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Post subject: Fender Sub-Sonic Strat Questions (New Owner)
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 3:18 am
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Hi.

I'm new to the boards and I had a few questions that someone might know the answers, too.

As the title says, I am the new owner of a used Fender SubSonic Strat. I am a baritone player, and I also happened to spend many years learning and playing guitar on a cheap Mexican Strat, so they have a special place in my heart. I'm not going to bore you with the story of my guitar history, so let me cut to the chase for your benefit.

First, a word of warning to those who buy on E-Bay. Take a really, really good look at the pictures, even when the person selling the item claims it is in near-mint (in this case "9.5 out of 10") with no flaws at all and no chips or dents. Even if you speak to him over the phone and through e-mails and he swears to you everything is in perfect order, examine those pictures!! First, it was strung with and set up for regular guitar strings. This was not a huge deal for me, since I always take any guitar I buy to get set-up by my guy. However, the nut has a large chip on the low B string edge, so much that the low B is hardly being held in place anymore. After close examination, this is visible in one of the pictures, but I didn't look close enough, I guess. I am sure he will claim "it was in the picture, so tough luck", even though he was totally deceptive in claiming it was near mint and flawless with no problems.


Now to the questions. I will keep this quick.

1. Fender had a limited run of these guitars. From what I gathered they were set-up out of the box to use .064 gauge baritone strings, ones that were specifically made by Fender. Fender no longer makes the guitars, and no longer makes the strings. The only baritone strings I've ever found are .062s, .068s, and .072s. I use .068s regularly. I assume that, given Fenders good reputation for building quality mass-produced guitars, that as long as I have it set up properly for a .068 gauge, I should be fine. However, I wanted to double-check here, hoping that maybe there are some SubSonic owners on this forum who have used strings other than Fender's specific strings for this guitar, that again are nowhere to be found. As I mentioned above, I always take any guitar I buy, new or used, to my technician for a set-up, and mine is at the shop now where the nut will be replaced and the guitar will be set-up for .068s. I trust my technician very much, he is well-respected and well-liked in my city, and I do not believe this will be an issue. But if someone can just reassure me further on this one, that would be great.

2. The guy who sent it to me sent it in a regular guitar case, which of course does not fit the baritone guitar correctly. It just barely closes. Can anyone recommend a good case for this guitar? The scale is 26" (small for baritone). I know Fender had a special case for this guitar, but I doubt they still sell it.

3. Lastly, at some point I might replace the pick-ups. Maybe. Has anyone done this with their SubSonic Strat, and what would be recommended? Are the stock pick-ups in the guitar the same as the ones in a regular USA Strat? I feel a little foolish asking this question, but this is not particularly my forte.

Hope someone can help. I plan to enjoy the hell out of this guitar.


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Post subject: Ferment's Questions
Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 3:43 pm
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Welcome Ferment to the mysterious world of the Subsonic! They were only built between 2000 and 2001, but exact info seems sketchy at best.

With regard to your questions. I found a set of D'darrio Baritone strings, (I think they started at .65, not .68. But don't quote me. They work fine.

With regard to the nut, if it's not too late, you may want to check out Graph-tech. If you have a tech worth hisher salt they should be able to carve you one. I can't tell if the nut on mine is orig. The lowest two sem to ride a little high.

As for pick-ups...

...I picked mine up in Halifax Nova Scotia. Apprently is came from Tennesee (Memphis). It has a single Seymour Duncan Invader pickup, a black pick-guard and a knurled volume knob. That's it. I don't know if it was a custom order (probably not?) or a retro fit (probably?) [The only thing I know is Tom delong was doing this single pick-up/volume knob thing at that time.] She growls! However, I am in the process of trying to source an original parchment colored pick guard and the standard H/S/S pick-ups. My suggestion would be to just leave yours alone...and play the hell out of it...! If you're anywere near Palm Springs Calif. talk to J.P. at Guitar ER.

Cheers!


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Post subject: Subsonic Case
Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 7:18 am
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...and with regard to the Hardshell case...Swathmore Music in Swathmore PA has a genuien Subsonic Case up for sale on ebay (#3003012298125) for $39.95 U.S. (Great Price!) The auction ends March 22/09, but they have an 800# you can call and use a credit card rather than pay pal.


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Post subject:
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 8:54 pm
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Cariboo:

Thanks for the reply! It is a very unique guitar, a lucky find indeed. I went ahead and got a new nut and had the guitar set up for .068's, it's playing nicely now. I'll look into that case.


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Post subject: subonic
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 3:42 pm
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Just thought you'd find it interesting that the valu on the subsonics is starting to increase a little, especially in Europe. Currently there is one in Paris for 1550 Euros = $2100 US. (!)


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Post subject: Subsonics
Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 3:49 pm
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Just a question. How many (does anybody know) Subsonics were made in 2000/2001? Or, What was the production run? It is interesting to note between Ferment and CaribooMtn there have been over 800 views. Are there that many out there still?

And...very sorry to hear about Mr. Fullerton's passing. My thoughts are with his family.


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