I got a call from the local guitar store, they are always on the lookout for guitars I might like to own. The sold me on the new Fender Classic Player '60s Strat. It is a Mexican Strat designed by Fender Custom Shop builder Greg Fessler.
If you are looking for a new Strat for surf, this one is worth looking out for ... I could not be more pleased with my new Sonic Blue Strat!
I just got a cool new Strat from Fender. It is a Mexican Strat (yep) designed by Fender Custom Shop designer Greg Fessler. It is kind of a hybrid design - part 1960s, part 1990s.
The body is alder, with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard. 21 frets. So far, 1960s.
The fretboard radius, however, is a 12", rather than a 7.5" radius. The pickups are '69 Fender Customs. It has Ping Kluson-style tuners, and a 2-point "vintage-style" tremelo with milled steel block that had previously been found only on Custom Shop guitars. Mine came in Sonic Blue (it also comes in three-color sunburst). Unfortunately, it is a poly finish and not nitrocellulose lacquer. Same with the neck - poly. But it still feels and plays very well. The neck wasn't sticky, like some of the poly necks I have played. All the plastic - knobs, pickguard, etc., are aged - mint green three-ply guard, aged-white knobs, whammy bar tip, etc.
It also has a special Custom Shop neck plate and a small commemorative medallion on the back of the headstock. I suspect Fender is trying to add more value and cost to their Mexican models - the MSRP on this was $1,100, but the street price was $700. A little high for a Mex Strat!
Still, this is a very nicely built guitar with wonderful chimey tone. Mine was perfectly set-up, with a really easy trem bar action and low fretboard action. The "C" shape neck was very fast, slim, and the 12" radius makes it easy to play lead. Overall, a very pleasing Strat to own and excellent for Surf Guitar.
Windanseabeachboy
Link to Guitar
