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Post subject: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:35 pm
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Hello forum members!

To give a little background about myself, I started playing ESP (metal guy) and currently use PRS. As I've grown up my playing style has changed, and I've been more inclined to blues and slightly to jazz.

I'm selling a PRS SE to fund a Strat. I've liked Gibsons but I don't see myself buying one. I love PRS, but, I've always been drawn to Fender, and 8 years ago I played an American Standard in Oly White and instantly fell in love with it and its feeling.

Right now I'm torn between the EC, JB and Am Dlx V-neck. 2 weeks ago I played the EJ (originally my first choice) but didn't really connect with the guitar... I just guess the neck is not made for my fingers. Last weekend I played the EC and loved it. Loved the neck, the vintage frets (crazy, I know) and the sound of the pickups with and without the boost. I also played the Am Dlx V-Neck and loved the playability, the trem and locking tuners. I wasn't very sold on the N-3 sounds but the palette of options with the S-1 switching was interesting and as of this weekend it seemed as the best option but I don't want to buy a 1,700$ guitar and then spend more installing new pickups right away.

Lastly, I'm strongly considering the Beck, but I haven't played it and I don't know if I'll like the neck (thickness - small hands) and the pickups. The main reason I'm getting a strat is because I love David Gilmour but I can't afford a Custom Shop Gilmour as of now, and I don't know if the Beck will give me that Gilmour sound.

I'm torn between these 3 guitars and feel like the Beck has advantage because of the trem bridge, the nut and locking tuners, but I'm concerned with the neck thickness and pickups. On the other hand, the only reason I don't buy the EC without contest is because I want to be able to use the trem and stay in tune... But at the same time, I feel the EC will give me the ability to stay closer to a Gilmourish tone if my fingers allow for it.

I guess my questions are mainly about the playability and neck of the JB (along with the pickups). I just feel like writing each guitar model in a piece of paper and randomly picking the winner.

Anyway, sorry for the long post and appreciate your input. Hopefully soon I'll be here with a NGD thread full of pictures!


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:52 pm
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Location: Perth, Western Aus.
Signature guitars are there to make guys who have too many guitars, buy some more.

You want to sound like Gilmour? Practice. Any Strat and the right amp settings/pedal/Fx will do it. Or any Tele for that matter. I don't see this guy sweating over having a Gilmour Strat. To be any better, he'd need to be Gilmour. Neck feel is something on you can decide on.



Last edited by Drubbing on Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:47 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:20 pm
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Thanks for the input.

I differ with what artist signature guitars are. I understand that there can be quality guitars at any price range. I have used ESP LTDs, PRS SE's and have found them to have great quality. In this case, where I find more appeal in a Fender Strat is at those artist signature models. I do love Gilmours sound and that's why I said "if my fingers allow for it." Tone is in my fingers, I get that.

I am in need of honest feedback on the different attributes I've pointed from the guitars posted in my first post and how different they would be. Specifically, I'd like to know how thick is the Jeff Beck neck, and if any users have had issues with tuning (while using the trem) with a Clapton strat.

I'm going to pull the plug very soon and can't decide...


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 10:40 pm
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If you feel that you must have a signature strat you should try them out first hand. It's the only way to be sure it's what you want. JMHO


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:36 pm
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At the end of the day pick the guitar that allows you to sound like you what ever that may mean. I have many guitars but when I play them they all sound like me. its how you strike the string and how you pick the note and how your fingers hold the note that determines you. My 2 cents. :D 8)
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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:56 am
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I have a JB and think it's great. My understanding is only the older Jb signatures had the thick neck. The newer ones (I don't know how new) have the standard modern C. I can barely tell the difference between my Jb and my brother's 2007 MIM standard (from a neck size perspective anyway)


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:18 am
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I have a 1990 American Standard Strat Plus as well as a few others and the additional money paid for the Plus has been worth it over the years. Like you I also love the Gilmour sound and after years of pedals I have decided to add the EC mid boost to my Plus. ( I would be done with this but decided to change pick guards at the same time and am waiting for a new one to arrive. )

To me, the trick is to find the guitar that is most playable to you and which you enjoy the look of the most, then EVERYTHING else can be changed. This will be the third pick guard change in 20 years! I have also changed pickups a few times, although I find I am back to the three Gold Lace Sensors again which get me closest to the Clapton/Gilmour sounds I hear in my head.

