Recommendations for New Purchase

[shadsrgreat]

Hi All
I'm off the the US in about 4 weeks time and have decided whilst over there to buy a new Strat and am wondering which of these 2 models I should choose. I know that there are several pieces to the jigsaw such as electrics/pups/bridge/strings/tremolo/timber etc in achieving the desired sound. But what do you think is a good starting point?

I will be just using this at home mainly for Shadows/Instrumentals, so not for gigging/performing (other than for the family) as it is just a hobby/obsession like many others on this board. Am currently using an 89/90 MIJ Strat at present.

These are the choices ... I have as I'm on a limited budget (but aren't we all)
www.fender.com.au/electricguitars/strats/standard/standardseries.php

or

www.fender.com.au/electricguitars/strats/classic/50strat.php

Any advice/feedback would be a great help.

Cheers ... Dave

[Gary mac]

Hi Dave

First i have to say that your jap strat is just as good if not better than the American standard in my book so i would leave that one

This is what i would do depending on time and the wife lol i would shop about as the deals you get in the us far out way the deals we get here in blighty so you could end up with a better guitar for your money i would say the 50's classic is closer to shads stuff than the standard so i would go down that road for the shads stuff.....

The most important thing is the guitar is nice and comfortable to play

Also i would search the pawn shops for that hidden gem you never know but again depends if you want new or second hand and you need to be careful check and double check the guitar .

Also checkout the us music stores on line there might be one where you are going and haggle hard you might just get that 57 reissue at the price the wife likes !!!!!then she can buy more shoes lol

Hope this helps

Good luck all the best
Gary

[john44]

Hi Dave
I would follow the advice from Gary and check out pawn shops
and stick to a Jap strat I have two 57 RI jap strats and have played us strats and been very disappointed in the comparison
Cheers John44

[andystrat]

I chose the Squire Classic 50's Vibe and it is better than I expected.
Check it out on youtube as some people have posted some great sounds files.

If I had the Jap I would keep it as it is better than the standard a far as I am concerned.
I am no professional but I had a deluxe and hated it and the classic is not much different to the Squire Vibe.

Hope it helps a little.

Andy

[stratomaster]

If you are on a limited budget, do as suggested and look for good quality second hand.
Always try out the guitar, and be sure you're happy with it before handing over any cash.

Now I have fitted 57/62 pickups to my MIJ 1962 re-issue, I think I would have to look very hard for anything better.

James.

[Deleted]

I have an 89/90 Jap strat and also a USA Special with Texas specials. I have to say the USA is superb.
Cant really compare as my Jap is nothing like its original state as I have customised it over the years including a rewire with CTS Pots a re fret and fitting Seymour Duncan's locking Sperzals uprated tremolo system etc etc. and a new paint job. Just the body and neck remain.
Both guitars are fantastic in my view.
Keep your Jap Strat but have a look at the American Special in candy apple red.
George

[trickytree]

I purchased a 50's Classic at christmas, I moved up from what was a very good 1994 Korean made squire strat, I have to say this MIM strat has blown me away in terms of the feel and the sound, the neck is just perfect for me. I was going to consider fitting some 57/62 fender pups to get even closer to that early shadows sound but to be honest I dont think im going to bother, I just play at home using a zoom g2 and charlies excellent EFTP through a Vox Valvetronix 15 watt amp and the sound I'm getting is wonderful. A couple of others I know on this site also use the same guitar notably 'Richie' and 'Steven'.

Ian

[billboy75]

Hi I have a us standard 2005 which is superb and a 1995 Mexican which is OK but not apathy on the American. I would not change it it for anything.
Try them all out and buy the one you find easier to play and you will know when youhear the right sound. But insist it's played through a good tube amp
Good hunting
Bill

[kipper]

hi just to put the cat amongst the pidgions and a bit tounge in cheek (not a lot just a bit) a usa made fender stratocaster is what it is.!!!! the oridiginal stratocaster all others are copy`s. dont matter how good they are how much they cost. there is only one and thats a usa made fender stratocaster. you are not going to the states and comeing home with a squier whats the point that dont make sense you can pick them up anywhere. want a made in japan go to japan dont go to the usa to buy made in japan think about it, i belive the best strats are kept for the us market. take advantage of your trip of a life time and get the best.
tin hat on ;D peter

[jimmyc]

I've owned a Jap Squire Hank Marvin strat since new and loved this guitar [still do really] until I bought a USA 57 Re-issue strat a couple of years ago. It knocks spots off the the Jap one in every department and, of course, has a lovely nitro finish as well.

Kind regards

Jim

[shadsrgreat]

Hi Guys

Thanks to everyone that has commented. Your input has been very helpful in deciding on my new purchase. It's certainly not an easy task when you have so many makes models to choose from.

I guess in the end it comes down to playability/sound/price. So I've 'raided the money box' for a few extra dollars and am heading to the US with a view to buying the American Special Series Strat, similar to what George (Hankypanky) bought a little while back.

