Conference napalm::guitar

    
    
    The custom shop in London offers a complete customization service,
    straight from the factory. You give them details of the exact guitar
    you want, and they get it built for you -- even including non-Fender
    parts if you want. 
    
    Prices start at standard price + 200 pounds, and increase according to
    the sort of extras you want.
    
    Richard.

    There was a write-up on the Fender custom shop, in a Guitar rag
    a while back. I can't recall which magazine it was in, but they
    will build instruments with combinations of features and finishes
    that are not available stock. An example would be a 2-color sunburst
    Strat with a rosewood fingerboard. This combination is not found
    on the 57 or 62 reissue, because by the time Fender introduced 
    rosewood boards on Strats they were using 3-color sunburst
    exclusively.
    
    The custom shop will also build some of the Fender models which are
    otherwise discontinued, ie. Strats and Teles with paisley or floral
    pickguards, Telecaster Thinlines, Custom Esquires, etc.
    
    I'll see if I can find the article tonight.
    
    Mark

       OK...  OK...  here's the deal, as discussed the "Custom Shop"
    guitars are basically where you say to the guys at Fender...  
    I want *that* neck on *that* body, with *that* color paint, with 
    *that* tailpiece, with those pickups...   etc  etc....
    WELL...  I DIDN'T DO IT!!!! I love that old crappy looking Strat of 
    mine and while those two Custom Shop Strats looked GREAT and played...  
    ok, I played my old guitar and it blew them both away! I was pleased 
    because now there was no choice to make! Why this guy wanted *my*
    war torn Strat over those beauties? I've been told that Fender didn't
    make alot of maple neck Strats in 1969 and this guy wanted one.
    When I contacted Fender, they said that my guitar *wasn't* anything
    special, just your run of the mill Strat with a laminated maple
    fretboard. No big deal! OK...  I like that too! After all it's just 
    another Fender...     and I like it!
    
    Thanks for the input guys!
    
    Rock on,
    	    Fred 
    

    Good for you !  I was just sitting here looking at my Strat, which has
    some *character* of it's own, and I think I'll probably hang on to it
    for quite a while.  I was contemplating getting it painted either black
    or white, but the blonde (melted vanilla ice cream) color is kinda
    unique, I guess ...
    
    Scary (MIDI Bluesman ...)

                I went  to  a  music  shop that deals mainly with
                Fender products a  couple  months ago and checked
                into the Strat's and  Tele's.  What turned me off
                was the fact that the  Strat's  are made in Japan
                and  the  Tele's  are  made in  Korea.    Nothing
                against  imports, but my image of Fender  is  the
                old American made, worn down model.  (Speaking of
                which, a guy I jam with has an old  `62 Tele that
                has squat for a finish on it ! :^))
                
                Call me fussy I guess. :^)
                
                Matt

    Yeah, I kinda like the tiny "Made in U.S.A" logo under the Stratocaster
    logo ...  8^)
    
    Scary

    re: .6
    	You mean you *have* a "Made In USA" logo? Gee... I don't even
    have that! Nor do I have anything that says made in Fullerton,
    Calif. I guess it was a given back then. When I called Fender, 
    I told them my serial number and they told me that it's a early
    1969 vintage. More than likely with 1968 parts! To me, it really
    doesn't matter when it was made cause I like it just the way it
    is. Come to think of it...  this guitar is older than a few noters
    in this conference! Boy... I'm really dating myself huh....  ;^)
                               
    Strat happy Fred

    My feelings about the current Fender offerings is that they are all
    good investents. The reason I say this is because the Korean and
    Japanese models are so inexpensive, it is silly to worry about
    resale value, and they look and play great. What more can you
    ask from a guitar selling under $500 w/case.
    
    	The American made models cost more, but the resale value is
    great on any American made Fender. I can think of a lot of high-
    tech guitars with high pricetags, that will not hold their value
    at all. It is usually very easy to find a buyer for a Fender
    product, but try re-selling a Peavey, Kramer, Jackson, Ibanez,
    etc.
    
    	So you decide if you want an inexpensive Fender that will play
    and sound great despite your tight budget, or if you want to invest
    in an instrument which carries a very high resale value. If Fender
    decides to shut down U.S. operations and only offer imports, the U.S.
    models will become instant collectors items.
    
    	I am planning on being in the market for a Jazz Bass in the
    very near future, as soon as I sell one of my Twins. I have looked
    at the 62 American Vintage Jazz Bass ($760 inc tweed case) and the 
    American std. Jazz Bass ($580 inc molded case). I have had my mind
    set on the 62, but to be honest the American Std. has better hardware
    and the $200 differance in price is hard to justify in light of this.
    The thing that gags me, though, is the plastic molded case. These 
    prices were quoted by Sam Ash. There are probably better deals to be 
    found, especially with cash in hand.
    
	Mark Jacques
    

>    The thing that gags me, though, is the plastic molded case. 
    
    I find that the molded case offers better protection to the neck of the
    instrument than the older cases.  The thing I *don't* like is the
    relatively samll accessory compartment....it is even covered.  I'm
    always finding picks and fuses floating around in my case.
    
    
    						Brian
    

    
    
    
    
    	Well, as long as we're talking about workmanship, I've got to say
    that Fender's quality has gone down based on my most recent purchase
    (my beloved deluxe standard)..  DOn't get me wrong, I love this guitar,
    and I'd buy it again, but I found that the frets needed a lot of work
    to achieve reasonable action, and I'm not psychotic about low action. 
    And... the trem cover plate was drilled so poorly that wood was
    splintered in the cavity.  Hell, I wouldn't tolerate stuff like that in
    a guitar that I built and I'm surprised to see it from Fender.  Not a
    great big deal, but enough to wonder about their quality control.
    
    
    Steve

Steve,
 If you think it's gone down you should take a close look at a 80's strat

The current guitars are among the highest quality fenders made in the last 15
years IMHO

dbii

    
    
    	Yeah, that could be, my last new Fenders were back in the late
    sixties, early seventies... <sigh>

    Perhaps the least desirable Strats to own were the "bullet" Strats
    made in the 70's. These featured the bullet shaped truss rod adjustment
    nut on the headstock, and the three bolt micro-tilt necks. I had
    one of these and it never played or sounded good. 
    
    My next Strat will be either a 62 reissue, or an American Std.
    
    Mark
    

That's funny I've got two '70's bullet/tilt neck fenders. Both are nice 
guitars once you get the neck under control...this was discussed elsewhere

they really went downhill in the late 70's until they were sold by CBS
and came back to life...

dbii

I also have a '70s bullet truss rod Strat and it's a fine playing guitar.
Of course, it's got EMGs in it to improve the sound and has evidently had
a bit of fretwork in a previous life, so it's not completely stock. 

I've had it for 7 years and have never had a problem with neck stability, 
but I don't screw with the Micro-tilt thing either.

Greg

    Although the rap has been that 70's, bullet neck Strats are junk,
    I too have found some really nice players from this era.  Just as
    not every pre-CBS Strat is a honey, not every 70's Strat is a dog.
    As mentioned before, replacing the pickups will go a long way toward
    improving one of these.  And if you've ever owned a Strat with the
    truss rod adjustment down near the body, you'll really appreciate
    the bullet adjustment when your neck starts to move.
    
    /rick

    My primary guitar is a 70's bullet strat and its one fine hunk of 
    wood. I've NEVER had a problem with it. Its got all those little nicks
    and dings and scratches that seem to be standard equiment on those
    old strats but it plays real fine and the neck and action are 
    something one can appriciate. 
    
    rj

    
    I guess I need to clarify my earlier statement. I didn't say (or
    imply) that '70 Bullet Strats are "JUNK". I said they were among
    the least desirable Strats to own. That doesn't mean they are
    the "worst" ones, in fact, they tend to play quite well. I think
    the pickups on them are underwound, as they sound too thin.
    
    I had one of these and there were things about it that I liked. 
    The main thing I wasn't satisfied with was the neck dimensions. 
    It was too thin for my hands. Someone else would probably love 
    the neck. From a collectors standpoint, I don't think there is
    any argument that bullets are not in big demand.
    
    I friend of mine had a 60's Strat, and when the bullets came out,
    he foolishly traded his old Strat in for the new one. He highly
    recommended the bullet model, so I bought one. I wonder if he
    would make the same recommendation today ? If he had his 60's
    sunburst model, think about how much it would be worth !
    
