I'm thinking about buying a new American Deluxe in sun burst amber (Ithink thats the color). My question is this, should I go new or should I look for a really nice vintage Fender? The deluxe is nice with all the bells and wistles, but I'm just wondering if I should take that $1500 and spend it on an older Strat.
Thanks,
Lile

My opinion only!! If you can easily afford it I would go with the new Deluxe!! I know there will be differing opinions but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!
You'll never need to buy another strat.........But, If you're like most of us you'll have periodical GAS attacks!!

It really depends on what you're looking for... the Deluxe is a great guitar, I have a 2010 ash with maple in aged cherry sunburst, beautiful guitar and very light, it's becoming my #1. I like the new improved features, but I didn't care for the N3 pups, that's an easy fix tho. For the same amount of money you can pickup a nice "vintage" 30+ year old 70's Strat, you might get lucky and find one that's in good shape and is a great player, not all 70's will be... my '79 has a nice fat neck and sounds amazing, pups seem hot compare to other Strats, makes for a great Strat tone!

What didn't you like about the pick-ups, I was told by the salesman that these are the newest and supposedly sound like vintage 50's or 60's pick- ups. Not that I know what the 50's or 60's sound like, but I've heard all kinds of descriptions. What is your take on the S-1 switch.
Thanks,
Lile

As for the affordability....yes I can afford it, plus it would just be an addition to the 3 strats I have now. But just because you can afford something doesn't mean you have to go out and buy it. So with that said...where should I look for a vintage strat, say something in the 60's.
Thanks
Lile

The Deluxe in Sunburst Amber is a magnificent guitar.

Looks, sound, playability, flexibility...

...it's too nice to be a Fender.

A Fender which can run with the ES-335s and LP Custom and 6120 big dogs.

I understand now that you've told us you have 3 strats already. So, it's up to you, but you are not going to find a vintage 60's strat for $1,500!!! Unless you're talking re-issue!!(maybe)
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/prod ... sku=510049
Good luck in your search!!

AS far as a place to find a vintage try Gruhns Guitar!!
http://www.gruhn.com/

Well a 60s Strat is gonna cost you a few more $$$ for your price range, $1500, you can go with a 70s Strat.

The N3 pups are ok, very quiet, but they felt dead to me, not enough sparkle. When I compared them to my other Strats (79 and SRV) they felt too weak, no tight bass and not enough highs IMO... the tone I'm after is a nice clean strat tone, kinda like what you would hear when SRV plays Lenny.

The S-1 switch is nice, gives you different tones, some ok some horrible.. I have the Fralin Blues Specials now, with the blender, sounds way better!

The deluxe has my vote if it has everything you're looking for (because when you spend this kind of money on a guitar - or anything really - you're wasting your money if you're not getting exactly what it is you want).

In my own shameless opinion, I think today's deluxe blows a lot of the vintage 70's strats out of the water as far as straight playability goes(because guitars are meant to be played, right?), but then I've only ever played two 70's strats and so may be a bit biased. There are obviously your hidden gem, "real players" in any year.

That tobacco sunburst is a real looker, no?

I would not consider an older guitar, unless you really look hard and know exactly what to look for.

In otherwords, I would buy the new guitar. Most old guitars are worn and will not give you years of reliable performance like a new guitar will. There is a reason someone is selling the old guitar....and its usually to buy a new one. However, in this economy, who knows.

I think you can buy new with more piece of mind....

Now if you don't like the deluxe electronics, you can look at the AM. standards. That is what I did, saved money and am very happy.

_________________
Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst

Sorry but I have to disagree with you, we're not talking about cars here, guitars can and will last a long time, there's really not much to it, it's not like it has an engine and thousands of parts that need maintenance/replacement...

Well I understand, but I actually have old guitars, and they definitely wear. The saddles wear, the nut wears and the frets all wear from normal playing. The input jack wears from chords/leads being plugged and unplugged. Not only that but the electronics can corrode, and get dirty....ever heard any scratchy pots or have the guitar itself start to short? I have have seen it plenty.

Yes this can all be fixed, which if you have to do, it again supports my message. A new guitar is your best bet for years of reliability from a guitar. There are exceptions I admit, but anyone that has played fo any period of time knows that a guitar, just like a car, will wear out over time if played.

I have to strongly disagree with you, and I speak purely from experience of playing for over 25 years. If you believe that guitars do not wear, you have not played much. I have worn out two all by myself, I keep them though and fix them, others just sell....see my point?

_________________
Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst

I see what you're saying... I never said they don't wear, they do, but the fix or maintenance is usually pretty simple and not expensive IMO, unlike a car or any other machine with lots of hardware. But the characteristics of an older vintage guitar cannot be matched when you compare them to newer guitars... I have both, and I do like the "upgraded" features on newer guitars but when I reach for my 79 Strat that I've had for 25 years it's completely different story!

I think we confused the OP enough go out and get yourself a nice Deluxe, I recommend Ash, you won't be disappointed! Then when you find a older Strat you like and you have the cash go for it.

He's already got 3 strats!! I would like to know what model and year they are. Care to share with us? Like has already been said (many times in these forums),go out and try plenty of different strats, as it's hard for us to choose for you!

Agreed, but other things can also happen that are much worse if a guitar was not taken good care of, such as a warped neck, stripped truss rod, and the list goes on. That is why I said, to buy vintage, you really have to know what to look for. And even then there can be unwanted surprizes. I do love the vintage mojo guitars seem to get as they age, but buying one is more of a risk, than buying new from a reputable retailer. Plus with modern day wood drying techniques and finishes, I am not sure how big the vintage advantage really is anymore. My 08 strat puts out some great vintage strat tones.

_________________
Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst

If you buy a guitar used, you know you can sell it for what you paid for it. But if you buy a new guitar, you'll know its the real deal and you'll know your the only one who put that scratch/ding/chip etc. on it...

_________________
"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


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