Guys, I more and more find that Fenders and Gibsons have the most character and vibe to me and I have played a lot of guitars. I was going to get another PRS CE-22 but now I am thinking of going out and playing a ton of new Fender HSS strats and finding one that speaks to me.

However, I am not a trem guy so I was curious if they still make a hardtail strat? Maybe I should do like I do on my current PRS and Strat, and just lock down or block the trem?

Was thinking of playing some American Standard HSS and Deluxe strats. I would end up installing the Fender Atomic bridge pickup or a Dimarzio Air Zone which rocks in an alder guitar!

I hate middle pickups. I wish they made a strat like a tele with two pickups

What do you guys think?

http://www.fender.com/products/search.p ... ster%C2%AE
there is a HH hardtail an SSS hardtail and a SHS hardtail but no HSS hardtail

_________________

You mean the Jim Root strat? Too expensive. Any others? Must be American made. Otherwise I just get another PRS.

Guys, I think the most beautiful guitars in the world are the Fender strat and Gibson Les Paul Standard. There is something so appealing in how they look and feel. I love my PRS, but I always come back to these babies.
Even more so than a G&L or Suhr which are supposed to be "better".

If I could get a new 2012 USA American Standard HSS and block the bridge, then install a Dimarzio bridge pickup, probably the Air Zone and two Dimarzio Singles in the middle and neck, that would give the ultimate versatile gig guitar. I would to be able to split the Air Zone bridge so I could get the 2 position tones. My favorite strat positions are 2 and 4 anyway....even on my SSS strat.
Love the metallic color with rosewood board!!! NICE!!!
http://www.fender.com/products/americanstandard/american-standard-stratocaster-hss

blocking the bridge may be your only option. there isn't an HSS in a hardtail.

_________________

I also wish they made more hard tails.

I think the new HSS American Standard is a sweet axe. As good as any Suhr I have played or Ernie Ball which are way overpriced for the average working musician. Sometimes I find all I need is a good strat and good LP.

get one

_________________

I may just do that...

I am going to go to the Delaware Guitar Center and see if I find a strat that speaks to me that is HSS. I want to get it for $950 or less out the door. I got my 2012 Telecaster fr $850 out the door.

I think I would install one of two of my favorite pickup sets for a strat; Rio Grande BBQ and Rio Grande singles or Dimarzio Air Zone and noiseless singles.

I also noticed my strat is much more substantial than my PRS.I am a big guy at 6'3", 230, so the larger guitar is starting to work for me. It is more substantial than my CE-22, thicker body, larger body and the entire guitar is longer.

I will go Air Zone and Dimarzio singles.