Cheers ... Dave

[benitor]

there are a lot of Fender strat models, the '50 n '60 years inspired (USA, Mexico,Japan or chinese Squiers) are the more suitable for Shadows music.
Each model has got different price and has got its own quality standard level.
However IMO, sometimes the quality of a guitar may differ from the one of its model, sometimes better, sometimes worse. So it is possible if you are lucky enough to find a strat that sounds better of a more espensive one. I suggest to test before to buy.
I think that for people that do not want to spend too much the Squier Classic Vibe strat are usually quite good and do not cost a fortune.

[roadworn]

If you can take a small shads echo box with you,zoom for example,this will help you hear if the sound of the guitar you are trying is the sound you are looking for. I find trying a guitar in a shop without echo can be very disappointing. Enjoy......

[Deleted]

For a modern Shadows sound the American Special is unstoppable.

[groundhog]

Have a good trip. I would get a fender 56 nos strat in fiesta red . or a 62 fender. Cheers John

[asimmd]

If you check out some of the ads in the USA music shops you will be pleasantly surprised at the prices charged for used USA Strats.

These are not used and abused examples,some are as new.

Go onto the Fender USA website and choose find a dealer.

Put in the place you are visiting and it will give you a list of dealers in that area
and hopefully their web addresses.

Kipper is correct,buy a USA Fender from where they are made.
I have a NOS56 Strat but you could also try a 60's NOS,as they are also excellent.

Have fun and don't come back without something.

Alan

[Hannes]

Hi Dave
I've got a 1987 MIJ 1962 re-issue Candy Apple Red
fitted with 57/62 pickups and I've tried some other strats but just can't find one that has a better touch than my Jap strat.

Enjoy your trip & hope you find a good one

Regards
Hannes

[roymattblack]

I've had a crimson fotoflame Jap 'aged' strat for getting on 20 years.
I've played all sorts of US Strats, and sorry, my 'Old red stripey' beats them all.
It has a certain 'twang' I just love on the neck/middle setting. I don't use bridge p/u much at all. My opinions of course...........
OZ miniguitars make a replica of my very own guitar if you're interested.

www.ozminiguitar.com/fender/263-miniature-guitar-red-flame-maple-fender-stratocaster.html

If you really want a US Strat, I'd go for the '62.



Roy Matthew

[Deleted]

Dave,

I don't want to pour cold water onto your plans for picking up your dream guitar over in the USA, but do consider this..........

You will have to pay Import Duty of between 5 - 9% on any goods you bring in from outside the EU AND also 20% VAT. This can add quite a bit to any American 'bargain' guitar, so it's a good idea to do that arithmetic when you see something you like. It can work out to be not that much cheaper than buying in the UK.

However, if it's something that you can't get over here or an absolute 'steal', it may well be worth it, just do the sums before you buy.

Also, apparently, the HM Customs & Excise boys are quite clued up on guitar gear and it's difficult to pull the wool over their eyes. Trying to sneak in that original '62 Strat and telling them that it's just an old, battered guitar that isn't worth more than a few quid, just doesn't work anymore! Many have tried it and many have had their gear confiscated & been given a fine!

If I'm telling you stuff you already know, please forgive me. Oh, and I'd like a 1956 NOS please, if you've got room in your bag!!

Have a great trip!

Steven.

[DaveC]

Hi Dave,

I've bought guitars in the States so this is what happens.

1. Do everything possible to escape paying tax in the US. The State may not impose a sales tax or if it does it will have some arrangement for export reclaim. Show this tax arrangement (or lack of it) on your receipt. For instance, if you pay 8% in NY and don't reclaim it, UK Customs will charge you tax on the tax. You will not be able to renegotiate this with UK Customs.

2. The case and the guitar are separate items and the case is not subject to UK duty. Whatever the total cost of the package you buy from the dealer make sure the full manufacturer list price is allocated to the case and the remainder to the guitar and that this is shown on your receipt.

3. When you return to the UK you will be charged 20% VAT on everything you bought excepting any items within your gift allowance (so it may be worth adjusting that case price). You may instead decide to use your gift allowance to buy other things such as Levis or cowboy boots. Find out what your gift allowance is before you go.

4. Guitars are subject to a special duty and amazingly Acoustics and Electrics are different! Find out from UK customs what this duty will be before you go.

5. If you do this properly you will already know what you are going to be charged. So if the Officer on duty is bored/looking for drug smugglers and says, "Oh, just give us this much" and it's less than you were expecting, thank him and get through the door!!

I think that covers it,
Dave C

[shadsrgreat]

Thanks to everyone who posted comments/advice. With your assistance I will now be able to make a much more informed decision as to what I buy in the US.

I hope that I can come back with an instrument that will sound great, play well and allow me to get closer to Hank's sound than I have previously been able to do.

I am certainly keen on the American Series Strat ... www.fender.com/products/americanspecial/models.php?prodNo=0115602 but I'll have to see what it sounds/plays like!

I'll let you know when I get back what I ended up with ...

Cheers ... Dave

[DaveC]

Dave,

I've just rewritten that previous post.

Dave C.