I am going to pick up a Fender Strat tomorrow. The serial number tells me it was made in Mexico in 03/04. It is Sage green which I understand is a little hard to come by these days?
The guitar is in wonderful condition but, the original pickups were switched out for Lace Sensor Golds. Not familiar with them. I am getting the original pickups with it though. Which is the better way to go?
I am trading even up for my Takamine EG 440C Black Quilt Top, with hard-shell Takamine case. Otherwise his cash price was $350.00.
Am I getting a good deal? Both his guitar and mine are near mint condition.
Good swap?
Thanks

That is so subjective, but the Lace Golds are very nice pickups, but only you will know which one you like better.


As for fair trade? well, if you're trading for something you will use more, and like more then it's a good deal.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Well the Lace Sensors are an upgrade, if you like the sound. If not, you could sell them and get a nice guitar, and some extra cash.

I have Lace Sensors in all but 3 of my guitars.

It sounds like a fair trade, a small suggestion.

Since you are getting the original pick ups, I would suggest getting a second pick guard and set it up so you can have a drop in if you want to change it over, all you need do is solder the ground and the feed and you can swap them out at will.

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Marriage is like playing cards...

At first all you want are Hearts and Diamonds.

But in the end, all you really want is a Club and a Spade.

Hey folks, thanks for the very quick replies and advice! I really like Jeffytunes idea of setting up a drop-in pick-guard so I can have one at the ready! It's almost like getting two-two-two-for the the price of one!
My interest in Strats was recently rejuvenated by another trad I made for a guitar that was built by a gentleman out of Milwaukee. It is an SS/HS st-up and it is a sweet guitar. Just picking up that "S" style guitar felt like "home". I hadn't realized just how much I missed having/playing a Strat.
I also like the philosophy that, If I play it more and like it more, it's a fair trade no matter what the actual monetary value.
Have a great day folks!
I'll let you know how it goes once I get her home. Maybe post some pics? Most of the Sages I have seen have white pick guards, this one has what the owner calls, "Silverleaf" pearloid?

Well, it was a beautiful day for a long ride, (94miles) to Sturgeon Bay, WI. to get my new/used Strat! The pics posted in the ad did not do this guitar justice! She is a true beauty and plays like a dream! The guy I bought it from forgot to tell me that he had not only upgraded the pickups but, the bridge saddles as well! He gave me all the original parts including the original saddles.
When I opened the case it was that "WOW" factor. I almost felt bas but, he really wanted what I had to offer and I threw in a 50 dollar bill.
Now all I have to do is learn more about setting up my own guitars! My first task is to lock the tremelo down. I know it's probably an easy job but, for a guy who has always taken his guitar is for st-ups and repairs, even the simplest of tasks can be a bit daunting.
I have to figure out how to upload a pic or two to see what you all think![/[b[/b]

You got yourself a real keeper,MIM Strats are great guitars as is but with the Lace Sensors and the bridge upgrades combined with the hard to come by colour you got a gift.Enjoy-and I'm sure that you will.BTW if you ever grow tired of it drop me a line lol.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Thanks for the comments on my good fortune at finding a sweet Strat! That being said, I am one of those guys who, when given an offer, can be persuaded to trade or sell a guitar. I even have all the original parts. What I don't know is, what is it worth with all of the upgrades and original parts?
I would post some photos but, I don't know how?
I have seen pics of at least two other Sage colored Strats and they had solid white pick-guards and rear cover plates. Mine has a very attractive silver-leaf style guard and cover plate.
I want to lock the bridge down and that is something I would like to do myself. I do not know how but, I think at 47 and having played since the age of 12, it's about time I started doing some of my own guitar setups and repairs. There are certainly enough how-to resources out there>
Hey, if you make an offer of a trade or I will even take evil cash! Ha Ha

Congrats on getting the Strat!



Check this out: http://www.fender.com/support/stratocas ... _guide.php

Decking the bridge gets brought up around here about every other day, so you should find plenty of info. Try doing a search here on the Strat forum for "bridge" or "decked bridge" or "blocked bridge". Try googling "deck Strat bridge" too. The simplest way is to add a trem spring in back and/or screw in the trem claw until the back of the bridge rests flush on the body of the guitar. Easy peasy. Then give your Strat a once over for action and intonation. Good luck.

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

Thanks for the advice and yeah, I know it is a common question. I am a little nervous about setting it up but, I can always take it in and pay the 40 or so bucks to have a pro do it.
Thanks for the congrats too. I think I have a keeper!!!

Well for base price, I've seen stock MIM's the same age as yours go for $250-$300 on craigslist these days.

You have an aftermarket pickguard on yours. Would be nice to see a pic of, 'silver-leaf'??? Sounds fancy. White was stock on the MIM Standards. Sage Green was discontinued in 2006 as it seemed to be the most unpopular color. I remember Guitar Center blowing out the old dusty sage green Strats and Teles for less than $300 after the MIM Stds got the 2006 upgrade and new colors. Sage green seems to be a popular color in the used market all of a sudden. I wonder if Fender will reissue Sage Green?

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

I picked me up a 2004 sage green back in feb of 2005 (it could be a 2005 but I wouldnt think it is) anyhow it still has stock pick-ups and sounds ok....I have been thinking on getting some LS Gold or Red,Silver, Blue for it....A guitars (no matter who makes it) value is only what the player thinks it is. I paid $379 for mine back in 05 +$90 for a HSC and was offered $400 for it a year ago not bad for a 5 year old guitar (no I didnt sell it) so IMO if you like the feel of it nad it plays good...you got a great deal.

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2008 Am. Std. Strat
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2010 Am. Deluxe Strat
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