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Post subject: Buddy Guy signature Artist model Stratocaster??
Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 9:33 am
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Before I ask about this - I know that each guitar is a bit different due to the woods, components and, most of all, the workmanship put into each one. So the differences I'm asking about are differences pertaining to this particular model.

I'm interested in (maybe) getting a Buddy Guy signature strat. The artist model, not the mim polka dot model. (wanting the sound and good playing, not just the look)

I also looked at the specs on the Eric Clapton model. But the specs on the Buddy Guy model look better to me. Also the Buddy Guy model has the ash body.

Anyway, I know the specs tell you a lot about the guitar, but I'm wondering about the playability and workmanship. My question is - is this just an ash bodied, maple neck standard assembly line strat that has had the electronic and cosmetic features added - OR - is special attention to detail, particularly in the neck, given to this model. In other words does it still play like a standard strat (which isn't bad, by-the-way), or is it a cut above, and play exceptionally well - as some would say, "like butter".

OR -- Put another way - What do you get for all that extra money, besides the electronics and the decorations?

Before anybody says "go play one" - I can't. There's no fender dealer in town and physical disability prevents traveling to the closest dealer.
So, if I can get one, it will have to be mail order - or, as is now days, Internet order. So, sorry, but, I'm here asking questions first. :oops:

I already have a natural color, northern ash bodied, maple neck Strat Plus Deluxe (or Deluxe Plus - whichever it was called back then - memory fails on that) that came with a blue, silver and red lace sensor pickups. I later changed out the pickguard assembly to an identical white pickguard, but with custom shop 54 pickups and the correct value pots and capacitor for the early pickups. The original pickguard assembly was stored so that the guitar can be put back to original condition if it needs to be. This guitar is obviously several cuts above the standard strat in playability, assembly and workmanship. The only negatives being a very flat feeling fretboard (like a classical guitar fretboard - uncomfortable) and the weight - but I don't play standing anyway, so the weight becomes not so important.

I also have an early classic '60s Strat, in 3 color sunburst, with the alder body and rosewood fretboard. It is a nice guitar and plays good, with a more comfortable rounded fretboard, but not quite as "slick" and fast to move on as the Plus Deluxe maple neck. Also not the sound of the ash bodied, maple neck strat.

If I could combine the "rounded", more comfortable, fretboard of the classic '60s Strat with the Plus Deluxe - I probably wouldn't be thinking about another guitar.

So .... Is the Buddy Guy strat going to play more like the '60s Strat, the Plus Deluxe or maybe even better than both? (in the ballpark?)

Can anyone (maybe a Fender person) give me some info about this?

Thanks very much, in advance, for any help. :D


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:59 pm
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I contacted a couple of the closest stores (both are BIG stores - one was Guitar Center) in a neighboring city to see if they had one and could tell me anything about this model.

One was not even aware of the signature model and the other said they didn't have any in stock. :shock:

Both said I would have to "special order" it, pre-paided, for them to get one in. One said if I wasn't happy with it, he would try to help me sell it. :(

That info - coupled with no info here yet - makes me think this is an unpopular model. I wonder if Fender will keep it in their line-up for much longer. :?

I thought that at least someone from Fender would respond, since they make it and would know the answers to my questions, if no one else did.

If anyone has any info - good or bad - would you please share.


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:04 pm
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Hi rholloman,

I can't really help you about your questions, but like you, I'm really interested in this model. It's hard to find infos about it on the web. There are some players review there http://reviews.harmony-central.com/revi ... aster/10/1 (you probably knew it). I'm wondering if I will be able to try it soon or later because, like you said, it's not a really popular model. But for me it makes the guitar even more attractive. ;-)

If you find something interesting, let me know !


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:29 pm
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I was just eyeballing it again today for the 1,00,000th time. I love Buddy Guy. He has had an huge impact on todays music whether peps reailze it or not.

I'll bet this is a gorgeous piece but alas, I'll never know first hand.

I wish I had a pile of money. I'd buy a house full of strats.


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:53 pm
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Hello HarmonicaJim,

Yep ... I've read and re-read those harmony central reviews several times. And THANKS for putting a link in your post! Others reading this later will probably find it very useful too.

I couldn't find much in the reviews comparing it's playability to other strats though. If it was there, I must have missed it. There was a hint in one that a person might could interpret to mean the neck is better than a standard strat.

If I do find something new on it, I'll post it here.

Hello Strataholic,

As you said - I too have looked at the pictures I could find many, many times. And read over the specs many times too. I just wish I could actually hold it in my hands and play it enough to find the answers to my questions.

In my opinion, Buddy Guy has contributed more to music than even most musicians realize. As you probably know, he has influenced many others since he started playing. His sound and Eric Claptons sound are two of my favorites.

If the Buddy Guy Strat wasn't so blasted expensive - I might take the chance. If I find enough positive info (which, at this point, I'm doubting will happen) I just might take the chance anyway. Although, that would strain my finances to the max.

However, IF, for example, a Fender factory guy (which should know) comes in and says something to the effect of, it's a dressed up standard strat - then that would settle it for me too.

Still wondering



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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:15 pm
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Fender does have a toll-free phone number for customer support.

I should imagine that there are dealers that would allow a return, perhaps with a return fee like 10 to 20%? Too bad we can't buy them at Wal-Mart! LOL

I re-read you post. I think I have the answer you're looking for. The Artist model that you see is very similar to Buddys' strat. If you wanted one exactly like Buddys', you'd need to order it from the Custom Shop.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this.


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:27 pm
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Strataholic wrote:
Fender does have a toll-free phone number for customer support.

I should imagine that there are dealers that would allow a return, perhaps with a return fee like 10 to 20%? Too bad we can't buy them at Wal-Mart! LOL


I didn't know they now had a toll-free number. I also couldn't find it on their site. Do you have the number, or know how, or where, I could find it?