Whatever you do, I am sure you will come to love your Strat as much as the rest of us do.
-Harry


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:40 am
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carlinchi wrote:
Thanks for the input.

I differ with what artist signature guitars are. I understand that there can be quality guitars at any price range. I have used ESP LTDs, PRS SE's and have found them to have great quality. In this case, where I find more appeal in a Fender Strat is at those artist signature models. I do love Gilmours sound and that's why I said "if my fingers allow for it." Tone is in my fingers, I get that.

I am in need of honest feedback on the different attributes I've pointed from the guitars posted in my first post and how different they would be. Specifically, I'd like to know how thick is the Jeff Beck neck, and if any users have had issues with tuning (while using the trem) with a Clapton strat.

I'm going to pull the plug very soon and can't decide...


I wouldn't worry about the thickness of the JB neck. It is described as a "soft C", which is thinner than the soft V of the EC and Am Dx V-Veck. But if you really liked the playability of the Am DX, the JB will not feel the same.

Don't rush into this.


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:28 pm
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Thanks a lot guys! I really appreciate all of the input.

mojjett wrote:
If you feel that you must have a signature strat you should try them out first hand. It's the only way to be sure it's what you want. JMHO

I did try the Am Dlx V-neck and the Clapton. I liked the Clapton better... Loved the neck and the frets, and loved the sound of the pickups with and without the booster. I also loved the playability, trem and neck of the V-neck, but didn't really fall for the pickups. The pickups with the S-1 system seem to be a kind of a do-it-all system. I played both guitars through a Mesa Transatlantic 30 combo, mostly the clean channel. I did not try the Beck, and that is why I'm asking so many questions about it.

knotanother1 wrote:
At the end of the day pick the guitar that allows you to sound like you what ever that may mean. I have many guitars but when I play them they all sound like me. its how you strike the string and how you pick the note and how your fingers hold the note that determines you. My 2 cents. :D 8)
Image

Great collection! And I agree with you, there's an old story about Van Halen visiting Steve Vai at his studio some years ago, and Van Halen picked up one of Vai's Ibanez, and Vai was astounded that it still sounded exactly like Van Halen even though the setup was different than Eddie's.

CT Sean wrote:
I have a JB and think it's great. My understanding is only the older Jb signatures had the thick neck. The newer ones (I don't know how new) have the standard modern C. I can barely tell the difference between my Jb and my brother's 2007 MIM standard (from a neck size perspective anyway)

Very good!!! Thanks for the input, I really like the JB because of its features, may be the winner... Thanks a lot for the comparison.

Coach56 wrote:
I have a 1990 American Standard Strat Plus as well as a few others and the additional money paid for the Plus has been worth it over the years. Like you I also love the Gilmour sound and after years of pedals I have decided to add the EC mid boost to my Plus. ( I would be done with this but decided to change pick guards at the same time and am waiting for a new one to arrive. )

To me, the trick is to find the guitar that is most playable to you and which you enjoy the look of the most, then EVERYTHING else can be changed. This will be the third pick guard change in 20 years! I have also changed pickups a few times, although I find I am back to the three Gold Lace Sensors again which get me closest to the Clapton/Gilmour sounds I hear in my head.

Whatever you do, I am sure you will come to love your Strat as much as the rest of us do.
-Harry

Harry thanks a lot for your answer, as I can empathize a lot with it. My initial thought was to buy the Clapton and modify on the go, but I can't install a 2 point trem without leaving 4 empty holes in the guitar, and while adding locking tuners would help, I just believe it's better to get a Beck (as I now get a better idea of the neck) with the right features and then change the pickups if I don't like the hot noiseless that come in the JB. And there's another dilemma, I really wanted a black guitar, but I guess I can settle for a JB in Oly white, specially if it turns to that light-yellowish color with time.

