It's here, at last... my 'new' 2005 American Deluxe 'None More Black'. Thanks to the cunning detective work of a few of you forumites, I purchased this guitar from eBay with full intentions of giving it a shot as a whole guitar, not just ripping the neck off...

I spent a devil of a long time cleaning up. There was so much dirt just ingrained on the guitar... the strings hadn't been changed since 2005... it was a tragedy. Underneath all the crap, it was pretty damn fine.

Enjoy... my current electric lineup. A full Strat herd!











Overall, I'm not totally won over by the black 'un currently. I think I need a little more gelling time. Not keen on the S1 switching, I appreciate what it does but it's not the subtlest of applications! The feel is odd. Been a while since I've dealt with an ebony 'board.

In other news, bought the cutest little amp today. Due to the slightly antisocial nature of my job, whenever I'm home from work it's a little too late to be disturbing everyone in the house with the green beasty I own. So I swung by the local music store with designs on a Line 6 Pocket Pod, just something to practise on quietly. Ended up going for the Roland Micro Cube. What a cool amp! I was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality, the modelling capability and the in-built effects. Everyone should have one of these.

Also, tried out a Squier Classic Vibe '60s Strat. I know now what all the fuss is about. Absolutely cracking guitar, let alone at that price. Seriously toying with the idea of getting one...

EDIT:

Here's some cleanup pics from when I got the guitar. Also had to remove a shit-ton of plastic from the pickguard- that took ages.

Anyhoo... before:



















After:







And before anyone asks, yes, that is a comedy-size lightbulb that I'm using to get the guitar's finish shown.

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'01 American Deluxe HSS Strat.
'87 Japan HSS Strat.
'11 Custom Shop FMT HSS Strat.

"Without music, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines and dates by which bills must be paid."

Nice line up there. Thanks for sharing.

I too love the Classic Vibe 60 Stratocasters. I owned one until I had Blacktop GAS attack. I don't regret my decision letting it go, but I do miss it.

On the 'None More Black' are there any markers on the side of the neck. I think I would get lost from time to time without the markers. I do have to admit, I love the no-dot-look on the face of the fretboard.

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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

Wow, you did a great job cleaning her up. Great guitar.
Congrats.

Cheers,
Robin

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http://www.youtube.com/robinstrower
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Thanks for sharing.

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Jonque Victory Star-Halong Jonque Ginger-Les jonques du Mekong

Great job , some elbow grease and time make a world
Of difference

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"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."

oogway, kungfu panda 2008

Great set of Strats! A little of everything there...Nice clean up job too! And yep those Classic Vibes are monster for the $$$! By the way, nice photo documentation for us!

T2

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What time is it? It's Fender Time.

I remember those saddles!
Glad they got to you and worked out ok Vlad. Give the S1 some time, it's not meant to make a subtle difference but a glaring one.

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No no and no

Ah yes, I do believe many many thanks are in order! They made the guitar feel better instantly.

The S1 really isn't my kind of sound at all... to be honest I'm really not gelling with the guitar. It's as subtle as a kick in the balls, sound-wise. I know that sounds a little hypocritical seeing as the red 'un is loaded with all manner of gnarly DiMarzios, but this is different. There's very little in the way of dynamic range...

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'01 American Deluxe HSS Strat.
'87 Japan HSS Strat.
'11 Custom Shop FMT HSS Strat.

"Without music, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines and dates by which bills must be paid."

So Vlad, what exactly are you after from this guitar?

Have a good think about it mate and get back to us. There is plenty you could do with that pickup set and switching that doesn't have to be metal orientated. Though why anyone would want a guitar that wasn't built for metal is beyond me. Metal is the way forward, just ask Nutter.

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No no and no

Get another black pickguard (or chrome) and throw what you want at it. I remember that you didn't like the EMG's, have you ever heard the Dave Mustaine Live Wires? They're an active set of a Jazz neck and JB bridge. Turn the volume down and it sounds like a '70s Gibson, turn it up and it sounds like the end of the world. It's the only active pickup concept I've grown fond of.

I tried out a little something over the weekend. Stole the neck off it and chucked it on ol' Red, which looked brilliant. Better to play too. The black one currently has the maple neck.

However, since yesterday I've had a revelation... went to Guitar Village and tried out something I've been meaning to try out for a month or two- the Custom Shop HSS FMT thing. 'Fraid ol' Darth is going under the hammer on eBay soon, for any of you who're interested!

(Nick- the saddles will be finding their way onto either the Lone Star or the presumably incoming FMT HSS... fear not! )

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'01 American Deluxe HSS Strat.
'87 Japan HSS Strat.
'11 Custom Shop FMT HSS Strat.

"Without music, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines and dates by which bills must be paid."

They're your saddles now. Do as you wish with em mate.
Like I said, next time you lift a beer, have one for me.

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No no and no