    Mark... who will never part with his 71 Telecaster, until they pry
    my cold, dead fingers from it's neck.
    
    

    I am planning to buy a Jazz Bass early next month, if everything
    goes as planned. I am leaning towards the American Standard model.
    Anyone have any idea where the best deals can be found ? I foresee
    having to order it, because I have my mind set on getting a Sunburst
    model, with rosewood-dot fingerboard, and I haven't seen any of these
    in any music store. Does the American Std. Jazz bass feature a white
    pickgaurd or Tortoise shell (not that it matters, pickgards are
    easy to come by). Sam Ash quoted me ~$570 with molded case. Does 
    this sound like a good price, or can I do better. I really don't 
    like the idea of buying a guitar via mail order. I'm not thinking
    in terms of instant gratification, it's just that I would like to
    play the instrument first, and know exactly what I am getting, as
    well as being able to drive back to the store should a problem arise.
    I am willing to drive anywhere in East/Central Mass, or southern N.H.
    
    
    Is it possible to get a dealer to substitute a Tolex case for the
    plastic molded case if I am willing to pay a little more ? If not,
    I think I might buy a Tolex case separately, and sell the plastic
    case. 
    
    
    Mark Jacques
    

    
    Both East Coast Sound in Conn. and Stewart-MacDonalds have nice
    cases for very reasonable money.  
    
    I don't think guitar dealers require you to buy the case the guitar
    has been sent with.  But I suppose that depends on the specific
    dealer?
    
    Fender dealers in this neck of the woods include Ted Herbert on Elm
    St. in Manchester, Tewksbury Music, off Rt. 38 in Tewsksbury, and
    Music Workshop on Broadway in Salem, NH.  I have had years of good
    luck from Ted's.
    
    The people at Music Workshop informed me that it cost $250-$280 just
    to engage the services of the Fender Custom shop and that the wait
    is a minimum of six months.  Your options include combinations
    of any Fender parts on any Fender guitar.  That really is a wide
    choice of set-ups.  The company currently offers, incidentally,
    over 30 different models of the Stratocaster.
    
    Brian

    
    
    	IMHO, the plastic case is better than the tolex (plywood?) cases.
    The seem to fit better and are *much* lighter. This was my experience
    with the genuine Fender plastic cases.
    
    -Tom
    

I'm not wild about the plastic cases, a few minuites in the hot sun in the
back of your car and they melt and warp...


dbii

    
    Re: .22
    
    What's your guitar doing in the back of the car in the hot sun anyway,
    waiting to be stolen??   8^)  8^)
    
    I heard from a friend about a guy who left an old Ampeg Baby Bass in
    his car one summer day and the fiberglass body of the bass softened,
    and the string tension punched the bridge *right through the body*....
    
    							Brian

    I can identify with Dave Bottom's comment. Two years ago, I set
    up my PA at Bob Nash's house on the hottest day of the entire 
    summer. My 3-space Rhino rack practically melted from the heat
    of the sun combined with the heat the power amp produces. As
    a result, the top and sides of the rack buckled and distorted
    a bit. A couple weeks later, I sold it and bought a "real" rack.
    
    Mark
    

    RE: -1 Yeah, you sold that Rhino Rack to me you scumbag ;^)
    
    	Funny you didn't mention anything about "buckled and
    	distorted" sides when you were taking my $$.
    
    	Anyway, the rack is fine, I use it all the time.
    
    	joe. (just kiddin' Mark)

    When the rack was in the hot sun, I was concerned that it would
    be messed up permanently, but after I got it home it seemed fine.
    I sold it because I felt it was a little too light-duty for me.
    I also sold it for 1/2 the price I paid, and it was only a couple
    of months old. The Tour 3-space rack a replaced it with cost me
    $150. I think I got hosed down on that rack, but I do like it.
    
    In hindsight, I think I should have just stayed home that day. I
    had fun at Bob Nash's jam, but it was the most oppressive weather
    I have ever lived through in my life, and moving all my pa and
    guitar gear was hell.
    
    Mark
    

    Rather than start a new note, I'd like to use this note to continue
    the discussion of Fender's latest line of instruments, particularly
    the American made instruments.
    
    I am in the market for a Strat and a Jazz Bass. Being somewhat of a 
    purist, I've had firm intentions of getting re-issued instruments
    (62 reissue Strat, and 62 reissue JB), but now that I have actually
    gone into stores and played a few and priced them, I am starting
    to change my tune. 
    
    First of all, I have played the reissued Strats, the American Std.
    Strat and Strat+. I like the looks of the reissued Strat, and the
    tweed case, but I know darn well that eventually I would end up
    replacing the Kluson tuners, leaving unsightly holes in the headstock.
    I also know darn well that I would probably not use the tremelo much
    because they just don't stay in tune very well.  This lead me to
    consider the American Standard, especially since it costs $200 less.
    The American standard comes equipped with Schaller tuners, and an
    updated tremelo. The one drawback (IMHO) is the plastic case. I have
    played about 5 differant American standard Strats. Some did not seem
    to want to stay in tune any better than the re-issued model. A few
    seemed better but far from perfect. Then I tried the Strat+. The
    locking tuners/roller nut/American std bridge/ and trem setter 
    definately make for a great improvement. I was able to depress the bar
    completely, and the strings come right back in tune. The looks of
    the pickups upset me slightly, because they don't have pole pieces,
    and therefore take away from the vintage looks of the Strat. There
    is a silver lining, though. These pickups are very quiet. I tried
    playing an American Std. Strat about 3" away from the speakers in 
    an amp and there was noticeable hum in positions 1,3,&5. Positions
    2&4 were silent, due to the out-of-phase middle pickup, which cancels
    noise. I did the same with the Strat+ and there was no noise at all.
    The salesman also showed me one other demonstration. He just finished
    building a custom Strat with EMG actives pickups. He has a neon
    Groove tube sign set up right near the amps. He plugged in his
    Strat and it hummed noticeably despite the fact that EMG's are supposed
    to be noise-free. The American Std hummed worse, but the Strat+ was
    more quiet than both. He is pissed that the EMG's make noise, because
    they are suppossed to be silent. 

	I tried 2 Strat+ guitars. One has 3 golden lace sensors and the other
    had 2 silver and one blue lace sensors. The golden lace sensors sounded
    just like a vintage Strat minus the hum. The guitar with silver/blue
    lace sensors did not sound like a Strat at all. It turns out this
    configuration is suppossed to emulate the sound of humbuckers. I would
    take the golden lace sensors any day.


	Now for the Jazz Bass. I have been dis-appointed that most stores
    do not stock Jazz basses. The few that do have Japanese models. Apparently,
    Jazz Basses are not a big seller these days. I saw one re-issed JB in
    Kurlan's music. It was a beauty, but they are asking ~$900 for it. I
    plan to check into the American Std. models before I make a decision.

	I am hoping to score a good deal by buying both guitars at the same 
    time. I looks like it's time to pound the pavement !! A trip into Boston 
    is definately in order.

	I am hoping that with case in hand, I can get a store to supply
    both instruments with Tweed HS cases, since I don't like plastic cases.
    Most stores seem reluctant to do this, but if they see a double-decker
    cash sale headed for the door, they just might change their tune.

	Any comments on the Strat+, and American Std instruments would be
    greatly appreciated.

	Forgive me from ramblin', but I don't buy new instruments very 
    often, nevermind two !!! The last guitar I bought was in 1981.

	
	Mark

    
    Hey, Mark...read my lips....
    
    Unless things have changed in the last couple of months, THERE ARE NO
    AMERICAN "STANDARD" BASSES.   The only US made J bass is the reissue.
    The "Standards" are Japanese.  The so-called "Contemporary Jazz" is
    really a P bass and also Japanese.  The new Precision Plus is US, but I
    beleive all those "Power Jazz", etc. basses (also really P basses) are
    Japanese as well.  
    
    Fender essentially abandoned US bass manufacture in 1986.
    
    Go find a used one....
    
    						Brian
    
    P.S. Any dealer who can't find you a tolex or tweed case to swap for
    the plastic case is a fool who doesn't want your money.

    re .27
    
    Mark,
    
    See note 1121 for some opinions about the Strat+. 
    
