- what would it be?
I'm curious about the SSS config, Fendery market.
The more I play, the more I'm coming to the view that I love single coils more than anything else, and that I'm more comfortable with Strats than anything else I play.
But there are annoyances - the 3 rotary controls have no real value to me, I much prefer the more modern single Vol/Tone set up. With Strats, I find the volume too close to the pickups for my playing style. Fender electrics can be a little primitive with regard to hum cancelling - not a big deal to me, but it's another thing about the more expensive Fenders that I'd struggle to justify.
Are Schecter/Eggle/Suhr making much better Strats than Fender? I love the look of the new Origins Strats, and I guess ~£1500 is reasonable for a US made guitar. I doubt I could really justify 2 grand plus to the wife for that high end market.
Musicman Cutlass looks good. So does the Blade RH4. And I've always loved the Schecter Sultan model.
Comments
For my tastes anyway.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
It would be a bit of work but you could replace the scratchplate with one that has single volume and tone pots. I'm sure you would be able to find a ready made one somewhere, but if you can't then you could spec one from Warmoth:
http://www.warmoth.com/Pickguard/StratPickguard.aspx
If you untick the boxes for the volume and tone then you could drill them where you want.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tom-Anderson-Classic-Stratocaster-Guitar-Tobacco-Burst-Serial-07-16-03N/112862382349?hash=item1a471f490d:g:VGcAAOSwT-9aibit
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/72424/
Link below to a new one but coda also have some SH
https://www.coda-music.com/special-offers/john-page-classic-ashburn-pelham-blue-maple.html
I thought it looked a bit of an abomination when it first emerged, but that 40 minute John Mayer video sounded phenomenal.
What about a Tele?
However, just seen this, and it looks and sounds awesome:
https://www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com/issues/issue-20/reviews/vigier-expert-retro-54#
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/72424/
Suhr Scott Henderson model. For that thing he does with it.
Some other Suhr, probably, for other things one can do with a Strat.
I'm afraid "expensive" kinda starts at £2k plus for top level instruments (which is what I think you mean by expensive). Just look at all the "cheaply made" Korean and Chinese imports for well over a grand.
One can be lucky with the second-hand market: people on here are always saying that Suhr/Anderson/Tyler(phear the headstock!)/etc. don't hold their value. I've yet to snaffle a bargain myself...
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/72424/
Or an SVL
Or a Michael Tuttle
Modern builders like Suhr, Anderson and others have not re-invented the wheel - more of an approach that has smoothed out the edges with a serious attention to detail - Generally find a more slick approach with them regarding the playing performance - But many will question if such an approach has taken away some character and left you with a guitar that is a touch 'o pure' - a matter of taste and opinion
Agree with @impmann about PRS influenced models like the 305, DC3, NF3 - I've not played the new PRS yet, but I seriously dis-like the headstock
What about an old Blade Levinson built in switzerland? Who was the member with a large collection of them?
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/72424/