend?

I personally would get the SRV strat. Never tried a John Mayer strat though. But I think you should definitely go down to a guitar shop and test them both out A/B and see what feels and sounds better to you. I did that with a whole bunch of different stratocasters before I made a decision on my guitar.

luca if they are both the same specs I would say get the Mayer. The reason I am saying this is because as much as I love SRV and am also the owner of 2 artist series strars (Beck-Clapton) I do not like the big SRV decal on the guitar and everyone is going to think clone if you gig with it. I buy an artist series because I likw the guitar and what it offers and yes I am a fan of the players of the artist series models I have but to tell you the truth if they had a big JB or EC on them I would pass unless it was just to record with.

Actually, the decal is hardly noticible.Its not any different than the decal on the clapton strat.If you are talking about the pickguard, it is easily changed and most people do it.Hardly a reason to pass it up.The SRV has a 12 inch radius neck and the JM has a 9.5.I would definately try one of each out .BTW, John Mayer used to play a SRV exclusively.

We can't really decide for you. If we did you might end out with a metal guitar instead of the SRV of John Mayor Strat. Sorry.

If your budget permits, you may want to wait on the introduction of the new CS Mayer NOS. It portends to be a totally different beast from the current Artist Series guitar, the fit and finish of which I have never been impressed with.

As suggested by others, I would read the specs on both guitars off this website and then play each one preferably side by side, along with the NOS when it becomes available. Decide then whether it's worth saving your pennies to acquire the new edition. A Custom Shop product is definitely a better deal all around.

Doc

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

if you are on no budget, go with one of the new JM "The Black One" Replicas. 83 being made, and an unlimited 1-year run of a NOS variation. (got my name down on one of the 83. totally psyched!)

if you are on a budget, look for a used Signature JM Strat. you can find the Cypress Mica (like mine) pretty cheap on ebay. only 500 of them made.

Big Dipper pickups surpass the Texas Special pickups completely. absolutely NO comparison.

_________________
http://www.twitter.com/CAE_Music

It depends on what you are looking for really.Texas Specials are still one of the most popular pickups Fender makes.

From having a lot of experience with both strats, I can say the Mayer strat is more versatile and can get that SRV sound as well as many others. Now, you can do a lot with the SRV strat as well, but I think you can do even more with the Mayer strat. And I LOVE the Big Dippers. The tone is amazing.

But you have to play both and see which one feels more comfortable for you. What works for others might not work for you.

i tried the john mayer today, and i wasn't sure about the neck, i much prefer that SRV rounded neck, it just didn't feel right. But the sound was great! I also want to try a jeff beck for the neck shape and replace the pickups with either big dippers or texas special... what do you think i've still got to try the jeff beck

could always swap the John Mayer neck for a SRV if the neck is the deal breaker.

The Beck guitar is built as an entity...from the choice of pickups to the setup of the vibrato. I don't know that mixing and matching there is a good idea. Check out the specs on the Beck first.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

if not does anyone know the possible release date for the black one, and how much the NOS version will be?

Fender Eric Johnson RW Strat - will give you the sounds of both players (and a myriad of others) effortlessly.