    One interesting thing about the Strat+ is that it was
    going to be the Jeff Beck model. Beck and Fender must
    have had some kind of disagreement, so they called it
    the Strat+. Beck's strats are basically modified 
    Strat+s that are made in Fender's custom shop (I bet
    he doesn't have to wait several months:-)).
    
    I see this a good thing, because if it was the JB model
    strat, it would probably be priced like the EC model 
    (outta this world).
    
    -Tom

    re. .28
    
    Brian,
    
    I hear ya !! What I can't understand is that several dealers I have
    talked to have assured me that they have "American Standard Jazz
    Basses" in stock, or can get them. Sam Ash, Wurly, Mr. C's and Kurlan's
    all claim they are available. Of course, they are all looking to take
    my money. I must admit, though, I haven't seen any ???
    
    The thing that put's me off about buying used is that I anticipate 
    problems finding EXACTLY what I am looking for. I want a sunburst JB,
    with rosewood board, and (preferably) a 4 bolt neck. Most people don't
    mind a little bit of character marks on an instrument (nicks &
    scratches). I do !! I want one to be near-perfect if not perfect, and
    that includes the case, too. I baby my guitars. My Telecaster and 345
    are both near perfect, including the cases. I scrapped my old 345 case,
    and bought a new one cause the original was beat. My Guild has a little
    character, but not much for a guitar I bought new in '73. The Tweed
    case is also nearly perfect, which is an amazing feat considering I've
    taken it camping, gigging, etc.
    
	Let's face it, used Fender guitars are becoming less and less
    common, as the market is flooded with imports, and the so-called new
    breed of instruments.  I don't feel up to chasing around looking at
    guitars from the want-ads. I just don't have the time. I will probably
    end up paying a little more in order to get the right instrument from
    a dealer. That's okay too. They are providing the service of finding
    and investing in instruments so I don't have to run around.
    
    	It may take me a while to get around to finding the right bass.
    I am pretty well set on getting a Strat+ and it should be fairly
    easy to get the right one. My weekends are pretty well booked for the
    next month or so, so I may have to take a day off to go shopping.
    
    	Mark
    

	F'yer looking for one of them newfangled Strats, Ted Herbert in
	Manchester, NH had a small forest of them when I was in there
	Saturday. Quite a few Fender basses, too.
	

    I called Herbert's. All his Jazz basses are Japs. he has some of the
    new "60's" series Jazz Basses, and he claims the prices are very
    attractive. I think I'll keep looking. He does have a sunburst
    Strat+. I might make the drive and check it out.
    
    Mark
    

    
    
    
    	Mark, I think your smart to look around and ask around each one of
    those guitars is gonna cast you 500-600 bucks and you might as well be
    armed with information... I'll tell you about my deluxe standard..
    
    	Don't get me wrong... I LOVE this AXE it's the best sounding
    (although sometimes I long for the meaner sound of a re-issue) guitars
    I've ever heard... the deluxe standard is a standard with gold lace
    sensors, by the way.
    
    	Anyway, here's what I'm NOT pleased with:
    
    
    	Screw holes for trem cover split wood on the body.. this is shoddy
    workmanship.. period.. If I made a guit I would fill the hole and do it
    right, Fender didn't.
    
    	Frets... they were no where near playable!!  After owning the
    guitar for a couple of weeks I had to set up the neck and dress the
    frets.. This is unacceptable quality as far as I'm concerned... A
    guitar ought to be playable when you take it home.... I'm not one of
    these wicked-low-action-dudes either.  I play (or try to play) blues
    and I like my action a little higher.
    
    
    	Finish.. I continue to worry a little about this.. the finish on my
    maple neck is falling off.. no sh*t.. it started with a place about the
    size of a dime and is moving up the neck... all places where I bend a
    lot.  My first trip to my Fender dealer yielded the following comment:
    
    "Yeah, don't they look coooool when the finish starts wearing away?"
    
    	Gimme a break.. a 25 year old Strat looks cool with the finish worn
    off, but a 6 month old strat???
    
    
    	Anyway, Mark, after the quality defects....  I still love this
    guitar.. it's friendly and it sounds Grrrrrrrreat, but they ain't made
    like they used to be.
    
    Regards, and have fun shopping,
    Steve

        Might be  worth  trying one of Leo Fender's latest guitars, the
        G&L line and comparing to the 'Fenders' available in the stores
        
        If you're anywhere near Manchester, NH., let me know - I have a
        G&L Skyhawk that you're welcome to check out...
        
        Andy
        

    Steve,cmon.... if I were you,and had finish flaking off and got that
    response from a dealer,I'd be calling Customer services at Fender in
    California. 
    As far as setup is concerned that is another $50 to $80 if you need the
    frets filed. It's a mistake not to have it setup,I learned the hard
    way,it can make or break the instrument......and your left hand....
    
    							Rick

	Yesterday I visited a Fender dealer, and picked up a catalog
    of their current U.S. made instruments. It includes the following:

	Strat Plus
	Deluxe Strat Plus
	Strat Ultra

	Precision Bass Plus
	Jazz Bass Plus
	Jazz Bass Plus V

	American Std. Telecaster
	American Std. Stratocaster
	American Std. Jazz Bass
	JP90 Bass

	Reissue series

	'52 Telecaster
	'57 Stratocaster
	'62 Stratocaster
	'57 Precision Bass
	'62 Precision Bass
	'62 Jazz Bass

	We have talked about many of these instruments, but I would like to
    provide some details of the new additions.

	Strat Ultra - A step up from the Strat+. *Four* Lace sensor
	pickups. Blue-neck, silver-middle, 2 red-bridge position.
	highly figured maple top with transparent finishes. Ebony
	fretboard with shell dots. 3-position pickup selector with
	mini-toggle switch for additional tones. New deluxe tremelo
	with snap-in arm. This appears to have the same roller nut
	and locking keys as the Strat+ and deluxe Strat+, but from
	the photo, they appear to be chrome plated.

	Precision+ - vintage looks. Silver lace sensors (p/j). 3
	position pickup selector switch. Pushbutton tone preset.
	updated bridge with fine tuners, 22 frets, Fender-Schaller	
	tuners.

	Jazz Bass+ - No pickgaurd. 2 Silver lace sensor pickups,
	active electronics, 4 position mode switch (standby, passive,
	active, and active w/mid boost). 22 frets, deluxe bridge,
	pickup pan control. 

	Jazz Bass+ V - same features as JB+, 5-string and natural finish.

	American Std. Jazz Bass. Vintage looks. 22 fret neck, bi-flex
	truss-rod, tbx tone control, precision tuners, neck angle
	adjustment, security lock-strap buttons come fitted and ready
	to accept optional locking strap collars.

	JP-90 - compact body shape, p/j pickups, poplar body, tbx tone
	control, 3 position mini pickup selector. maple neck with rose-
	wood board. They imply that this bass is very reasonable priced.
	It has a very small pickgaurd behind the 2 pickups and controls.
 	
	    It is specifically stated, that all instruments in this catalog
	are *AMERICAN MADE*, whatever that means. Some people have suggested
	that Fender makes all the components in Japan and simply assembles
	them in the U.S. Who knows what the scoop is? All I know is that
	these instruments have all the features people seem to want, and
	offer classic styling to people who want the old, and modern
	styling for people that want the new. Fender appears to finally
	be making an honest effort to compete with all the competition
	that has been eating them alive for years. 

	    Mark

    Mark, 
      
       What is the difference between a Strat + and a deluxe Strat +?
    
    
    
    
    Don

    re .37
    
    Don,
    
    Different model lace sensors. The Strat+ has 3 golds.
    The deluxe Strat+ has a blue and 2 silvers, I think.
    I don't believe there are any other differences, but
    who knows-Fender keeps changing things. Personally,
    I'm happy with the golds.
    
    -Tom

    re. 36
    
    	Isn't there a Fender Ultra which is similiar to a 335 without
    f holes? It might be listed as the "Robben Ford" model and goes for
    $1000?

    The deluxe Strat plus features "a finely-grained ash top and back,
    complemented with transparent finishes". The deluxe and ultra both
    feature the new deluxe tremelo bridge with snap-in arm. 
    
    According to the latest literature I have The deluxe Strat plus has
    a blue lace sensor in the neck position, a silver lace sensor in the
    middle, and a red lace sensor in the bridge. This differs from the
    deluxe Strat+ I demoed which had two silvers, and a blue. 
    
