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Post subject: First Strat
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 1:07 pm
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Hello I am looking to upgrade from my last (first) guitar (an Epiphone Les Paul 100) I'm pretty sure I want a strat.
I like/play bluesy rock (Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton...) I'm looking for a guitar that can give me cleaner tones (less "muddy") and just be better over all (stays in tune, playability...)
I know that the Mexican made "standard" and the "American standard" are the two main ones. Would it be better to buy a new Mexican or used American, or is there some other series that would be better?
I have about $750 to spend.


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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 1:10 pm
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I'd buy a US made strat. But that's just me.... :)


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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 2:11 pm
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Bilbo Baggins wrote:
Hello I am looking to upgrade from my last (first) guitar (an Epiphone Les Paul 100) I'm pretty sure I want a strat.
I like/play bluesy rock (Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton...) I'm looking for a guitar that can give me cleaner tones (less "muddy") and just be better over all (stays in tune, playability...)
I know that the Mexican made "standard" and the "American standard" are the two main ones. Would it be better to buy a new Mexican or used American, or is there some other series that would be better?
I have about $750 to spend.
Nothing wrong with the MIM Strats . If you dont have a good amp, I would be inclined to maybe buy a used MIM and put the extra money aside and save up for a decent amp. If you already have a decent amp , then I would buy a used American, but thats just me. BTW, a used MIM Standard can be had for about 250 - 300.


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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 4:09 pm
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Hard to go wrong with an AM Std Strat.:!:

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2016 Gibson SG Standard T
2014 Fender American Deluxe Telecaster
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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 4:27 pm
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Bilbo Baggins wrote:
I have about $750 to spend.


For a vintage "bluesy rock" orientation, I'd find a nice used MIM Classic Series Strat for $500 ('50s, '60s, or '70s) then upgrade the pickups to 57/62's or Fat '50s ($160) and replace the zinc trem block with a cold-rolled steel casting from GFS or Callaham ($40). The remaining fifty bucks I'd spend on having the frets leveled, crowned, and polished.

JMOOC.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 5:58 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
Bilbo Baggins wrote:
I have about $750 to spend.


For a vintage "bluesy rock" orientation, I'd find a nice used MIM Classic Series Strat for $500 ('50s, '60s, or '70s) then upgrade the pickups to 57/62's or Fat '50s ($160) and replace the zinc trem block with a cold-rolled steel casting from GFS or Callaham ($40). The remaining fifty bucks I'd spend on having the frets leveled, crowned, and polished.

JMOOC.

Arjay


+1K!! I took this very advice and have an extremely nice 60s MIM Classic Series Strat, I replace that crap block and threw in some Texas Specials. This is a great way to go for the money.

T2

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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 9:57 pm
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An American Special would be a good idea.

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My other guitar is a Strat.

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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 6:48 am
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orvilleowner wrote:
An American Special would be a good idea.


+1

Give them a try. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 7:46 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
Bilbo Baggins wrote:
I have about $750 to spend.


For a vintage "bluesy rock" orientation, I'd find a nice used MIM Classic Series Strat for $500 ('50s, '60s, or '70s) then upgrade the pickups to 57/62's or Fat '50s ($160) and replace the zinc trem block with a cold-rolled steel casting from GFS or Callaham ($40). The remaining fifty bucks I'd spend on having the frets leveled, crowned, and polished. JMOOC.....Arjay


Aren't you glad you asked :?: :lol: And YOU thought this was going to be simple. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 8:29 am
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Get the American Special. Nothing wrong with a nice playing MIM, but chances are you will later be selling it at a loss to upgrade to a US-made anyway.

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my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 7:14 pm
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I'd try to find a used Eric Clapton Strat. Once you own one, you may never need another guitar.


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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 7:17 pm
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Why settle for MIM when you can buy an original US for that money, just a thought. :shock:


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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 6:34 am
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paris wrote:
I'd try to find a used Eric Clapton Strat. Once you own one, you may never need another guitar.

Well, Paris and I are extremely biased when it comes to this particular model, but......when you're right, your're right :!: :wink: :lol:

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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:37 am
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ZZDoc wrote:
paris wrote:
I'd try to find a used Eric Clapton Strat. Once you own one, you may never need another guitar.

Well, Paris and I are extremely biased when it comes to this particular model, but......when you're right, your're right :!: :wink: :lol:


For those who crave for the TBX/MDX thing but prefer the snappiness of an ash body, the BG Strat is just fine.

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Post subject: Re: First Strat
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:47 am
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[quote="chromefaceImage[/quote]
Gotta search for these now.

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