Thoughts on recent '57 strat RI's

I picked up a beautiful 2001 Aztec Gold 57 RI about 2 months ago ("new" in a music store) and it totally blew away any strat that I had ever played, especailly after I swapped the pups for some Fralin Vintage Hots.

I am amazed at what i have been missing all these years - the lightness, resonance and good looks of this axe far exceeds any strat I have owned or played ...

I am very pleasantly surprised that fender is turning out
such a high quality guitar, and was thinking of picking up another!

Has anyone had a simliar reaction to this model, or did I just happen to get a really good one-off in the production line? Any thoughts about if these will retain any value? Any thoughts on how they compare to CS models, or non-fenders strats like Callahams, etc.? Finally anyone else have one, and how do they like it?

Thanks very much

David

Lets just put it this way, I should have never sold the 62 RI in my avatar I loved that guitar and miss it still. It blew away any strat I have ever played. I am in the process of trying to find another.

To begin with, as with any mass-produced guitar there
are dogs as well as the example that really shines. The
big bulk though of Fender guitars produced today are of
a fairly consistent high quality. You obviously had the good fortune of finding the "perfect one".
Well looked after, it will not lose as much of its value as
say an Am. Ser. Strat.
I´ve had a long dry spell in buying guitars, due to a Tele- project, but I must confess I´m seriously tempted by a
57 RI. The Aztec Gold is a wonderful colour, a little darker
and more "dry" than the Frost Gold, and goes perfect
together with a maple neck.
I might just postpone that Tele-project for a while. :lol:

...they are a mass produced instrument and finding a good one is like finding a needle in a haystack. So what do I do? I have a couple of average ones until "the" Strat and or Tele and my pocketbook meet at the crossroads.
Congrats on your '57ri discovery.

I ordered a 2-tone sunburst 57 RI a week ago. I made specific requests to the music store owner (tight neck pocket, light, well matched top etc.). The owner of the store passed on these specifics to the Fender rep. Given the price of these guitars, they rarely come into my local music store. I do not have the luxury of trying out a bunch before I buy. Is it risky to order? Perhaps, but I ordered my 52 RI Tele last year, and could not be happier (I've played a few others before and since to compare with). I have a lot of faith in the upper end Fender production guitars. Regardless, there is the chance a dud could roll in. Roll the dice! I'll let you know how things turn out. I've had a lot of Strats, I hope the 57 RI puts an end to my desire to purchase more. Then again there is the white 62 RI..... :)

I think you got a good one. I played 2 different 57s at Guitar Center and neither one played well. Uneven frets, string buzz, etc. I went to my local store and played a MIM surf green Classic 50's that was set up perfectly . The neck is straight, the frets are even, the action is low with no buzz, and the finish is immaculate. I bought it on the spot and am now trying to decide on pickups.

Congrats...we need pics when it arrives lol

I have had two "Vintage series" guitars.........A '62 and a '57.........both were really bad guitars (Toys in every way)... These were atleast 8-10 years old.... I played a newer "Gold" Vintage series '57 and liked it. I also played a newer '52 Tele and also liked that, I have also played a few I did not like. Maybe all the "Gold" ones are all good? Very cool

It is an all around great guitar. I have had nothing but success with the new American vintage stuff. Great tone! Such a versatile guitar. I have played a lot of American Series and MIM Classics that are good but, IMHO can't touch the American Vintage. 8)