Wal-Mart?!?!
Now that would be great - if they were available there. And returns wouldn't be a problem either.

But, over the years, once I finally buy a guitar, with one exception, I keep them. And that one, I let a friends young son talk me out of. Later, I have wished I still had it. But he has really enjoyed it. Oh well, live and learn.


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:38 pm
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I'll get it to you when I get home - in about an hour.


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:41 pm
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rholloman wrote:
Strataholic wrote:
Fender does have a toll-free phone number for customer support.

I should imagine that there are dealers that would allow a return, perhaps with a return fee like 10 to 20%? Too bad we can't buy them at Wal-Mart! LOL


I didn't know they now had a toll-free number. I also couldn't find it on their site. Do you have the number, or know how, or where, I could find it?

Wal-Mart?!?!
Now that would be great - if they were available there. And returns wouldn't be a problem either.

But, over the years, once I finally buy a guitar, with one exception, I keep them. And that one, I let a friends young son talk me out of. Later, I have wished I still had it. But he has really enjoyed it. Oh well, live and learn.


I would not have the heart to part with my crummiest strat.

I remember this guy who used to run around in a pickup truck with an old sunburst precission in the back - no case, no nothing - just let it bounce about. He would not sell it to me - I think he was trying to drive me nut!


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:40 pm
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rholloman, have seen the Buddy Guy Teachin' the Blues DVD?


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:45 pm
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It appears that my wife tossed the old phone directory with the number. I'll keep looking for it......


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Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:39 am
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HarmonicaJim wrote:
rholloman, have seen the Buddy Guy Teachin' the Blues DVD?


No ... I haven't seen it. I did see it for sale on Amazon.com. And I almost bought it. Then I read the reviews there. Most said there wasn't much in the way of 'instruction' on the video. They did say that Buddy played throughout and talked and told stories from his experiences. I still think about getting it just for that though. (all people, even though their hearts might be in the right place, don't have the gift of teaching)

Just the little bit I've heard about him was, he came up from being in poverty in either Louisiana, or Mississippi , (don't remember which right now) went to Chicago where he almost starved (literally) until he met Muddy Waters. Then Muddy Waters "took him under his wing", so-to-speak, taught him some about the guitar, and the rest is history.

Besides being one of the greats of music, he would be be a living example of the American dream. From rags to riches. With a little help from some friends, but mostly by just gritting it out and making it happen himself. At least that's the way I understand it from the little bit of info I've found.



Strataholic wrote:
It appears that my wife tossed the old phone directory with the number. I'll keep looking for it......


Thanks for looking and thanks for trying anyway. :D

I searched on their site and never found the number.
I tried a google search too, still didn't turn up anything. :(

Oh well .... :?


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Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:20 am
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I said I would post here if I found anything else.

Well, I found two reviews of the Buddy Guy Artist model Strat on Musicians Friend.

In one review, while most of it was praising the features, there was also;
........ Very playable although mine needed some minor fretwork which in not unusual from Fender or Gibson even in the higher price guitars. My only knock is the sharpness at the edge of the fretboard. This would be much more playable still with some rolled edges there.
the review is dated Sep 27, 2006 - so not that old

This type if info was what I was looking for. While I wish the report had been something like "and it has the rolled edges on the fretboard and excellent fret work too" - it wasn't. With the very limited info available on this model - I guess I was lucky to even find this.

When I spend THAT MUCH on a guitar - it has to be right. SO, I'm passing on this model, and I'm just going to forget it. :(

I guess this info from the review might be why Fender never responded. (I doubt they would report anything that might be considered negative) But then, their silence was noticed also, and made me keep looking. Glad I did. Just straight, true, information (example: rolled edges or not) was all I wanted.

I want to say Thank You to those that have answered here and tried to help. I wish I could also thank the person that took the time to post that review - but I don't know how to contact him.


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Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:03 pm
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Oh, the Buddy Guy's video is a real pleasure to watch. He talks abaut the blues, his playing, his style. Some really good advices are given there. He is not teaching you by saying things like "push that string", "slide up here", "play it quick", for that matter you have a tablature booklet that comes with the DVD and each exemple may be played at slow tempo, which is preaty cool. I think that the value of this lesson does not remain in the theorical aspect of the thing, but in the occasion given to sit for an hour with Buddy, watching him play and share some of his thoughts on playing the blues.

By the way, if you forgot the idea of getting his signature model, are you looking at something else?


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Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:37 am
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HarmonicaJim wrote:
Oh, the Buddy Guy's video is a real pleasure to watch. He talks abaut the blues, his playing, his style. Some really good advices are given there. He is not teaching you by saying things like "push that string", "slide up here", "play it quick", for that matter you have a tablature booklet that comes with the DVD and each exemple may be played at slow tempo, which is preaty cool. I think that the value of this lesson does not remain in the theorical aspect of the thing, but in the occasion given to sit for an hour with Buddy, watching him play and share some of his thoughts on playing the blues.


What you said about "the occasion given to sit for an hour with Buddy, watching him play and share some of his thoughts on playing the blues", is why I'm still thinking of getting one.

I didn't know it came with tablature too. That makes it even better.


HarmonicaJim wrote:
By the way, if you forgot the idea of getting his signature model, are you looking at something else?


Not right now. I haven't found one with the features of the Buddy Guy model - but with the rolled edge neck.

I haven't found the combination of the ash body, gold lace sensor pickups, with a 22 fret maple neck, with a 9.5" radius in another model yet.

I have found other strat models with an ash body, and others with a maple neck, but just 21 frets. But none yet that have even most of the features of the Buddy Guy model.

I'll probably just continue to play these I have been so fortunate to find over the years. (I had more money to spend back then too)



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