THE GUITAR OR THE PROCESSOR?

[ggalen]

My video link shown at the bottom of this post is a $439 Strat Standard played through a Boss GT-8.For the money, you cannot beat a Strat. I'd have to say that the effects processor is a huge part of the "electric guitar sound". I came from an acoustic guitar background for 25 years, and it really surprised me how different the electric world is, where the guitar is not the key determinant of the final sound.

[ddusty]

If you are buying an inexpensive guitar, you have to play it first.to me the biggest difference between the US made strats and the Mexican strats (like the one you linked to) is quality control. I have played some Mexican Fenders that were fantastic, I have also played some that were crap.The same can be said for all guitars, but the disparity seems to be greater on the lower end models. If it's at all possible, play the guitar before buying it, it's hard to buy guitars online. I have done it, but I would rather play it first.

[elischumann]

Well, I just came back home from SAMASH (about 20 min from my home). I did it the way all of you told me to do it. I play and had another guy to play a few guitars for me and I like the STRATOCASTER ($440), the same guitar ggalen is playing on the video. Thanks to all of you for the advice!!!

[ggalen]

When I picked up the electric guitar a couple of years ago, I bought the $439 Strat thinking that I'd buy something more expensive if I turned out to really enjoy electric.Well, I LOVE playing electric. And although I've since played more expensive Strats, but I am really happy with the tone and playability of the Mexican Strat I have...so I have not bought anything else.I did have it professionally "set up" by a good luthier here in Minneapolis, and that made a big difference, too.Good luck with your new Strat!

[Mark Kaufman]

Hey Glenn, who was the luthier? I'll be needing a good one soon, and I'm also in the Twin Cities.Thanks! -Lyle

[ggalen]

Quote:Hey Glenn, who was the luthier? I'll be needing a good one soon, and I'm also in the Twin Cities.Thanks! -LyleI had Leonard Shapiro (aka Moses Oakland) do it. I hear Hoffman Guitars are good, as well. Leonard's shop is on University Ave just east of the U of M campus. Here's his web site:http://www.moseso.com/lsgr.html

[Mark Kaufman]

Quote:Quote:Hey Glenn, who was the luthier? I'll be needing a good one soon, and I'm also in the Twin Cities.Thanks! -LyleI had Leonard Shapiro (aka Moses Oakland) do it. I hear Hoffman Guitars are good, as well. Leonard's shop is on University Ave just east of the U of M campus. Here's his web site:http://www.moseso.com/lsgr.htmlThanks again--he looks just right!