44james wrote:
I wouldn't worry about the thickness of the JB neck. It is described as a "soft C", which is thinner than the soft V of the EC and Am Dx V-Veck. But if you really liked the playability of the Am DX, the JB will not feel the same.

Don't rush into this.

Thanks a lot! I appreciate it. I liked the Am DX but I also liked the Clapton which has a 9.5 radius as well. If the JB is actually thinner than the soft V or the V-neck, I will be fine. I think I may end up getting the JB and if I don't like the pickups, I'll change them...

If you guys can give me more input with the information I've provided so far I'd be more than thankful!!!


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:03 pm
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Of the Strats you mentioned the JB would be my choice too. good luck.


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 12:26 am
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Thick necks are great too. I have an older Beck from 2000, the last of the thick necks with the Lace Sensors, and just love playing it. So much so that when (if) I ever treat myself to a Custom Shop Strat I will specify the Beck thick neck. The newer Becks are more a shallow C.

Truthfully, I have never found a Strat or Tele neck I did not like the feel of, so you have to try them all. I also have an old Clapton with the soft V neck which initially felt weird, but I grew into it quickly. I have never had the chance to try a model with the 7" radius neck though. I don't think my local shop has ever brought in one to sell that had that neck. It's hard to 'try as many as you can before buying' when you live in a small town, far from large shops with a lot of guitars.


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 8:29 pm
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Thanks guys!

Now I've decided to go for either the Beck or the Clapton. I went and played the Am Dlx again, and tried the SRV since the neck is "thicker." Felt at home with the SRV neck, but unfortunately the store didn't have the Clapton, but so far it's been the nicest of all. It's either the Clapton or the Beck now. I'll have to think hard since both guitars seem to be opposites. One is a modern strat and the other one is a vintage one, but I really loved the sound and lock of Blackie... Anyway, I'll give it a thought and since I'm going to take advantage of Zzounds 10-months payment plan, I have until march 5 to make a choice. My PRS SE sold today, and it's all coming together for crunchtime...


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 9:52 pm
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The Clapton is a very versatile guitar given the TBX and the midboost. I take it that the neck is to your liking. IMHO, it's the best in the line. There is no hard and fast rule that you can't float the bridge with as many springs as you see fit. What the Beck gives you in the trem setup is the ability to sharp as well as flat the note using the trem. With all responses to questions such as yours, the end of if the line is that you've got to get out there and play them. Having narrowed it down to two guitars, find a vendor who will make each available to you for a comparison with the understanding that you will purchase one of them. :idea: I have no doubt a buyer will surface for the loser. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 7:13 pm
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ZZDoc wrote:
The Clapton is a very versatile guitar given the TBX and the midboost. I take it that the neck is to your liking. IMHO, it's the best in the line. There is no hard and fast rule that you can't float the bridge with as many springs as you see fit. What the Beck gives you in the trem setup is the ability to sharp as well as flat the note using the trem. With all responses to questions such as yours, the end of if the line is that you've got to get out there and play them. Having narrowed it down to two guitars, find a vendor who will make each available to you for a comparison with the understanding that you will purchase one of them. :idea: I have no doubt a buyer will surface for the loser. :wink:


Pulled the plug some hours ago... The winner is the Clapton Strat. I was watching videos on youtube comparing sounds... And one video reminded me of when I tried the Clapton, the sound and feel... And it brought a smile to my face. So, no more thinking about trem stability, tuners... Heck, I have a PRS for that. I wanted something vintage in the end, and the TBX mid boost is a nice extra to have.

This is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ9jjvUDNKw

I'll post pictures next week as soon as I get it!

Thanks again guys.


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Post subject: Re: Need help, can't decide...
Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 8:16 pm
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Great choice. I had two PRS's and swapped them out for Claptons. Great guitars but not for my hands.

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