Stratocasters compared

[Iain Purdon]

Fender, Squier, Tokai etc etc
American, Mexican, Japanese...
Pickups as supplied, Kinman, Seymour Duncan ...
Maple, rosewood...
Original whammy bar, EasyMute...
Lucky dip, Friday afternoon job....

I know you pays your money etc ... but what really matters here? Could someone give me an idiot's guide to this bewildering array of options? I wouldn't know where to start!

Iain

[ecca]

Sniff...... you haven't mentioned the famous Cakeocaster.

[keithmantle]

A decent American 57 or 62 Vintage re-issue will cover most bases for Shads style at a fair price. (Cakeocasters are priceless !!)

[Tab]

Hi Iain,

Most people will start with the look. Does it have to have that genuine 'Fender' decal? Does it have to be fiesta red, sunburst etc - then the neck. Do you prefer lacquered maple or rosewood (some say there is a difference in tone between the two - personally, I haven't noticed any difference - it's the pickups which are important)

Also regarding the neck is the profile - some are much chunkier than others. the Eric Clapton profile is a noticeable 'V' shape at the nut end others are a softer 'C' or 'D'' shape. You need to try several to find one that you find most comfortable.

Then there are the pickups - if it's early Shadows sound you want then most say you should go for CS54s, Vintage 57/62s or even Fender noiseless. There are many other options.

If you can put all your 'wants' together in one guitar - job done!

Hope this is a start - but generally Strat life is a compromise depending on your budget.

Kind regards.

Terry

[Rover]

Hi, does it have to be a strat? Do the job properly, get a burns Marvin, you will never look back.
regards, Rover

[roninnes]

Are you planning a change to lead from bass?
Remember there are 2 more strings.

Ron

[AlanMcKillop]

That could confuse him Ron.

[JohnBassist]

Are you planning a change to lead from bass?
Remember there are 2 more strings.

Ron

That could confuse him Ron.

That would be a move "backwards" in my opinion!! - so just ignore those ignorant comments, Ian
John.

[Iain Purdon]

Oh I know John. Four strings and I only use one of them