I've had some time off work lately and have been able to relax and enjoy things that I've neglected for a long time and, in the case of guitar playing, for some years. So I started pulling out my old guitars, sending my beloved acoustic to be set-up right away and also pondered one of the other guitars in my collection -- a Rickenbacker 330.

I bought the Rick years and years ago (maybe 2003?) when I was on a Beatles kick (OK, so I've never really been off a Beatles kick), but the reality turned out to be that, when I got it, it looked a million dollars but the neck wasn't as playable as I thought and, to be completely honest, it just didn't suit me. Even after a very good (and very expensive), set-up by a master luthier, I never got into that particular guitar, ever.

So I was looking at the guitar and thought, "What does it mean to me? Do I want to keep playing it? How long until it appreciates in value (if ever)?" and other thoughts like that.

Then it hit me... although I've owned Fender gear in the past (such as a Tele), I'd always wanted a nice, US-made Fender Stratocaster. The closest I'd ever been to one was my very first guitar in the 1990s, which was Strat-shaped, but had two humbuckers. Now that I think about it, that guitar was like a foreshadowing of today's Blacktops!

So, anyway, I started doing research on what I could possibly trade the Rick for. This was a fun period. I like diving through online inventories of vintage stuff, new releases and everything in between. So I did that for a few days and I thought I was close to knowing what I wanted when... OMG... I stumbled across this:

http://www.fender.com.au/electricguitar ... caster.php

A US-made Stratocaster in a limited run version, where they've simply put a nice, satin (matte) honeyburst stain onto the wood, rather than the glossy, coloured nitro or polyester covered versions... are you kidding me? Where do I sign?

Yes, LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. I had to have one.

So, the Rick was traded this morning. I got the brand-new Strat, a deluxe tweed case to replace the gig bag, and a handful of cash on top. I've gone from a guitar I didn't particularly want, and didn't enjoy playing, to a brand-new guitar I'm in love with, and some cash in pocket.

Here's my cat having a squiz.



A better look at the wood grain... beautiful...

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2012 FSR American Special Satin Honeyburst Stratocaster®

PS: This guitar's so new, it's not even in the database when I try to add it in my gear...!

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2012 FSR American Special Satin Honeyburst Stratocaster®

Nice...

Within a week and from different parts in the world, you and I decided to buy this guitar

I notice that you like yours down there as I do up here in the north

Really Nice !!

cheers!

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'11 FSR Am. Vtg. Ltd. Ed. CAR '57 Stratocaster (SN# LE02639)
'14 American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster
'12 Telebration Empress Telecaster
'99 Deluxe Nashville Telecaster
'12 FSR Telecaster HH
'10 Heritage H-535
'99 Martin DC-1E
'13 Lanikai Tenor Ukulele

That's nice. I need to get one of those to match my LP Honeyburst.

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2000 American Deluxe Stratocaster
2011 Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro 50's
2007 Epi Les Paul Custom
90's ESP Eclipse
JH-1B Jimi Hendrix Crybaby
Analogman KOT
Korg Pitchblack
Boss NS-2 PH-2
Blues Deluxe Reissue
1999 & 2007 Marshall TSL 100 w/1960BV cab

Do they make a man's version?

Just kiddin'! Nice axe!

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I'm not trying to start a fight, but I am intrigued why you would say that?

Do you see something feminine in the finish?

As I've seen others say, the finish is quite rustic straight out of the box, without being a self-consciously relic'd kind of thing. Now, men and women don't really have dibs on "rustic" suiting one gender more than another but, if I was pushed to choose, I think this rougher, more rustic look is actually more masculine than anything else? It's stripped back to basics.

Curious to hear more from you on this.

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2012 FSR American Special Satin Honeyburst Stratocaster®

First off let me say that is a nice guitar you got there and I'm glad you like it It's not really a color for me even though I think it looks pretty ,but it wouldn't look right with me. Meaning some people can wear blue some can't so they wear red ( I like bright colors that stand out). On Telecasters I'm not a fan of natural ash. I hope you enjoy it for years to come PS I don't think it looks feminine

See what I mean I like bright I just got this the Friday that just passed: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=80094

looks great. i line natural finishes. congrats.

cheers

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It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting - paulo coelho

Cheers mate. I can't stop looking at it.

It's gorgeous... and I can't wait to hear a final number on the run when it's over.

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2012 FSR American Special Satin Honeyburst Stratocaster®

That would be one great looking set! Nice score and that color is Schweet!

T2

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What time is it? It's Fender Time.

Why did I say that? I'll ask my therapist next week and get back with you!

It was just a goof, man. Nothing personal, just having a laugh. Sorry if I hurt your feelers.

I actually had that same exact guitar as a child. Then my Daddy got a job.



That was another joke....

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Two thoughts form an unbiased observer:

1. Your jokes aren't funny.
2. That's a nice looking guitar

Oh my, this is most dire indeed!

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Howdy!

Nice Strat and cool cat!

Andy

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Pending Greatness