# Musicians Fender's Stratocaster marks its 60th anniversary? Is the quality still as good? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 18, 2014, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439 "2014-04-18T20:15:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/21 "2014-04-19T15:19:28Z")
Of course now I have to learn some blues licks. 😃 I’m looking forward to learning a new style. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/22 "2014-04-19T15:20:53Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Got my White Jimmie Vaughan TexMex Strat ordered. 😃 I’m having the pick guard replaced with the optional Fender tortoise shell and I’m getting Elixir Nanoweb 10’s put on. > > A lot of white Strats have the tortoise shell pick guard. [Here’s one from Google](http://i41.tinypic.com/nq5pvm.jpg). It really dresses it up and the Fender pick guard is only $38. > > I’m really impressed with Sweetwater. They’re making those changes for only $20. They also offer a 2 year warranty on the guitar for free. I’m glad now that I didn’t just get something off Ebay. Congrats - what you are you going to play through amp-wise? ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/23 "2014-04-19T15:31:10Z")
What’s your amp budget? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/24 "2014-04-19T15:31:28Z")
I’m looking at the Fender Mustang I or maybe the Fender Frontman 15g. The Frontman is a no frills 15W practice amp. The Mustang is 20W and can do all kinds of effects. For now I wouldn’t want to spend over $200 for a practice amp. If I started playing again with friends I’ll need something better. I had a Peavey back in the 80’s. I regret selling it. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/25 "2014-04-19T15:44:11Z")
I can’t believe how much amps have changed. The Fender Mustang I retails for $169 and they offer all this. I can remember when you had to buy electronic boxes for each different effect. Now its all in the amp. [http://www.fender.com/series/mustang/mustang-i-v2-120v/](http://www.fender.com/series/mustang/mustang-i-v2-120v/) > [@](#): > > Seventeen high-quality Fender and other amp models including five new ones, such as ’57 Twin and ‘60s Thrift; 24 onboard presets (unlimited storage with computer); a full palette of effects including reverb, delay/echo, tremolo, phaser, with additional new effects including Big Fuzz, Green Screamer and pitch shifting (with even more available through Fender® FUSE™); new low-noise power amp platform; chromatic tuner; USB connectivity for user programming and audio recording output; auxiliary input for media player; Fender® FUSE™ ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/26 "2014-04-19T15:48:29Z")
I have a [Vox DA-5](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJPT3iIpLCs) that I love. It’s discontinued now I believe. I bought it new at GC and I think I paid 139 bucks. It runs on an AC adaptor but has the option of 6 C batteries which last an amazingly long time if you keep it on the .5 watt setting. It’s louder than you’d think at that setting . I rarely use it now but when I was playing it a lot I never used the AC adaptor. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/27 "2014-04-19T15:56:27Z")
[Better Vox DA5 review.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtbkG6ZLEKo) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/28 "2014-04-19T16:02:27Z")
I see several used ones on Ebay. A battery operated amp would be very convenient playing outside on my deck or at my moms. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/29 "2014-04-19T23:04:14Z")
Post a review when you get your Strat! Did they give you a delivery date? ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/30 "2014-04-19T23:10:42Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I see several used ones on Ebay. A battery operated amp would be very convenient playing outside on my deck or at my moms. Look around, there are other battery powered amps out there. Roland makes one called the Mini Cube that was popular at the time I bought the DA5. Pignose has been making battery powered amps for quite a while. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/31 "2014-04-19T23:33:36Z")
**aceplace** , good choice on Sweetwater! Their customer service is second to none. I’d poke around on their website to see if you can find an amp that suits you…or just call them and describe your situation and they can recommend one that fits your budget. That’s a really pretty guitar and once again I cannot say enough good things about Sweetwater. Soon they are going to send you a gear catalog for buying something from them…best shitter reading material ever! ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/32 "2014-04-20T02:46:30Z")
Their guitar Tech will do the mods I requested Mon or Tues. The salesguy said they get a little backlog during the weekends, but usually can get it all done in a day or two. I should get a shipping notice and tracking number after that. I’ll post remarks after I get it in my hands and play it. 😉 I played a friends Strat in the early 90’s. Looking forward to having my own. > [@River\_Hippie](#): > > Post a review when you get your Strat! > > Did they give you a delivery date? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/33 "2014-04-20T02:58:35Z")
