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
Comments
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.
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
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.
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.
I can't help about the shape I'm in, I can't sing I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to
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.
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.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
Thanks for the response guys. Looks like I hit a contentious topic.
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.
Just 7.25" and smaller frets is less friendly to many, especially with 10's or heavier
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.