    Like I have said in previous notes, I think fender has really outdone
    themselves to the point where they have about 30 differant models of
    the Strat on the market right now. You need a scorecard to keep track
    of all the models. This is good and bad. It gives Fender an extremely
    diverse range of products to meet the needs and budget of just about
    anyone. At the same time, it confuses the public to the point where
    people don't understand what all the differant models are, and whether
    they are Japanese, Korean, or U.S.
    
    Mark 
    
    

    And if you think Fender is confusing the public, think about the
    effect on dealers. Like I said Fender has about 30 differant Strats
    on the market. Almost all of them are available with maple of rose-
    wood fingerboards, and in a dozen or more colors. If a dealer tried
    to stock one of every Strat available, they would have to stock about
    600 or more Strats. Add to that the Telecasters, P-basses, J-basses,
    and other models, a dealer would literally have to have over 1000
    Fender instruments to cover all the models and colors available.
    
    And don't forget amps !!! Fender has more amplifier models on the
    market right now than they have ever had, mostly Jap-solid-state, 
    but there are also the U.S. made tube amps, and the dual Bass 400 
    is also U.S. made (where's that score card again?).
    
    Compare that to the offerings from other manufacturers. No one even
    comes close to offering as many differant options as Fender.
    
    What's next ?? 
    
    A Deluxe_Ultra_Elite_Contempory_American_Standard_Vintage_Strat_Plus....
    	(in sunburst, of course).
    
    Mark
    

	I had a chance to play around with a Precision+. It was Lake Placid
	Blue w/Maple Neck, silver sensors, etc. Nice piece of work. This
	bass, along with what I've seen with the latest USA strats, the new
	line of tube amps and even the Lyte series Japan basses leads me
	to believe that Fender is pretty serious about getting back into
	the equipment biz....

	Try some of these pieces out....

    The one area that Fender needs to come up to speed is in the preamp
    market. Last I heard, Fender still does not make a guitar or bass
    preamp. Perhaps at the next N.A.M.M. show they will unviel some new
    preamps !!
    
    Mark 

	A Twin/Showman as separate rackmount preamps and power amps!

    Yeah, just what Fender needs:  Product Proliferation!!
    
    	Like they don't have enough already?
    
    	joe.

    Yeah Joe, they do have an incredible amount of products already,
    but separate preamps/amps is clearly what professional musicians
    want these days. They came out with 3 differant versions of the
    Super 60 amp. They offer the super 60 combo, the head-only version
    (in a wooden cabinet), and a rack-mount head-only version. I doubt
    if all 3 of these are big sellers. They should have broken the amp
    up into a preamp/amp and introduced this configuration instead of
    the super-60 rack.
    
    I think the same could be said about their guitar line. I'm sure
    that not all of their guitars are big sellers. They should drop the
    mdels that are not selling as these just tend to muddy the water. 
    I also believe they should be marketing one line of inports, not 2.
    I believe that all imports (Japanese or Korean) should be called 
    Squires, and only American instruments should bear the Fender name.
    This would end the confusion over what is made where. 
    
    I was in Mr. C's last week, and he had one of the new 60's series Strats 
    on display. This is made in Japan, but he had it labeled as a 62-reissue 
    Strat. I pointed out to him that the tag was deceiving because the 62
    reissue is an American made guitar, and the 60's series is Japanese.
    I wonder if he takes the time to explain the differance to people that
    are not up on Fender. I must admit, though, this guitar was a really
    nice replica of a '62 Strat, complete with spaghetti logo, slab-rosewood 
    board, etc. 
    
	Mark
    

    Mark, I gotta agree to disagree with you on this....
    
    As far as separate preamp/power amps go, I think it's not the way *all*
    pros are going.  Some pros, yes, but I still feel that a well-designed
    head can be useful.  And a well-designed head stuffed into a combo can
    be *real* useful.  There are still lots of gigs where racks and racks
    of gear aren't the best solution, but a combo amp and one digital FX
    unit are.    
    
    It's more a matter of how hip designers can be.  I've seen amps that had
    empty rack spaces built-in for your favorite FX units (one of these was
    from Marshall, BTW) and companies like GK and Peavey are attacking the
    issue by stuffing all the processing into the amp (whether the final
    sound floats your boat is another matter).  
    
    I think a lot of people are going rack because they can't find what
    they need in non-rack setups.  Don't think that a combo like a Twin
    stuffed with the latest goodies inside wouldn't sell...after all, look at
    Boogie: the original Boogie, with its channel switching, built-in
    overdrive, graphic EQ, etc. was very high-tech compared to the rest of
    the amp market circa 1970.  Likewise, in bass amps, the runaway success
    of GK who had a better idea, a versatile preamp coupled with a high
    output power amp in a small, light package.  Now there are plenty of
    amps patterned after Boogie and GK (some better, some worse).  
    
    I *will* agree I'm surprised Fender hasn't gotten into separates, but
    with all the stuff that's been happening in their amp line, it's only a
    matter of time.  Funny, but while Fender combos are so revered, the
    piggybacks don't seem to have the same appeal.  This may explain why
    they've stuck mostly to combos, it's their main niche (unlike, say,
    Marshall, where the stacks are prized over the combos).  
    
    								Brian

    Brian,
    
    For the most part, I agree with you. Fender's main niche is definately
    combo amps, and guitars/basses. 
    
    Even if someone did make a combo amp with every efx I could ever need
    built-in, I personally, would still prefer separate rack-mount gear.
    The reason is because when I buy a piece of signal processing gear, I
    expect the versitility to be able to use it with PA, recording, or
    musical instuments directly. I also like the ability to place all
    my efx in a standard size package. Ever try stacking something on top
    of a combo amp ? Most combos are some unique size and shape that do
    not lend themselves to stacking. 
    
    I would love to see Fender separates. Specifically, I would like to
    see a preamp, with all the features of the twin, plus a stereo efx
    loop. A set of speaker emmulating outputs would be great, too. As
    for the power amp, I would like a stereo/dual mono amp capable of
    anywhere from 10-100 watts/side, with the ability to power up only
    one side for driving one speaker cab. Actually, they could include
    the speaker emmulation circuit into the power amp. That way, you 
    would get "real" power amp distortion, without having to drive
    speakers.
    
    Leave it to Fender. Eventually, I am sure they will come out with
    something hot !!
    
    Mark
    

    I think Fender DOES have some custom rack stuff.
    
    Look in the mag ads.  They some some puff-head playing with a 
    rack behind him thats stuff full of boxes marked "Fender".
    
    I think the guy was from "Bonham".
    jc

    Super 60 and Bass 400 heads can be racked.  The old Bass 300 head from
    the 70s was rackmount also.
    
    							Brian

Little Feat was racking SHowman heads last year both times I saw them...

....and using dean Markleys!!!...

so much for "endorsements"

dbii

    Well, I finally broke down and bought a Strat. It is an American
    Standard model, in sunburst, with rosewood board. I also talked
    the store into giving me a tweed case instead of an ABS plastic
    case. I sort of had my mind set on getting a Strat+, but this
    one has a real pretty sunburst finish, and it feels right. I also
    realized that the American std. tremelo, with the Schaller precision
    tuners would be enough to keep this in tune, since I never use
    heavy whammy anyways. I made my first mod the other night...added
    a set of strap-locks. The dude in the store told me that most people
    recess the strap locks into the body of the guitar, but that seems
    too radical for my tastes. Besides, it prevents you from using a
    regular strap without locks. 
    
    I'm still in the market for a Jazz Bass. If I don't find one locally,
    I'll make a trip into Boston, or maybe hit southern N.H. on a weekend.
    I have seen a couple of half-decent ones used, but they generally
    want $500 to $600 for basses that are beat. For that much, I can
    get a new one.
    
    Mark
    

>    The dude in the store told me that most people
>    recess the strap locks into the body of the guitar, but that seems
>    too radical for my tastes. Besides, it prevents you from using a
>    regular strap without locks. 

That's an interesting suggestion.  What kind of strap locks do they recommend
doing this with?  I could kind of see the advantage, since I use the Jim Dunlop
style locks which put the strap out on the end of the button and it kind of 
looks (and feels) funny.

I do think that claiming "most people" do this is a little far fetched.  I've
never known *anyone* that did that.

