2014 marks the 60th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster. Despite a lifetime of playing Gibson guitars and thinking that Fenders were clearly inferior, I have a sudden desire to own a Strat.
This is the second time I’ve felt like this. The first time ended while at a Daddy’s Junky Music store (RIP) invitation only sale when I played a Mexican Strat and actually got as far as the checkout before coming to my senses. Since then I decided if I ever bought one it would have to be an American model, despite the nasty fact that they cost about three times more than the Mexican models.
These days I don’t think I’d be quite as picky. Some of the Mexican models actually look pretty slick. The Japanese models look pretty good too. Then there are some less expensive, lower end made in USA Strats to consider as well. If I were serious (I’m not, really) I would start there.
Besides, you don’t buy a Strat without planning to modify it at some point. I want to keep both of my Gibsons as close to stock as possible, but with Fenders, it’s all mods all the time. The only criteria I’d have is a maple neck. I just like them better than the rosewood.
Then again, maybe it doesn’t have to be a Strat. Those ’72 Telecaster Deluxe reissues with the humbuckers and the Strat necks are pretty sweet looking…
Gear Acquisition Syndrome.
It’s a sickness we all get eventually.
Maybe I should stick to Gibson and get an SG… Or an ES 175… Or an ES 135… Or… Or… Or…
Inside the Red Head's Head 