Which do you prefer? And why?

I have both.

I like the 57 AVRI. Better stock pickups in the AVRI and I like vintage frets and round fret radius.

I like the 57 AVRI better too. Partly because they don't have a Hot Rod with a white blonde finish and an ash body >_>

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I traded my car in for a microphone.

I like the Hot Rod 57 myself, but I also prefer the 9.5" radius.

Both are excellent guitars. It simply comes down to personal preference.

I tried a '57 hot rod and was blown away by the neck - absolutely fantastic! Perhaps I liked it so much because of the satin finish. I would of bought the guitar had the pickguard not been warped. The sales guy explained that warping was typical of single-ply pickguards. Come to think of it though, had I bought the guitar that sort of thing probably would have been covered by warranty anyway. Hope it's still there come saturday

Nikininja put this thread's very question not long after the HR was introduced. His quest was intially for the VRI until I urged him to audition the VHR. He never looked back. Mine's finally on order and is expected in August.
Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

I'm happy to hear it, ZZDoc! Do you know if they're still available for order? I can't seem to find them under the products tab. That might be my last resort.

Oooh, that neck though. It really is the "buttery" kind of neck that I've been seeking for a long time.

Well my view is obvious, I'll tell you why eh?

Pickup sound is highly speculative. I for one like the sound of SCN's. If ever there was a thick sounding humbucking singlecoil, thats it. They cover a hell of a lot of ground, tonaly, with a good amp. Mine currently does from thrash to skynard onstage. You won't get that diversity out of a straight 57RI, their a historic piece.

The neck is utterly divine. It's like Jesus crafted it, with all the Mexican-corona employee's....

He could well have. (not racism, just a jape, with no offence intended).

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No no and no

[/quote]My curiosity has also been piqued by the omission in the products listings. Just hoping that it's one of Fender's familiar quirks. It's happened before with the Buddy Guy MIA. In the matter of the neck.....that's one of the features which impressed me and I stressed to Niki. We both have a preference for that kind of neck profile, not far different from the Clapton, as well as the SCN's.
Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

From what I've read here, the Hot Rod's finish is extremely delicate. Maybe too delicate?

It's a 'vintage' vibe. Sometimes I get the feeling that guitar's finished in poly look like they've been fitted with plastic slip covers.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Great perspective! I've always liked my guitars shiny and new looking. Maybe that's not the right thought. My only concern with the Hot Rod had been the finish.

There's no arguing your preference. nor mine for for not caring to pay beaucoup bucks for a CS guitar distressed to the point where it looks like its been dragged behind a truck. I'd rather do my own damage. Shucks! We've just seen a '57 Strat(original owner) side by side with his Fullerton, with the old lady showing just a few dings. I mean, you can well play a guitar without killing it. Had I the tolerance for a few dings, my '58 might well still be with me. But no.....I wuz like you 40 years back, So the '58 went back to CBS-Fender in '69 for a re-finish and on to oblivion. Bad move.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Like I said, I have both the 57AVRI and the 57VHR.

As far as the bodies go, they are both built and finished exactly the same. The only difference between the two is that the 57VHR bridge route is 1/4 inch deeper than the 57AVRI. If the 57VHR finish is going to be too delicate, then the 57AVRI will be too delicate too.

I also have a 50's Classic that has a poly finish. I don't beat my guitars, but I wouldn't say that the nitro finish is too delicate. I have a couple of dings in all of my guitars. The finish has not chipped nor worn in the ~3yrs of playing them.

Thanks for the clarification. I thought that the finish on the Hot Rod was thinner.