Greg

    
    I bought the Jim Dunlop type as well. I had these on three of my
    guitars already.  Now all four have 'em. I agree they do stick out
    a little more than a regular button, but I am not willing to drill
    or rout a hole into my guitars to recess the buttons. I like having 
    the same type of lock on all guitars, so that I can use any of my
    straps with any guitar.
    
    I also bought a new strap. Rather than going with a leather strap, I
    figured I would try a "Levi's" nylon strap, with adjustable length. 
    I like it, and it was only $8.99. I got a free Fender guitar strap
    with the Strat, but I'm not crazy about it. It seems kind of cheaply
    made.
    
    Anyways, I'm not planning on making any other mods to the new Strat.
    I like it just the way it is now. It screams !!!!
    
    Mark
    

    I was in E.U. Wurly (Worcester) Friday, and they just recieved a
    Fender 4x10 Tweed Bassman re-issue amplifier. The price is around
    $700, which is far more reasonable than the THD, or similar Bassman
    copies on the market. I didn't hear it but the saleman said that 
    it starts to break up around 5, and above that it doesn't get much
    louder, just dirtier. Obviously, the speakers are not Jensen Blue-
    caps, but Fender apparently tried to match them as close as possible.
    I'm not in the market for an amp, and if I was I would probably choose
    something more practical, but this amp is still quite interesting.
    
    Check it out !!
    
    Mark
    

    Wasting no time after reading Mark's reply, I popped down to Wurly's
    to check out the new Bassman.  Cosmetically, it's very nice.  They
    included cool details, like an exact replica of the tube chart on
    the inside of the case.  The tweed looks very authentic; unlike the
    tweed on the Strat re-issue cases, it's lacquered, which means it
    should age to a nice, warm browned glow just like the real ones.
    The handle is authentic style and leather, as found on earlier versions
    of the 50's amp; later models had a molded plastic handle, which
    tended break with no warning, so using the older style was a good
    idea.  There's a square metal plate on the back with some warnings
    about electrical equipment (probably required) and the speakers,
    although blue, don't quite look like the original Jensens; otherwise,
    the amp is perfect.
    
    I fired it up (with a Strat, of course) and was quite pleased with the
    sound.  It did indeed have a tone very much like a real tweed Bassman.
    These amps are legendary for their tone, but it's a subtle thing.  It
    doesn't sound 10 TIMES BETTER!!! than any amp you've ever heard; it's
    the same Fender sound you know and love.  But it's just a bit sweeter,
    the harmonic overtones just a little richer.  You're doodling away, and
    it sneaks up on you; you start to smile, the guitar feels good, new
    ideas pop into your head and your fingers.  Suddenly you catch yourself
    having a ball, and you notice "hey, this amp sounds pretty good".
    
    As Mark said, it starts to break up at about five on the volume control
    and goes from there.  The "real" ones I've tried seemed to stay cleaner
    longer, so I wouldn't say the sound of this amp is exactly authentic,
    but it is pretty damned close.  At almost twice the price, it's hard
    to see what the other Bassman re-issues out there can really offer
    over this one.  And this one has something the others don't that
    commands a lot of market value: the Fender logo.
    
    /rick

    I think the Tweed cases that Fender is supplying with their re-issued
    guitars is made by an independant case manufacturer, and they simply add
    the little Fender plaque. I have one that I bought with my American Std. 
    Strat. The Tweed on the Bassman is probably more authentic because Fender
    buys it direct and attaches it themselves.  
    
    I agree that seeing the Fender Logo on a product definately increases
    it's resale value. I have been in the market for a Fender Jazz Bass
    for the past several weeks, and I have turned down all kinds of offers
    for copies, Japanese-made Fenders, etc. I have played lot's of differant 
    copies and other models of basses, and I always go back to the Jazz. The 
    only one I have found so far that I have fallen madly in love with is a 
    '62 reissued JB in sunburst w/tortoise shell pickgaurd. This bass is 
    hanging on the wall at Kurlan's music in Worcester, and they are demanding 
    a firm $899 for it (ouch !!). I sat in on bass at my buddy's house one
    night, and played his Jazz Bass. It's an oldie, with very little finish
    left on the body, and a maple neck w/bound maple board with block fret
    markers. I have offered him as much as $400 for it but he's holding
    onto it. It is a permanent fixture in his home studio. He looked up the
    serial numbers and it turns out it is a 1966 model. Belive it or not
    he picked it up for $85.00 w/black Tolex case.
    
    I am driving into Boston Friday. I have called dozens of stores and
    so far only two have Amer. made jazz basses in stock. Mr. Music in
    Allston has about 6 differant ones, mostly black, and a couple of
    blondes. They are asking $575 for most. I also plan to hit EUW and
    check out the new American Standard Jazz bass before I make a decision.
    The thing that turns me off about the Amer Std JB, and the Precision+
    is the mutant body shape. Fender has gone to 22 frets on both of these
    models and they stretched out the body quite a bit to balance the
    weight. The result is the upper "horns" are longer and the lower
    offset on the JB is more pronounced. I'm concerned that aftermarket
    replacement parts want fit these instruments. The non-vintage shape 
    bothers me a bit, at least in the photos I've seen. I demoed a P+ at EUW
    (Worcester) and couldn't make up my mind whether I could live with it
    or not.  
    
        If I stike out on Friday, I may try some of the new Japanese
    made 60's series Jazz Basses. If they are as authentic as the Strat
    I saw, I just might grab one. Ted Herbert's music in Manchester, NH
    had some in stock last time I called.
    
    	I'll let you'all know how I make out on Friday.
    
    	Mark
    

    	Friday's trip into Boston paid off big-time. I came home with a
    mint 1983 Jazz Bass. It is sunburst, with a one piece fretted maple 
    neck, black dot markers, tortoise shell pickgaurd, and black tolex 
    case. This has the standard chrome control panel, and nice precision
    tuners like the ones Fender is currently using on many of their
    basses. It also has a four-bolt neck with tilt adjustment.
          
    	I bought it from Mr. Music in Allston. Next time I am shopping 
    for a new guitar, I think I'll skip all the rest of the stores, and go 
    right to Mr. Music. This guy has got the most incredible selection of 
    used vintage equipment I've seen anywhere. He has lots of used Fender 
    amps, many of them are pre-CBS black-face models. His guitar department 
    is divided up into rows. He has a full row of Strats, a full row of 
    Telecasters, a row of Fender Basses, a full row of Les Pauls, a row of 
    SG's etc. He has lot's of arch-tops, Rickenbackers, Gretches, Martins. 
    The ultimate guitar shop !!!

 	Mr. Music was my first stop. I didn't buy this right away. I
    then went to 3 other stores. EU Wurlitzers has 2 of the new American
    std. Jazz basses in stock. I loved the neck, and they sounded great
    but the body style turned me off. The colors they had didn't cut
    it either. They were willing to sell me a '62 re-issue JB for $799,
    but I just couldn't see spending that much for a bass. So back to
    Mr. Music to make the deal. The bass I bought is flawless. Not a 
    nick on it anywhere. The only thing wrong with it that I can see is
    that the pickgaurd is warped. I was really looking for one with a
    rosewood board, but this bass was in such perfect shape, and played
    so nice I couldn't put it down. Mr. Music's prices are reasonable
    (not cheap). He wouldn't budge on the price but threw in a set of 
    Roto-sounds. 
    
    Now it's time to start saving for my next trip to Mr. Music. Let's see,
    I still need a Les Paul, An archtop, a Dobro.........................
    
    Mark
    
    

    
    RE: Mr. Music
    
    I was in cub scouts with one of the owners of Mr. Music.
    
    Too bad we didn't stay friends, as he would be a good one to have :-).
    
    Guy
    

    
    I was in Wurlitzers today, and picked up a copy of Fender's new
    publication entitled "Front Line". It is quite similar to Peavey's
    "Monitor" magazine. Besides the usual ads it has a complete listing
    of all of Fenders current products. They list a new addition to
    the vintage amplifier line... a reissued 1963 Vibroverb !!! According
    to the listing it features 40 watts, 2x10" speakers, reverb and
    (tube-generated) tremelo, and has Brown Tolex covering.
    
