Classic Player Strat

[Mr Tiger]

Hi,
I've had a hankering for a Mexican Classic Player Strat for a while and was wondering how they compare for quality to say US Std Strats or even Japanese guitars. Has anyone owned several who could give an informed opinion of what they're like?

How do they compare for tone and resonance to other quality Strats? Can the tremolo be set flush to the body on these?

I've read that the 50s maple neck versions are generally better than the rose wood boards. Trouble is I really like the look of the 60s Sonic Blue version. Is there much difference in tone? Presumably the flatter radius board will allow a lower action without buzzes - is this the case?

Are there any weak points or anything I should look out for before buying?

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Cheers,

Chris

[singlecoil]

Have you gone into a music shop and tried one, or several? That would be a good place to start.


But if that's not convenient, then probably the best way to proceed is to simply buy one by mail order, and if it's not what you want, send in back within IIRC 2 weeks (but check) under the distance selling regulations, I think you will have to pay the return carriage.

As far as difference in tone, there will be none that are discernible, certainly nothing that would compare with changing the pickups, improving the set-up, tiny tweak on the amp controls etc between the different versions.

Buy the one you like the look of, and if you keep it, you can always change any of the components that don't meet your present or future requirements

Different radii? Yes, ultimately you can get a bit closer with a flatter board but choose on which you prefer the feel of, especially if you like to fret the 6th string with your thumb.

[Mr Tiger]

Thanks for your reply.

Trying some out at a shop would be logical start although I do find playing in music stores cripplingly embarrassing. The last time I checked though neither of my local shops had any Classic Players but did have quite a few other Strats.

Do you know if the tremolo bridge can be adjusted flush with the body on the Classic Player?

Chris

[singlecoil]

Mr Tiger said:

Thanks for your reply.

Trying some out at a shop would be logical start although I do find playing in music stores cripplingly embarrassing. The last time I checked though neither of my local shops had any Classic Players but did have quite a few other Strats.

Do you know if the tremolo bridge can be adjusted flush with the body on the Classic Player?

Chris

I would be amazed if it could not be. All you would need to do is to make sure that the bridge screws had not been overtightened, thus pulling the front of the bridge down onto its chamfered underside, then tighten up the spring claw screws in the spring cavity in the back as to pull the tremolo down so that it is flush with the body. Do this after having changed the strings to your preferred type, of course.

A trick I used to use was while the strings were off the guitar wind the spring claw screws out of their holes, then rub a little candle wax on the threads before replacing them. Then do them up until they were nearly all the way in before replacing the springs and the strings. Then if the customer wanted the bridge floating, I would wind them out until that was achieved (much easier than winding them in). In your case, leave them as is and the tremolo will be flush with the body.

[dern]

Loads of strat set up information here... http://www.fender.com/en-GB/support/articles/strat...

Regards,

Mark

[Mr Tiger]

Thanks both. Lots of good advice here. I think I might try my luck on eBay.

Cheers,

Chris