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Post subject: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 11:16 am
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Looking at a few new Stratocasters... Need some input.

Fender American Deluxe V-Neck Stratocaster

Fender American Eric Clapton Stratocaster

Fender FSR American Standard V-Neck

If you know these guitars, you know I'm looking at a slightly thicker V-neck profile guitar. Almost bought a Fender Classic Players 50's Stratocaster, but backed out at the last moment. So I'm looking again.

I'm leaning toward the FSR American Standard and here's why.

    Its Cheaper by $300 to $400
    True Single Coils
    No added Electronics like S-1 or Mid-Boost

However, I had an American Deluxe 50th Anniversery Strat and it was the smoothest Stratocaster I ever played. The SCN pickups didn't sound that bad to me. The fretboard felt great, like it was broken in and ready to go with my thumb over the top feel.

I haven't played an Eric Clapton in ages, so I can't remember if I liked it or not. The Mid-Boost doesn't do anything for me and I had a Stratocaster with Vintage Noiseless pickups before that didn't sound too bad to me.

So what are your thoughts? Which do you choose and why?

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 7:20 pm
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I have an FSR American Standard. I love it. V neck, compound radius fretboard, fat fifties PUPS. I have never played a Classic Players 50's Strat. The Fat Fifties PUPs are my favorite Fender PUPS.

I have an Am Deluxe Tele and like it but the V neck o the FSR feels soooo comfortable in my hands.

Easily my favorite guitar that I own.

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 8:41 am
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Hey DB...conversation pieces aside...Find the Neck shape/model YOU like best...

...then play as many as you can find...until one FEELS RIGHT TO YOU...

...then do what you must to get it...within reason :lol:

If it's the Clapton...adjust the Amp to accommodate the Boost...it'll sound a bit like going from SC to HB's

I Love my 12 y/o Clapton neck...got a nice Jimmie Vaughan neck with a very similar V profile...but not quite as good...TO MY HANDS.

I owned an '04 Deluxe and it was a thicker V...very nice...but my least favorite of the three.

IMHO...YMMV :D

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 6:17 pm
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Heya Detroit:

I have small hands that cause me physical problems. I used to play a 12 string so I know what a fatter neck can be like, and how chording can be easier without the neck reduction where it's narrower at the nut end. I really can't say much for or against the V neck; but, I am going to look at it as an alternative when I get a chance. For now I am using a modern C on my Amn Deluxe and, while it took me a little time to get accustomed to chording with it, it is pretty good for my purpose. I like playing the satin finish on the back of the neck, but I have heard others feel the opposite.

Same opinion for the PUPS. I was lucky to have used an original '62 with the original PUPS. I have to say that I'm not a fan of hum, but these days there are plenty of fixes. Whether or not you want to go that route or not, and whether or not your tone will be affected according the genres you choose or the add ons, it all comes down to your ears and preference.

I haven't used SCNs, but for recording purposes I appreciate my N3s, and after some work, I found all the tone I require, and the S-1 was there to give additional tone instead of single coil and humbucker mismatch. It doesn't need to be used, though. I also like the no load tone pot at the bridge position. And yes, the tone is different than that with some other PUPS; but, that being said, they are all different from each other, and depending on the strings and the gear the axe is attached to, they are all likely to be different. Even from one to another of same liking IMHO. Some good. some bad. Seldom does one fit all. Lastly, I am aiming at original songwriting, with covers just for fun . . . so original tone is not a concern for me . . . and very often not for the crowd either. (I chose my traps for the sound first, looks second, but compromises were always there with the amount of gear . . . the crowd just wanted the beat . . . it was my tone, however).

As for chasing the Super Pros, it should be pointed out that their choices may have been dictated by easy peasy wear and tear repair, sponsorship, tech suggestions, and personal preference to be brief. It's certainly not unusual to see bands drop a line of equipment like a hot potato or to jump onto one for a short period. We all know , or should know by now, that those amps and cabs are sometimes for show only, and who really knows what that guitar is holding for electronics? Then there are axes that had or have been (less today) picked just to make a statement in appearance or brand name with little regard to great sound. Those are some reasons why the ears rule.