    They are offering a free tee-shirt to anyone that writes a letter
    in to Frontline. I started drafting a letter to Fender a few months
    ago, but never finished it. I think I'll finish the letter and send
    it in. What the heck, a free tee-shirt for the cost of a 25c stamp !
    I have plenty of things I would like to say to them, mostly what I
    consider good suggestions. 
    

	Just recieved the New issue of Frontline. Fender is at it again,
    introducing several new models.
 
	Anyone remember the "Telecaster Thinline" guitars circa 1969 ??
    Fender has re-issued this guitar in it's earliest form with two
    single coil pickups. The guitar features a mahogany body, with a
    hollow upper bout and a single F-hole. The pickguard is constucted
    of white "mother of toilet seat", and covers the control cavity. 
    EU Wurly (Worcester) has one in stock and they are selling for ~$599
    with ABS plastic case. According to the Saleman, they are US made.

	Fender has also introduced a Telecaster +. This guitar features
    a blue Fender Lace sensor in the neck position, and two red FLS's
    in the bridge position. The use of two FLS's in the bridge position
    dictates that the stock Tele bridge cannot be used. Instead, Fender
    has included an Amer Std. "Strat" tremelo bridge. I'm dissipointed !!
    I was hoping the Tele+ would have two "single" FLS PU's. Actually,
    I was hoping Fender would introduce FLS's as replacement accessories
    for older Teles. Perhaps Fender should have introduced a Tele+, and
    Tele "Ultra". The + could have been a minor upgrade to the Amer Std.
    with FLS's, and the Ultra could have been the wizz-bang model they 
    are calling the +. Oh well, such is life !!

	E U Wurly also has a Strat "Ultra". It is selling for $999.00
    The flamed-maple top on this particular guitar is a major dissapoint-
    ment, especially considering the beautiful flame on the guitar pictured 
    in the glossy advertizement Fender has been running in various guitar 
    rags. One nice feature of the Ultra is that the Wilkinson roller nut, 
    locking tuners, and bridge saddles are all chrome plated or highly 
    polished stainless, as apposed to the satin finish on other models 
    (Strat+ etc.) I'd like to upgrade my Amer Std. with the locking tuners, 
    and roller nut. Hopefully, they will be available as accessories. 

        Stay tuned !!
	Mark Jacques
                     

Supposidly the thinline is also going to come in a heavy metal tele with
a floyde rose and a kramer style headstock, with two fender humbuckers (and
unless they've changed something these have to be amoung the most useless
sounding pickups in history)

I noticed that even "recent" thinlines are going for $1K+ in the stores 
around here...recent being '73 (I think) the last year they made them..

dbii

    A Heavy Metal Tele ??
    
    Wagagagagagagaaa... This I gotta see.  A pointy headstock too eh ?
    "There's a (digi-digi-digi-digi) tear in my (digi-digi) beer
     <insert harmonic scream>(digi-digi)
     And I'm (digi-digi) cryin' for you dear (digi-digi)"
    
    Yuck, nuck...
    jc

    Never mind, how about the Heavy Metal P-bass...pointy headstock,
    f-hole, one Lace Sensor, one piezo bridge pickup.....???
    
    							Brian

    There was some company about 6 years ago that had a heavy metal looking
    acoustic.  Wierd angular headstock, painted in wild colors like
    electric blue and metalflake red with lightening bolt shaped
    soundholes.
    
    Had to have been about the ugliest things I ever saw...
    
    Greg

    -1
    
    That's made by Ovation....I think it's the BombJovi (tm) model!
    
    Hey, plug tha��t into an M1000 and make you audience puke!
    ;^)

    
    Coop and Buck.  
    
    AGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA!!!
    I'm rollllling!!!!  ;^)
    
    Hey, Coop, doesn't Mick Marsbars play one of those "metal Teles"?
    I thought that song sounded familiar!  ;^)
    
    J.

    
    So, Jeff is a closet Marsbars fan, huh?
    ;^)
    
    J.

    Nothing "Closet" about it.  Mic Mars wails.  Whatatone.  Who cares
    if he only knows pentatonics.  He makes mucho bucks for those few
    scales.  Besides, M�tley Cr�e would be the worlds most fun band to 
    be part of...
    
    ;)

    
    Poseur!
    
    ;^)
    
    J.

    Who gives a flying s**t about Mick Mars, pentatonics, and
    Kiss-retreads, Motley Crue, in the FENDER CUSTOM SHOP STRATOCASTER
    note?
    
    Haven't you guys ever heard of MAIL?  Must every topic in GUITAR
    be cluttered up with personal bullsh*t that has nothing to do with
    the topic at hand?
    
    Brian

    Brian my man. You're so vague about this. Don't be so reserved. tell it
    like it is will ya?
    
    Good man. Seriously kids, I think Brian makes a good point. It really
    bothered me what was done to the SRV topic so I started the General
    Bullsh*t topic. It has gotten some use - 50+ replies? - and some of it
    even useful. I saw the note today about authors clearing their drivel
    in the SRV RIP topic. 
    
    Unlike Brian, I don't much care about the disk
    space but I would like to be able to peruse a topic that has useful
    information as opposed to digressions, transgressions, regurgitations,
    masturbation and who knows what all. Lets keep bullsh*t where it
    belongs.
    
    "sakman"

    If you guys don't like digressions, stay away from the Grateful
    Dead notes files. Every time I ever tried to put a serious note 
    into that conference, some brain-dead heads come along an ruin
    it. It makes this conference look like the Encyclopedia Brittanica.
    
    Mark
    

     yessir you're right.....you're only allowed to B.S. in the B.S
    file...unless you got a KittyHawk!!
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    (^; x 1000
    -Bill

    I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT GUITAR I JUST JUDGE BY THE LOOK.
    HOW CAN YOU GET A GOOD ONE AND WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR SO YOU KNOW
    THE GUITAR IS VALUEABLE.Nomatter what you buy in the music store
    they always said to you everythings are good,course they have to
    said that for you to buy there products i know that.
    I want to buy a fender guitar for keep what model or what kinds
    of woood is the best.I like to get very nice distortin sound and
    very nice of clean blues sound out off it.so you only own one guitar
    and gets all the sound you wants.
    
    
                                      thanks for all of your advice.
    
                                     thanks for you advice
    

    
    re: -.1 
    
    
    Many of us have bought an American Standard Stratocaster.  These are a 
    good value and sound great for Blues.  You should expect to pay around
    $450 to $500 for one with a plastic hard case.  They also come with a 
    cord and a guitar strap.  
    
    -pat

I just stumbled across this note (I'm fairly new to this conference) and
I thought that I might get the discussion back to the...

			 Fender Custom Shop.

A few years ago I was thinking about buying a new Strat with some uncommon
features. I can't remember how I came to learn of the custom shop but I did
and so I called them to get the scoop. I was very impressed by how helpful 
they were over the phone. You can get about anything you want out of them and 
the "up" charges for special things aren't that bad. Things like custom 
colored lacquer finishes matched to a sample paint chip that you send them;
Deep-V or "boat" necks like Fender put out back in 55, 56 and 57; gold plated 
hardware, non-tremelo body; etc. You first discuss it with them, get a price 
quote, then go to your local dealer to place the order. I never went through 
with the order, but I think that a custom color unit with a V-shaped neck was 
going to cost about $900. If I recall correctly, they have 4 or 5 neck 
profiles. I think they're all available with either rosewood or maple 
fingerboards. Whereas they sell finished or unfinished, decaled  Fender necks 
as repair parts through authorized dealers, the Custom Shop necks are *NOT* 
available except as part of a Custom Shop instrument.

As far as value goes, if you are already shopping in the vintage reissue
price range, I think its worth a little extra to get the potential
appreciation in value. Guitars that came out of the custom shop in the early 
sixties are worth $5000 now. Standard vintage stuff is much less. Of course,
this assumes that you don't have them create something so hideous nobody
wants it. With the papers from the Fender Custom Shop, it's as instant a 
collector's item as they get. Also, you don't know how long the custom shop 
will continue to do this. If they up and close it...hmmmmm. Anyway, that's 
what I know about the Fender Custom Shop.

--rjb

P.S. This could all be pointless. For all I know it could be closed now. 
Anybody know?

    I read recently where the Fender Custom shop has a special neck lathe
    that will duplicate the exact size and shape of any neck you give them.
    So now if you ever find the "perfect" neck, you can stock up.  I'm sure
    they charge through the nose for this, but if you really want it, it's
    there.

