Hey Guys, I'm really looking for my second electric guitar and I've decided it would be an Olympic White Strat. So there are those 2 models that seem pretty similiar, but I'd like to get a professional opinion. What's the difference between Vinate Hot Rod '62 Strat and American Vintage '62 Stratocaster Reissue?

Hi Marcin697,

Basically, just a few differences between these two models. The AV is true to the original specs, and the HR is a modern version.

AV 62 http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0100100800
- C shaped neck
- 7.25" fret board radius
- all three pups are same polarity, no noise canceling in positions 2 and 4
- Vintage size frets
- Gloss finish nitro on back of neck
- Tone 1 neck pup, tone 2 middle pup
- 3 position pup selector switch, with 5 position switch included
- Ashtray bridge cover
* the specs list "White Pearloid Dot Position Inlays", but this is wrong, they are not pearloid.

HR 62 http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0100140805
- Thick C shaped neck
- 9.5" fret board radius
- RWRP middle pup for noise canceling in positions 2 and 4
- Medium jumbo frets
- Satin finish nitro on back of neck
- Tone 1 neck pup, tone 2 bridge pup
- 5 position pup selector switch
- No ashtray listed in the specs

Other than the above, they are pretty much the same.

_________________
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Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

So which one should be more comfortable to play ?

That is a personal decision that only you can make by playing them yourself. What is comfortable for one person may be totally unacceptable to another. I have 5 guitars or various shapes, sizes and weights with fretboards that range for 7.25" to 16". All are equally comfortable to me. You may hate each and every one of them.

_________________
Bill

Generally speaking, it is easier, or more comfortable, making bar chords with the 7.25" radius, while the flatter 9.5" radius and medium-jumbo frets, is more conducive to lower action and easier string bending. Some people actually prefer the thinner frets on the AV over the medium-jumbos of the HR. The smaller frets will typically wear faster, all else being the same. The difference between a thick C and a C might not be much, but as bluesky636 pointed out, you really have to feel them for yourself to know what's comfortable for you.

The only reason that everyone had the 7.25" radius back then, is that is the only choice offered on Strats. Many people got used to that radius, and they get along fine with a little bit higher action to prevent fretting out. Many also preferred the flatter radius once it was offered.

Personally, I think that the HR is a much improved AV, and overall I prefer the HR. They both have smokin' good looks, and you can't really see any of the differences except maybe the fatter frets on the HR.

BTW, disregard the walnut plug on the headstock in the picture of the AV '62, the picture has the wrong neck.

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

Wow guys, I would never expect such an active community, thanks for the great support. With a bit of luck I will locate those 2 models in my hometown to try them out. Thank You a lot again, really helpful