Hi all,

My first post, and I'm hoping someone can help me.

I own an 1983 Strat, the one with the guard mounted jack socket and single tone control. Now, I love the guitar, even though some see it as less than the real deal! My question/situation is this:

The neck/frets are getting pretty worn (it's been worked hard for 27 years!)
It's the widest/slimmest strat neck I've ever played, and although a little uncomfortable for thumb over chords (very sharp edges!) it really suits my hand.

Anyone know of a current strat with a similar neck/fret profile?

Hi & welcome to the forum,

If you love the guitar, why don't you look into getting it re-fretted?

I know I would! It will certainly cost you less than a new Stratocaster. and also, you may not find anything that that you feel quite so comfortable with.

After a good re-fret, it should be fit for another good 27 years service!

Russ

I agree and would also re-fret and with no sharp edges.

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I should go for a refret, and I'm pretty sure I will within the next few months. I'm just terrified of changing anything and losing that certain something, if you know what I mean!

Also, it wouldn't hurt to have a backup guitar (any excuse!) but without knowing the relevant neck details (I'm not sure how to measure such things) it means lots and lots of trying out guitars - not a bad thing. I've been keeping an eye out on e-bay and the like for another 83, but they don't come up very often.

Thanks for the quick responses - I look forward to having a good read of the forums

Forums are a great place for tips and Q & A for just about anything. As for a backup guitar with a thick neck... There are a few options based upon price...

Look for V-neck profile signature strats or Fender Deluxe. You'll pay a premium for that. The Kenny Wayne Shepherd signature strat has the fatest mexican made strat that goes for less then $1000 new. You could go that route. But I remember a guy on guitarjamz youtube lesson that has an '83 strat his refretted six times. Refrets cost over $200, but many people only really need a couple new frets, most likely the first 3 or 4 frets. But a good guitar tech should be able to help you there.

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I agree with the others about getting a refret ... go for it.

Of course, it is possible you could get by with just a leveling and recrowning.

A good luthier would do that before a complete refret. If you can get away with it. And usually one can.

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My other guitar is a Strat.