So I did it, in the face of much derision. I live in the UK where US flags aren't so popular.

I've always wanted a Strat, but I've only ever owned one before, and very briefly, because I don't get on with them. Before that only Teles: AW MIM Std, OW 60's Classic, OW '72 Deluxe FSR, a matching pair of Butterscotch CP Bajas and a Black '72 Custom. I had a 60's Classic Strat in LPB as an experiment for like a week. Even blocking off the trem didn't fix it for me, didn't like it. (I only buy Mexicans, can you tell?)

Then in comes this beauty, breaking all my rules. I don't like Strats. I don't like signature models. I don't like relics (especially not huge on the Roadworns, which look sanded and one-dimensional). I'm not even a MC5 fan. I'm not American, so it's not a patriot thing. And yet, I'm now the proud owner of a Wayne Kramer Signature Strat. Bonus, my drummer works in the store so he gave me a killer deal.



Plays like it means it. Most Strats sound too "pretty" for me. I like Teles because they're brash and clangy. This one is, I think probably down to the hardtail (I really want to try the Robert Cray strat now). I hated the finish at first - I tried it out in the store more as a joke - but now I love it. It reminds me of that Jasper Johns painting. The relicing is remarkably authentic, at least on the one I bought (some of the exposed wood looks a bit new, but that'll be sorted in a few months of playing). Still not keen on signatures, but this is Wayne Kramer the underground punk rock guy so it's got style and attitude, it's hardly like I'm buying some kind of nerdy John Petrucci wannabe tech hero machine. I use an Orange DT30 amp with a TS-9 and a standard 1960 Marshall cab, and that middle position with some hair on it almost sounds like you're running a good fuzz pedal. As described, the bridge pickup is very Tele-ish, and the neck pup is more Strat-like but a tad fatter and less glassy. Heavy strings and a heavy hand really get the thing cooking. Love it. LOVE IT.

So what do we reckon? This is a limited edish, one year only, and my suspicion is that they won't sell too well because of the finish (in the EU at least - plus over here MC5 are practically unheard of) and as a player it's VERY specific, not at all like a normal Strat in feel or sound - most people looking for this kind of sound will prefer a Tele with a bucker in the neck. I know with it being Mexican it makes it all relative, but since there's no "real" US contender to compete, down the line do you think we're looking at a potential rarity? Okay, so it'll never make me rich but it would be nice if it held its value well. (I know someone might mention its posthumous value - I want to state for the record that I wish Mr. Kramer a long and happy life.)

Cheers!

I played one of these recently just because and it played nice and yes the hardtail does make a sonic difference, and the pickups sounded great, just not very straty...either way, nice score

By the way Welcome to the forum!

T2

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What time is it? It's Fender Time.

as T2 said, welcome to the forum, and i'll add....GOOD SCORE !!

if you want to add some color to the "sanded" appearing spots, rubbing with chewing tobacco or dark tealeaves will "age" it a bit, without damage.

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You won't hurt its feelings boy, play it like you stole it!
ASPCA We Are Their Voice !
Speaking up for those that can't speak for theirself.....
Proud member of the ASPCA "Guardian Angel" program.

What

Same colors as the union flag and possibly a better design! IMHO

What? Better design? Never. There's no better a flag in the world.

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No no and no

Welcome to the Forum. I have looked at these Strats on-line, but not seen one in a store yet. I was wondering how it would sound. It looks like a beast. Thanks for the pic and welcome to the forum. Congrats on the new guitar.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Welcome to the forum Max,I'm not American either but I'd have a guitar like yours in a heart beat-that paint job is just over the top-I love it.

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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.

They should make a strat with the union jack on-a Pete Townshend signature?