Looks like Vox replaced the Vox DA-5 with the Vox Mini5. Looks identical except they added Rhythm tracks. Same switchable wattage for battery savings. It’s gone up $30 since River Hippie got his DA-5. [http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Mini5BK?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CJOR\_PaH7r0CFfFFMgod1D0AWg](http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Mini5BK?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CJOR_PaH7r0CFfFFMgod1D0AWg) I promised my wife that I’d wait at least a month. Won’t be easy, but fair is fair. I can play the electric without an amp for that long. That’s the best way to practice late at night anyway. Don’t have to worry about waking anybody up. Heck, I can’t practice my acoustic vintage Yamaha late at night. The Strat will make getting my practice time in a lot easier. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/34 "2014-04-20T04:24:15Z")
One odd thing about Sweetwater. I waited five hours and didn’t get an email invoice. Called back and got my salesman. He seemed surprised that I expected one. He said they normally send invices just prior to shipping. Not a big deal. It just surprised me because I buy a lot online and invoices are automatically generated and emailed by their system. Usually failing to get an invoice signals an incorrectly entered email address. That’s why I called. I wanted to correct any errors since they took it over the phone. Turns out there was no error. They just hadn’t sent one yet. I’m still very happy with the experience so far. I’m anxious to see how nice a job they do switching out the strings and adjusting the setup. I did compare prices on all my accessories (the pick guard, strings, guitar cable). Sweetwater’s prices are competitive and usually matched what I found elsewhere. We discussed the discounted guitar price earlier. That apparently was set by Fender. All the dealers I found online and Ebay had that same discounted price. I did find a blemished model marked down more. But, choose not to risk it because GC expected me to pay up front before they ordered it and let me see it. Hell no. That ain’t happening. I’m not buying anything blemished sight unseen. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/35 "2014-04-20T04:55:56Z")
Oh, I forgot to mention the sales guy sent an invoice within minutes of my followup call. They are very responsive to their customers. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2014, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/36 "2014-04-27T09:43:43Z")
My Strat came in Friday. I took it over to a friend’s house Sat afternoon to get an opinion. He plays a lot of ZZ Top and Southern Rock. We had a lot of fun playing. I was on my acoustic playing rhythm and he was trying out the Strat. He said its easy to play and sounds great. I’ve noticed how much easier it is playing chords on the Strat. Especially barre chords. Sweetwater did a nice job setting it up. I’m going to sign up with Jam Play and take their Blues Course. Thats what I bought the Strat for. I also want to learn some Southern Rock. I’ll always be primarily a rhythm acoustic player. I love playing that style. It’s good to learn something new and keep improving. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2014, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/37 "2014-04-27T13:44:38Z")
Glad you like it, thanks for the update. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2014, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/38 "2014-04-27T15:11:05Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > Glad you like it, thanks for the update. Agreed - congrats and enjoy. ---
**Author:** ![MaxTheVool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2014, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/39 "2014-04-28T18:46:14Z")
I’d get a a 64 in classic white with triple single coil pickups and a whammy bar. Pre CBS-Fender corporate buyout. But it’s important to remember to raise the bridge, file down the nut, and take the buzz out of the low E. But I should probably stop torturing myself… I’ll never afford it. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2014, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439/40 "2014-04-28T19:45:54Z")
> [@MaxTheVool](#): > > I’d get a a 64 in classic white with triple single coil pickups and a whammy bar. Pre CBS-Fender corporate buyout. But it’s important to remember to raise the bridge, file down the nut, and take the buzz out of the low E. > > But I should probably stop torturing myself… I’ll never afford it. If you looked like Tia Carrera did in that movie, I’d find a way to get you one. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-fenders-stratocaster-marks-its-60th-anniversary-is-the-quality-still-as-good/686439.md?page=3)