WindanseaBeachBoy
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 133
La Playa, Mexico
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Posted on Sep 02 2006 06:10 PM
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 fretboard radius, for instance, is a 12", rather than a 7.5" radius. The pickups are '69 Fender pickups. It has a rosewood fretboard (I prefer maple), Ping Kluson-style tuners, and a 2-point tremelo that had previously been found only on Custom Shop guitars. Mine came in Sonic Blue (it also comes in three-color sunburst), and unfortunately, it is a poly finish and not nitrocellulose lacquer. Same with the neck - poly. But it still feels and plays very well. 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. I think Fender is trying to add more value and cost to their Mexican models. 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. Overall, a very pleasing Strat to own and excellent for Surf Guitar.
Windanseabeachboy
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HBkahuna
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 1778
Star, Idaho. Formerly lived in Surf City USA.
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Posted on Sep 02 2006 07:31 PM
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WindanseaBeachBoy
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 133
La Playa, Mexico
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Posted on Sep 02 2006 07:49 PM
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TooLShedd
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 51
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Posted on Sep 05 2006 02:37 PM
The Classic Player series really has me drooling.
I'm very G.A.S.-ie for a Classic Player Baja Telecaster...
http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0141502389
Seems to be the Tele I've been wishing for. I wish they came in more colors though...
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Wraydar
Joined: Apr 21, 2006
Posts: 265
San Antonio, TX
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Posted on Sep 05 2006 03:11 PM
Strats stink, but:
image
— <img src="klzzwxh:0000"></img>
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IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10331
southern Michigan
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Posted on Sep 05 2006 06:46 PM
Here's the part I find interesting - under specifications, it gives this:
Vintage Style 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Stamped Solid Steel Saddles and Milled Solid Steel Block
I was just reading a lengthy (I mean, LENGTHY) discussion on FDP from about five years ago on the supposed benefits of a Callaham steel tremolo block (you can check it out here http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?db=2002&topic_number=118333). The summary: if you own a US vintage reissue or a custom shop Strat, the stock block is as good as a Callaham. BUT, if you own a Mexican or Japanese Strat, the stock trem blocks were not very good, and would benefit from being replaced by a Callaham steel block. Apparently, the stock Jap and Mex blocks were not made out of steel, or were made out of cast rather than milled steel, which doesn't sound as good. It's interesting to me that Fender has now taken to specifying that trem block on this Mex Strat is made out of milled steel block. I guess they really took this thing to heart. Very cool.
BTW, for any Mex or Jap Strat owners, definitely consider plopping down $55 for a Callaham (or less for a Fender milled steel) block. I think it should make your Strat sound better.
PS I know some people criticized Fender's 2-post trem (the American Standard), and after reading that FDP discussion I think I know why: the block on it was also cast, though the tremolo was found on pretty expensive US made Fender Strats. I see that they're starting to install milled steel blocks on the 2-post trems now, like on the above guitar, another improvement. I can vouch that replacing the 2-post with a vintage 6-post trem with a milled steel block definitely DID improve the sound of one of my Strats. But I'm guessing it's just due to the block...
— Ivan
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eightball
Joined: Jun 24, 2006
Posts: 4
Southern Nevada
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Posted on Sep 07 2006 08:38 PM
Nice! I just ordered a Classis Players 50 in 2 tone burst (No surf green available  ) .......................markerdown
— Nuthin' goes down better on a hot day then a nice cold girl........St Paulies Girl that is.... get your mind outta the gutter!!
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eddiewagner
Joined: Aug 12, 2006
Posts: 77
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Posted on Sep 08 2006 07:30 AM
the steel trick really does it! i put a rockinger 35 euro block in my 60s classic mim strat and its really good now.
— www.myspace.com/captaintwangandhisrhythmcat
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