Dude
One of the highlight in my guitar playing story happened somewhere in 2009. I remember calling you and told you I was going to get ‘em Stratocaster.
At that time, the BIG shop had a bigger outlet as their HQ. They were having some promotion – Fender Frontman 65W with a Mex 1954 Classic Reissue Strat – at about RM3900, that’s about USD1000 plus.
Once again, finance was an obstacle. I settled only for the guitar. I later found out that you can get a Mex Standard for RM1000 less…….
The Strat is based on 1954 Fender Stratocaster, with small frets and vintage tuning gears and 1 ply pickguard. I had it set up with 5 springs at the back and subsequently wired the bridge pickup to the tone control, so I can balance the tone when I switch from neck to bridge position.
Black Strat with maple neck. My very own Blackie.
So, why Fender Stratocaster?
Here’s why: Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson, the great Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Uli Jon Roth, Yngwie Malmsteen, Buddy Guy, 3 cool guys in Iron Maiden, David Gilmour, Alex Lifeson (the legendary Limelight Strat!!!), John Mayer, Sonny Landreth, Robert Cray to name a few.
If Strat is good enough for the greats and legends, it is good for me.
No two Strat (or any other guitars) sound the same (Mex or US). Mine has a rather stinging tone (call it bright if you want), most probably due to the maple neck. Tone is rather thin but that’s how it was back in 1954. Maybe they can sound the same, if yours is a top line signature model as all materials are of highest standard, thus giving the consistencies of quality and performance of each piece. Having said that, all Strat retains that instantly recognizable neck pickup tone….
As for my Strat......
The guitar is quite a challenge to play because of the small frets and lacquered fingerboard (which tends to get a little sticky after some time).
It’s a quite a heavy axe as well but no two Strats are of the same weight (…and once again, unless you have quarter-sawn alder for the body, which may have similar density).
The neck profile, I believe is a “V”. Barre chords are painful.
Because of all 5 springs are loaded, the tension can be a little high sometimes.
Despite all that, I try to use the Strat each time when practicing. I believe there is a “bond” to be cultivated between the player and the instrument. I had similar experience with the S-65. I trust the Strat is no different as I barely touch it until recently.
Today, I am more comfortable with the Strat than before – although I am still trying to get use to it – and I believe I should be thankful that I have a Classic Reissue and not some funny, inconsistent Mex Standard. Next on the list is to slap a set of DiMarzio SH-2s on it. That will be great.
It’s strange that I sounded like I hate the Strat. But then again, beggars can’t be choosers right? It is a Fender Stratocaster after all.
But seriously……
I always believe a Stratocaster make the lousiest guitar player sound good. There is an unknown force within the guitar that brings the best out of a player. If you look at clips of the greats I mentioned earlier, you can see that the Strat is an extension of their soul. Strat players are just different. Of everyone mentioned, I really enjoy watching SRV. You see and feel his passion for playing. He is like a man possessed.
Maybe that was what I went through with the John Mayer Strat at the BIG shop during one of our visits recently. Normally, I would be quite reserved if there is a recording device going on, but I am glad you captured that cos’ as usual, I don’t know how I did that (that’s not normal for me). That was the Strat, not me. It was the Strat vibe. It wasn’t me. The Strat was alive. IT’S ALIVE….……..
Strat is empowering. You feel like a Guitar God holding one. You can weave some magic while playing one.
A Strat is a Strat. It’s all about finding the one that speaks to you…..I am still looking though….
And if all else fail……….
“I have a Fender Stratocaster”. Doesn’t that sound nice?
Someday, I will own an Eric Johnson Signature Stratocaster.
Dude,
ReplyDeleteWell done on finally being an owner of a Fender Stratocaster! It's nice to see people finally achieve what they aim for, and once again the "Blackie" you have is an awesome piece of wood. I've played it before, and it feels good now after what you've done. I was a bit tentative on your 5 spring set-up initially, but I know what you were going for. Luckily enough that fella from the BIG guitar shop didn't screw anything up, and your Strat was still roaring to go. Additionally, Uncle did a great job in solving whatever nitty gritty issues you had (even though that now there is a slight screw up, but nothing major). I can definitely attest to the tone of this guitar and think it will sound good in any setting. We have yet to sit down and have our strat jam! I'm still waiting for that dude....
Again, another step closer to the dream. EJ model is not too far away, I'm sure one day it'll hit 40% off and you can go after it!
To quote someone we've been discussing about recently "I can't see how a transfer on the head of the guitar can have an appreciable effect on how a guitar sounds or plays". In simpler terms - let's not give a fuck where it's made, it's all about the tone and the sound, and ultimately the playing!