Telecaster Guitar Forum - View Single Post - Acoustic player needs help with selecting Strat???

strat a various · July 3rd, 2009, 05:03 PM

Check out the necks carefully. Make sure the guitar you're considering has a neck shape you love ... is it round or "V"?, is it wide or narrow, thick or thin? Try each and every fret. If the guitar you settle on has relief or bowing issues, high or low frets in some positions, any fret buzzing, or a slight twist, be sure the store GUARANTEES to give it a complete and thorough set-up and correct any issues, whatever they may be.
If the guitar needs to have a fret replaced or have the edges of the frets filed, or the frets crowned, add some $$$ to your final price. Many new guitars, and many more used guitars need some work, mostly neck and fretboard work.
If you have a friend with lots of experience around electrics, take him/her with you. It's easy to miss a serious neck issue when you're excited about a new purchase. Look down the neck for warps and twists. Even consider taking an 18 inch metal straightedge with you, to see the fret heights and relief. If the truss rod needs to be adjusted, make sure the store does it for you.

July 3rd, 2009, 05:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
strat a various Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2008 Location: the high desert Age: 51 Posts: 1,083	Check out the necks carefully. Make sure the guitar you're considering has a neck shape you love ... is it round or "V"?, is it wide or narrow, thick or thin? Try each and every fret. If the guitar you settle on has relief or bowing issues, high or low frets in some positions, any fret buzzing, or a slight twist, be sure the store GUARANTEES to give it a complete and thorough set-up and correct any issues, whatever they may be. If the guitar needs to have a fret replaced or have the edges of the frets filed, or the frets crowned, add some $$$ to your final price. Many new guitars, and many more used guitars need some work, mostly neck and fretboard work. If you have a friend with lots of experience around electrics, take him/her with you. It's easy to miss a serious neck issue when you're excited about a new purchase. Look down the neck for warps and twists. Even consider taking an 18 inch metal straightedge with you, to see the fret heights and relief. If the truss rod needs to be adjusted, make sure the store does it for you. Last edited by strat a various; July 4th, 2009 at 01:44 AM.