Budget does seem to get in the way, at times, but consider if add ons to correct or alter matters come into play, add that to the budget. That rack full of gear backstage isn't for show - you can't see it. Software has relieved the pocketbook in that department, though. Just an old codger's advice, if I may . . . budget means different things in different age groups, IMHO . . . we old timers have seen equipment become vintage and expensive . . . while times are changing, one may or may not experience this tradition . . . things may become price driven or quality driven or both . . . so, choice could be done wisely, buying what one can afford now with thoughts of what will be wanted later (not solely based or suggested on investment). We old timers often missed the boat, while others caught on to it at the right time. That doesn't mean anyone should go out and rob a bank, however. :lol:

danagos and j.4knee made some good suggestions and observations. My only addition is that you find one that matches best to the amp you have or have for consideration.

Just my 2 cents. Oh, yeah . . . I like other guitar combos too. Lots of 'em. 8)

Enjoy your experience, Detroit, and best of luck in your decision. :D

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 9:44 am
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danagos wrote:
Hey DB...conversation pieces aside...Find the Neck shape/model YOU like best...

...then play as many as you can find...until one FEELS RIGHT TO YOU...

...then do what you must to get it...within reason :lol:

If it's the Clapton...adjust the Amp to accommodate the Boost...it'll sound a bit like going from SC to HB's

I Love my 12 y/o Clapton neck...got a nice Jimmie Vaughan neck with a very similar V profile...but not quite as good...TO MY HANDS.

I owned an '04 Deluxe and it was a thicker V...very nice...but my least favorite of the three.

IMHO...YMMV :D


Well, I went against it all and tried a Fender Classic 60's Lacquer Strat... It was a beefy neck guitar, bigger than an American Standard (I think a 7.25' radius helps). It throws my ideas out the window. but it looks and feels like a fine vintage strat....

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 10:46 am
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...now all you need is a girl...to rock your world...


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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 7:41 am
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Round and round it goes...

Brought home the Classic 60's Stratocaster.

It was nice. Except the frets bothered me and the pickups were as good as I remembered.

I shouldn't buy a new guitar and imediately wonder how much a fret job and new pickups would run.

MIA Standard FSR V-Neck is being exchanged for the Classic 60's... What a shame...

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 8:20 am
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...what is it about the frets that bothers you?

...one other thing...


Image

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 8:35 am
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danagos wrote:
...what is it about the frets that bothers you?

...one other thing...


Image


The fret were really short, almost felt like a fretless. When you play med-jumbo or jumbo frets, you can feel the strings across the fret. With the vintage frets, you don't feel the strings on the fret. Its just very odd.

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 1:48 pm
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DetroitBlues wrote:
danagos wrote:
...what is it about the frets that bothers you?

...one other thing...


Image


The fret were really short, almost felt like a fretless. When you play med-jumbo or jumbo frets, you can feel the strings across the fret. With the vintage frets, you don't feel the strings on the fret. Its just very odd.

I had a pignose strat copy with 7.25 radius and small frets.....I really loved the fat neck and feel (although had to keep the action high). Problem was....the frets wore out FAST.
If I could get another like neck with harder frets I'd do it in a heartbeat.
But I'm diggin my new limited edition strat and getting used to the wider string spacing. REALLY smooth action.


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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:11 pm
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...way to go DB...a good setup makes any guitar better...think "TONE" now...

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 8:53 am
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Here's your requested guitar porn!

Image

Image

She sure is sexy!

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 11:21 am
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That's beautiful DB...style point awarded...is that an Anodized Pickguard??

Is that a 60's Classic Player? Looks MIA to me. ROCK ON...

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 10:34 am
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Nope, I returned the Classic Series and since the price difference from a Classic Player to American Standard was just a couple hundred why not spend the extra dough.

In this case, the American Standard V neck is basically a Deluxe in a way. For spending $50 more, I have a V neck profile instead of a classic C and the fretboard is compound.

The finish is unique too. There is a metallic sheen to it.

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Post subject: Re: Help Narrow it Down...
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 10:51 am
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Beautiful and Unique...let me know how you like the compound fretboard...V Necks are my personal favorite

Ya done good!

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