    I remember reading about this when Guitar Player featured a Custom Shop
    tour last year in their buyers guide issue. The machine is basically
    like a key cutting machine. Snap the original on one side and a neck
    blank on the other side and it cranks out an exact copy in minutes.
    
    I figured Fender probably uses it to copy some of the more requested
    necks like the old V'd necks used on '57 Strats.
    
    Mark

    This is as good a place as any to enter this. EU Wurlitzer's in
    Worcester has finally gotten a reissue '63 Vibraverb. Like the
    reissue 4x10 Bassman, this amp appears to be very authentic, 
    including the brown tolex covering. I didn't check it out, but
    I'd like to next time I'm in Wurly's.
    
    They also have a reissued 1969 Telecaster Thinline, and a 4x10
    Bassman amp. Unfortuneatly, I'm still broke from the holidays. 
    No new toys in my immediate future.
    
    Mark
    

    Yeah, check out the price. The Wurly's in Boston wanted
    over $700 for Vibraverb! I'd like to hear what they
    sound like, though.
    
    -Tom

    
    
    
    	Yeah, Mark, plug in and let us know... there won't be one in Maine
    until we get all the electricity and running water installed!

A guy was just telling me that he bought a limited edition strat
at a Worcester dealer. He said the custom shop made like 500 pieces.
Came with all the Custom shop papers. 

He described it as gold (probably Shoreline) with gold hardware,
a gold metal pickguard (a white plastic PG was also included),
and a V neck.

He said he saw two down in FLA a few months back with $1400 price tags. 
He claims that he talked the dealer here down to about $800. Anyone else
hear about limited edition guitars from the custom shop?

Re: -1

	I just bought a telecaster (stock) from Peter Cooks Guitar World in 
London.

He had a gold limited edition strat identical to.........

>He described it as gold (probably Shoreline) with gold hardware,
>a gold metal pickguard (a white plastic PG was also included),
>and a V neck.

.........yep ! just the same. It looked and played excellent although the 
"gold" plated scratch plate looked a bit glitzie kinda like a schecter type of 
thing. I can see the buyer using the white scratch plate and storing the gold 
one in case of re-sale.  I have been trying to remember the UK 
price....something like 1200 pounds.

I must say, that if I was in the 1000 pound strat market I would be tempted to
go to the Fender Custom house rather than get a "super stock" strat like the 
EC or Ultra model. Even if they only make 500 pieces, you are still likely to 
get the one or two (or more?) "average" pieces in terms of tone, playability, 
etc. Also you are still getting a market derived "best fit" special. I am 
guessing here, but I am sure the Custom House would allow you to choose or at 
least describe then choose from one or two, bodies, necks etc. This way you 
can be sure your custom strat is an above average piece from a players 
perspective. An example of a point I would push for, is choosing a set of 
stock pickups for tone and dynamics.
No matter how much players "customize" their strats, they are from that 
point on, not 100% Fender (from a buyers perspective), even if the 
mod has improved the instrument. I see the benefit of getting a 100% fender 
built, managed, certified, and guaranteed custom strat as having something a 
bit special about it. 

Dave_who_dreams_of_a_1000_pounds_plus_strat__________dribble!__

                   -< I'll take it signed by Leo, thankyou >-
       
       Well, Dave - if you happen to end up with a your dream strat and
       it's missing Leo's signature, send it over.  It might take a
       couple of weeks { busy schedules, you know *8') }, but Leo lives
       around here and I might be able to get him to sign your piece,
       though I'm not sure why he would want to, since Fender is a
       competitor for his new enterprise.

       

   re: .85 ("1000# Strats")

   No, no...  It's the Les Pauls that weigh 1000lbs, not Strats!  :-)

   Gack, the more I hear about prices overseas the more glad I am I live
   here and own the guitars I want already.  The EC Strat sells over here
   for about $700.

   -- Sam

    Regarding 84, 85
    
    Kurlan's Music had a Shoreline Gold Strat in stock just after
    Christmas. It was number 375 of 500 built in the custom shop.
    Neck had a sharp V shape to it (maple board), gold-plated 
    hardware, and a gold anodized aluminum plate. It also included
    an Axe sac (basically a "bra" for your guitar) which matched
    the gold color.  The back of the headstock had a special decal 
    which identified it as a custom shop instrument and had the series 
    number as well as the serial number.
    
    
    I would have loved to have grabbed this baby but can't justify 
    another Strat (or any new guitars for that matter) at the moment. 
    Shoreline Gold is really the only Fender custom color I like as
    much as sunburst. They wanted $1000 for it. Kurlan's is usually
    higher than most dealers, so I would expect to get one of these
    for at least $100 less.
    
    Mark
    
    

If it's in Worc. MA then that might be the one one the guy bought. He said
the dealer wanted $1000, put it aside for the guy, the guy kept coming in
and looking at it but without the full $1000 so the dealer let it go for
$800. That was about a month ago. He mentioned the series number but I can't
recall it. Did I mention in my previous reply that 

		THE GUY DOESN'T EVEN PLAY GUITAR!

He wants to learn and thought having a nice instrument would inspire him.
Now he wants to get a cheaper instrument that he's not afriad to take out
of the case play.

YEEEEEOOOW! ..|

    
    I'm afraid i hav'nt got enought time to look through all the previous
    notes in this topic, so i'm sorry if the info.'s already been put in
    here. What i need is info. about buying a black scratch plate/pick
    guard, that'll fit a strat with h/s/h holes. I've just phoned a local
    music shop and they've said that it'll be difficult to get hold of that
    configuration and his advice was to get a standard h/s/s plate and cut
    out the single p/u hole into a humbucker hole (still with me?).
    	So if anyone's got a telephone no. or address that i can contact
    here in the U.K. it would be much appreciated.....
    
    
    			E	w	a	n
    

    I'm thinking about replacing all the plastic parts on my Amer Std
    Strat (pickgaurd, trem cover, knobs, etc.) with a set of the
    yellow-green type that look like white parts after 30 years. The
    only thing I'm wondering is if I can get them to fit the Amer Std.
    The pickgaurd on the Amer Std is the same shape as a vintage Strat,
    but has a differant number of screw holes and they are positioned
    differantly. 
    
    Anyone have any info. Does AllParts carry these? How much are we
    talking for a complete set?
    
    Inquiring minds want to know!!
    
    Mark
    

re: .91

>    I'm thinking about replacing all the plastic parts on my Amer Std
>    Strat (pickgaurd, trem cover, knobs, etc.) with a set of the
>    yellow-green type that look like white parts after 30 years. 

Geez, this sounds kind of like bleaching your new jeans so they look
worn!  Maybe you need to spend more time playing your guitars instead
of looking at them! :-)

I'm sorry, Mark, I don't mean to offend anyone, it's just that something
snapped when I read your note.  I probably missed my medication this
morning or something.

-Hal

    No offense taken. Actually, my Strat gets more play time than any
    of the other guitars in my arsenal (last time I counted, there
    were 22 of them critters hanging around my studio)  ;^)
    
    These "aged" parts have been around for a while now. I've seen
    a few vintage reissue guitars with them and they really look 
    mint. To each his own! I suppose I could always wait 20-30 years
    until the original parts on my Strat discolor on their own. 
    I just don't have that much patience. Actually, I'm thinkin
    about buying another Strat, so maybe I'll leave my Amer Std
    alone and customize the next one. 
    
    Mark 
    
    PS. If you look up the term "GTS" in the guitar player dictionary,
    you will see my picture.
    

    Yeah, one problem with that is the materials used are different
    though.  The old Strat pickguards were nitro-cellulose, a somewhat
    unstable material that oxidized and "greened" with time.  Knob and
    pickup covers were also made from a plastic that discolored nicely
    with age.  I'm afraid that the new "improved" materials used for these
    parts nowadays won't get that look no matter how much time you spend
    in smokey bars.
    
    I remember once checking out a 50's Tele whose neck had been
    relacquered.  I told the dealer "This feels too new.  They're nicer
    when they're worn from years of playing."  His reply was "well, just
    play it a lot".  Yeah, right :-)
    

    Rick, I thought the old pickgaurds were made of "Bakelite". 
    Nitro-cellulose refers to the old-style organic lacquer. 
    Please correct me if I missed something.
    
