Thank you Fender!

Barnezy

So Fender have just released a guitar I’ve been gassing for in a MIM format. Before CustomShop was the only option. It’s a 60’s Classic in Fiesta Red with a Nitro finish! Only part of the spec that’s not exactly as I’ve gas’d for is the PF board vs Rosewood, but I’ve read good things about PF so can live with that given the £2k saving. 

My question is the 7.25 radius and vintage frets. I’ve read quite a few negative things about this radius and combo. My question is, are people who are buying original 60’s Strat for £20k+ then swapping the necks because it has a 7.25 radius? I doubt it very much, so why then are they worth so much if no one likes that radius and unplayable as many tend to suggest? Is it just a naievity with this radius and people who have never played one, giving their opinions based on assumptions, or are the concerns just? 

Sorry to cause any GAS, but here it is https://www.andertons.co.uk/fender-60s-strat-lacquer-pf-frd

grungebob

Try one is the simplest answer. I’ve had a few with that radius ( mustangs, 70’s strats and a few Tele ‘s). 
I find them very comfy and playable but..... the fret work has to be spot on if you want as low an action you have on a 9.5”. 

If if it’s set up well you’ll just enjoy it same as any other good guitar but if it’s not and the frets aren’t level you’ll blame the curve on the fretbord for the poor setup. 

munckee

Only tried 7.25 on teles but I prefer it, makes 9.5 etc seem really flat. 

guitars4you

many players with original vintage models have had re-frets, often with larger frets, to allow for easier string bending - Many will retain the 7.25" radius after such adjustments - I've heard stories of some adjusted to a flatter radius, others say they wear down from 7.25 anyway

7.25 + small frets is not wrong - some like it, but as an overview I'd say less user friendly than 9.5" + chunkier frets - But your own hands will need to be the final test - It depends on your playing style, string gauge, action, set-up and how much bending you do

richardhomer

As I’ve said before - prior to 1983 when 9.5” became standard on Fender’s non-vintage style guitars - players has no choice. All the classic Strat solos played by Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour, Rory Gallagher, et al - we’re on 7.25” boards.

If the frets are well dressed and the nut is properly adjusted, it’s perfectly possible to get a low(ish), highly playable set up. In the ‘70s, most people used lighter strings than are the norm today - which also helps with bends.

It wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for me.

Neil

I like a 7.25" radius on a Fender - it feels more Fendery. 

CHRISB50

Personally I love 7.25.

It's very much down to personal taste, so best to try one as has been suggested. I have never had a problem. You can't get the action as low as you can with flatter radii as has been said, but I've never found it restrictive.

Strat54

It would be for me, a vintage radius and vintage frets feels like crap compared to any flatter fingerboard. Hate the tightness. 
Not all the classic Strat solos were played on that combo either, lots of refretted guitars with flattened boards on 50's Strats by the 60's and 70's. Pass.

p90fool

I grew up with Fullerton-built Fenders and all my heroes played them so it was second nature to me. 

These days though I only have one left, and since I switched mainly to Gibsons a few years ago I now find the 7.25" radius a bit annoying if I'm honest, so my Strat is rarely used. 

Mine is well set up, and as I'm not one for huge string bends it has a low action, but I no longer find that radius comfortable. Try before you buy. 

Chalky

The fact that Fender dropped the 7.25 radius as its standard and no-one picked it up tells you everything.  Its an acquired taste and if you like 9s and a low action as your norm, then it very likely isn't for you.

Jonathanthomas83

That guitar is stunning! However, I couldn't go back to 7.25" now I've gone 9.5".

guitars4you

Quite often, if I get a used guitar in stock, be it old/vintage, or replica, with vintage frets and a 7.25" radius, then I'll re-string and set-up with 9-42, for ease of playing - otherwise I'll always use 10-46

terada

7.25 for me. I far prefer the feel.

BluesyDave

Vintage radius is fine but personally I prefer it with taller frets (6105's).  As long as the guitar is well set up, you'll have no problems.

Barnezy

I’ll go try one tomorrow and will let you know my thoughts after. Damn you Fender for making this so close, yet so far from an easy decision! 

Thanks for the response guys. Looks like I hit a contentious topic. 

crunchman

I like 7.25" radius.  You can spend a lot of your time playing chords lower down the neck.  For that, it's much more comfortable with the tighter radius.

Some people do like it.  That was one of the big discussion points on the John Mayer PRS.  That comes with a 7.25" radius because that's what he likes.

My main Strat is 7.25" going to need a refret soon.  I probably will go for slightly bigger than vintage frets on it, but I won't go for huge frets.  I had a CS Tele for while with enormous frets, and I didn't get on with it at all.

mburekenge

BluesyDave said:

Vintage radius is fine but personally I prefer it with taller frets (6105's).  As long as the guitar is well set up, you'll have no problems.

This. My old strat has 6105  Effortless to play! More about the quality of the frets and how the nut is cut imo 

guitars4you

mburekenge said:

BluesyDave said:

Vintage radius is fine but personally I prefer it with taller frets (6105's).  As long as the guitar is well set up, you'll have no problems.

This. My old strat has 6105  Effortless to play! More about the quality of the frets and how the nut is cut imo 

agree - the 7.25" is far less noticeable with medium/jumbo based frets and far less 'stiff' - The C/Shop Michael Landau Strat has this spec and is slick to play

Just 7.25" and smaller frets is less friendly to many, especially with 10's or heavier

BluesyDave

I think all the Road Worn 50's and 60's Strats and Teles have vintage radius and 6105's.  Makes 'em great players...at least the ones I've had have been   

Barnezy

I’ve back ordered one from PMT as they are £120 less there then anywhere else. Wanted to order before trying incase the price goes up. Will go try one tomorrow and if I don’t get on with it I can always look to cancel. Alternatively given the saving, I could order a Warmoth vintage neck with a slab rosewood board for c£200 and have a radius I’m used to. That way I’d have a pretty sweet guitar for around £1k and a spare neck to sell. Any thoughts about swapping necks on guitars. Is it a bad idea? Most famous guitarist I see talking about their guitar always seem to have a mix match of years. This is all hyperthetical I realise. 

gusman2x

I think you'll be fine with the radius. If it was to be an issue (and you wanted to keep the guitar), I'd be tempted to get a refret with taller frets on the existing neck.

Only time I've ever had an issue with 7.25 is when the frets have been low.