    Mark
    

    BTW, I heard that you can discolor white plastic parts by 
    exposing them to large dosages of ultra-violet light. Anyone
    else hear this? 
    
    Maybe I just need to install a couple of black-lights in my
    studio, and my guitars will become vintage on their own.
    
    Mark

    I heard you aged a Strat by lending it to Fred Abatelli for awhile.
    
    Dave

    It's probably possible to age your plastic... Just look at our terminals!
They're yellow just from the flourescent lights!



/kLeM

    re .95
    
    Yes, 50's Fenders did indeed use Bakelite for the pickguards.
    In the 60's, around the time they started using rosewood fingerboards,
    pickguards changed to celluloid (another name for nitro-cellulose).
    Yes, nitro-cellulose is also a component of the lacquer they were
    using.
    
    Bakelite guards do yellow a little, but not that much.  Celluloid ones
    typically get a vivid yellow-green-blue tint to them; this is what you
    usually see copied on fake-aged re-issue guards.  Celluloid was a hazardous
    material to work with, highly flammable and prone to spontaneous
    combustion, so in 65, around the time of CBS takeover, they switched
    to PVC for the pickguards (which doesn't yellow but causes cancer :-0
    
    /tadeo_gomez

    Rick,
    
    	Thanks for the explanation. Your knowledge of Vintage gear
    never fails to amaze me.
    	Mark

    
    
    I spent my lunch time looking through the current Fender catalog.  Talk
    about too many models!  Yikes, it's hopeless.  I'll have to keep my
    catalog handy just to be able to read the ads in the WantAds.
    
    There are more than 40 Strat models listed!
    
    Kevin
    

yea, it's like looking through a Digital catalouge aint it..


but now,, how bout that James Burton Tele with the Black and
gold Paisley finish with gold h.w. ! Yoikes......
I ask myself,,,  


=			WHY ?

    I agree that Fender has too many products. I suppose if they had
    too few products to choose from, we'd complain as well.
    
    The only Fender Products that interest me are the reissue series of 
    guitars and amps, all of which are USA made. I own an American Std. 
    Strat and while I like it, I don't think I would buy another. If I 
    was in the market for a Strat I'd either go for the 62 reissue model, 
    or the 54'.  As for the amps, I like the 59 Bassman, Vibraverb, and 
    Deluxe Reverb. I wish they would reissue the black-face  Super. 
    
	Mark
    

    
    
    Hmm, I see 
    
    	57 Strat
    	62 "
    	50's 
    	60's
    	68
    	
    I don't see a '54, but I might have missed it. 8-)
    

    Latest on the plate are the Relic series; there's a '57 Strat (Mary
    Kay) and a '51 Nocaster that I've seen pictures of, and supposedly an
    early 60's Strat (rosewood board) on the way.  These are "pre-aged" a
    la the Duncan Antiquities.  Sounds silly, but I've heard several good
    reports on em.  As with the Duncans, there may be some substance
    beyond the fake aging bs.  
    
    I may be going to the Long Island guitar show this weekend; if I do, no
    doubt I'll get to see a few of these in person.
    
    /rick
    

    I don't see how you can go wrong with a Strat+.  I love mine!

    In 1994, Fender made a "40th Anniversary Strat" which was a re-issue
    of the 1954 Strat. It featured a highly figured Ashe body, all maple
    neck, 2-color sunburst finish, and also featured a special decal
    on the back of the headstock. These were limited edition guitars,
    supposedly each Fender dealer got only 1, and most dealers were 
    selling them for $2k. 
    
    You won't find these in the latest Fender catalog. This is very
    similar to the 57 Strats except for the Ashe body and neck profile.
    
    Mark
    
    
    

    Hmmm - seems to me like the best strat is the US Made "standard" model.
    All the other ones are just variations of those, right?  I mean the 
    yngwie model is the same as a std, cept it's missing some wood on the
    fretboard and has humbuckers err something.  
    
    I just wanna strat, man..
    
    jc

   I like my "American Standard Deluxe" (or whatever the hell it's called. :-))
   It's an American Standard with the TBX tone control and 3 gold lace
   sensors.  

   Yeah, I know you (Coop) like it too.  No.  Buy the Gibson.  :-)

   -- Sam

    	regarding Fenders huge selection, I personally love it. You can
    find just about any combination of pick-ups, neck, wood, tremolo,
    color, nut,or locking set up. You name it, you can probably buy it off
    the shelf. That's good!
    	As for this ageing of your "new" $2500 Custom Shop guitar...I don't
    think so! That's nuts. My opinion, of course...
    
    -kev

    
    Ya, that pre-aging sounds wacko to me too.  I tend
    to fall for a nice new guitar, and partly because it
    looks so nice and new!  I thought old guitars sound good because
    of how they were made, materials, and because they've
    been played.  But some people probably hate that 
    brand new off the shelf look.  
    
    Dave
      

    
    
    brand new works for me! 8)
    
    
    							Ian

    	The older axes are sought after due to the ageing of the wood as
    well. I guess time effects it's tonal characteristics. You can't fake that.
    
    -kev

    RE: TOO MANY STRATS!!!!
      Yep, I agree.  Remember the days Rick when there was a Telecaster, a
    Stratocaster model and (insert Fender guitar of choice).  The only choices 
    you had back then was what color you wanted and if you wanted a maple,
    or rosewood fretboard.  Yep...  things they keepa changin'.
    
    	I have it easy (at least that's the way I've been thinking lately)
    in that if anything happened to my 69' Strat, I'd go for the SRV
    signature Strat. Why? It's all in the neck since it's almost exactly
    the same feel as my old Strat.  This is important, since it's alot
    easier to change pickups than screwing around with a neck.  Ok, I'd
    leave the stock Texas specials in the neck and middle positions, but
    I'd rip out that wimpy bridge pickup and drop in a Duncan classic hot
    stack.  Throw in a coil cut switch and I'd be a happy guy!  Oh yeah...
    the most important thing left is to replace the SRV pickguard with a
    standard black one.
    
    The choice amoung all the Strats is easy for me!  
    
    :^)
    
    	Rock on,
    		Fred

actually, I think it's cool too, cuz you can get
a strat that you can use for just about anything..

I like it..

   Okay, if I had my dream fulfilled I'd wake up tomorrow and have a NEW
   (not "fake aged" - I can drag a chain across the guitar and add a
   "patina" to the finish if I want...) American Std. GR Ready Strat in
   tobacco sunburst with a maple fretboard.  And I'd keep my regular one as
   my "on the go" guitar for when I'm not bringing the synth.  I haven't
   even dared to ask though, and I can imagine prices nearing $1000 after
   haggling...  Ain't got that kinda scratch this month...

   -- Sam

    One of Fender's latest offerings is the Jimi Hendrix Tribute Strat. 
    Actually, this is the second of two commemorative Jimi re-issues being
    done in cooperation with the Hendrix estate (i.e., his dad and sister).
    The first was a limited edition Custom Shop re-issue released last year
    of Jimi's hand-painted Monterey Pop Strat (unburned of course :-).
    
    The new Tribute Strat is a "mirror image" of Jimi's Woodstock Strat. 
    What you basically get is a lefty Olympic White late 60's style
    re-issue, with strap button on the lower horn so that righties can
    play it flipped upside down and get that cool Jimi look.  The one unique
    feature is the headstock logo, which is written backwards!?  I guess
    this goes along with the "mirror image" idea.  It's not a Custom Shop
    product, but done in the same Corona CA plant that produces some of
    the signature Strats (Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, etc).
    
    I got to check one of these out.  I've played many original late 60's
    models and it's a pretty authentic copy; the body contours are right
    and the maple cap neck has the right profile and feel.  It's even got
    "F" tuners.  The pickups are also a special wind and do get a very
    authentic late 60's tone (but perhaps Fred A would be a better judge of
    this).  As a re-issue, I liked it as much or better than anything else
    Fender has done; only some of the Custom Shop offerings are at a
    similar level.  Playing it upside down was weird at first, the knobs
    and cord and trem arm sort of in the way, but it kind of grew on me.
    It's impossible to pick up this guitar and not play the riff to Voodoo
    Chile :-).
    
    A cool guitar; too bad they don't make a normal right-handers version.
    
    /rick
    

go to the Guitar Center in Natick Rick,,

last week they had two or three of them in the big wall..