Saying hey

Hello, newbie here..been playing for about 5-6 years now, and decided to go back to my roots..Stratocaster! So..
I've been searching for a Strat for about two weeks now, not finding anything worthy..I started with American Strats (new), didn't like them one bit (felt really cheap in my hands..), went on to try some G&Ls (great guitars, but it's just not a Strat..plus the neck radius is bigger), and now I'm searching for used..without much success.

I've thought about some options:
1) used American Standard, and perhaps swapping the pu's to Vintage Noisless (Fender)? I love the Strat tone but the hum is, well, you know..
2) used American Deluxe..I know this one comes with locking tuners and noisless pu's..but compared to an American Standard with vintage noisless, would there be such a big difference in sound?
3) this is not REALLY an option, but there was this Squier in the shop, I guess it's one of those new series with the 22 frets and the 2-point bridge (not vintage style)..it played really great! The pu's were a little wimpy, but I can swap those two to noisless as well..I was pretty close to buying it (was so cheap too..) I quickly got out of the store so I don't really end up with a Squier..although it was nice thinking about it..

Does anyone have any experience with Fender Vintage Noisless pu's? Has anyone installed them in an American Standard? I hear good things and bad thing about them ("less" tone..)what do you think?

Welcome yoni162! Search the forum for the noiseless pickups. There should be plently of discussions, then you'll have to make the decision.

Hello, newbie here...
there was this Squier in the shop, I guess it's one of those new series with the 22 frets and the 2-point bridge (not vintage style)..it played really great! The pu's were a little wimpy, but I can swap those two to noisless as well..I was pretty close to buying it (was so cheap too..) I quickly got out of the store so I don't really end up with a Squier..although it was nice thinking about it..

Does anyone have any experience with Fender Vintage Noisless pu's? Has anyone installed them...?

Welcome! I think you answered your own question about the guitars. If you liked the Squier, then you should go ahead and get it! As for the Vintage Noiseless pickups, I like'em. Some people don't care for it, though. Personal preference, I guess...
Good luck to you.

Nothing wrong with a Squier Strat - if you really have a hang-up about the name you can easily sand it off the headstock. It's usually a silkscreen print, not a decal - comes off with hardly any effort at all.

I'm not really bothered by the name itself, but still, this is an entry-level guitar no? will the hardware keep up with time? I don't want a guitar that will start falling apart after 6 months..

well, after a little research, I think it was a Satin Trans Stratocaster..the body's made of Basswood..not the best for a Strat I guess. Do you think swapping the pu's would get me close enough? Anything else looks pretty tight - 22 frets, 2-point bridge..hope I won't end up with the neck in one hand and the body in the other..

Link - http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0321630520

Pickups, while important, aren't the dealbreaker when it comes to tone. What affects your tone is more a collection of things rather than a single one (hope that made sense). You'll grow tired of hearing this, if you haven't already, but if one factor affects your tone most, it's your hands, your pick attack, your touch, basically just YOU. I've never experienced a Basswood guitar, but they seem to be alright, lots of guitar makers use it. And a final word on Squiers, my first electric was a Squier from one of those "all in one" packs, and it kicks. The hardware is crap, but the neck and overall feel are wonderful. I'm planning on giving her an overhaul to make her function better, but the playability is already there. Best of luck.

well, after a little research, I think it was a Satin Trans Stratocaster..the body's made of Basswood..not the best for a Strat I guess. Do you think swapping the pu's would get me close enough? Anything else looks pretty tight - 22 frets, 2-point bridge..hope I won't end up with the neck in one hand and the body in the other..

Link - http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0321630520

I followed the link - that's a real beauty of a Strat. If you played it and it felt good I think you'd be crazy not to snatch it up before somebody else realizes what a nice guitar it is. A Squier may be "budget" compared to a Fender, but this is not a piece of junk.

Welcome to the TDPRI, yoni162! This is the best place on the internet. You'll like it here.
While Squiers are good guitars, I'd like to push a little for the new upgraded Made in Mexico Standard Strats. With the new bigger tremblocks they're bound to sound better than the Squiers. Try one out before you settle for the Squier.
Best of luck with your Strat shopping! :smile:
Enjoy!

Having played guitar since 1960, if I've learned anything, it's that price and name are no guarantee of quality. I bought a Hofner electric-acoustic three years ago for less than $200. I was so impressed with it I bought one for my son. They've both held up to every day use. I sold my Martin after 34 years, because I like the Hofner more.
Last week, I was shopping for a Telecaster and came home with a Mexican Strat for $300. It's one of the best-playing guitars I've ever experienced. I had a chance to A/B it with an '89 MIJ Strat over the weekend, and mine has it all over it, in terms of sound, playability and tuning stability.
I would advise anyone to shop around these days, and don't be fooled by the price tag on a guitar. Play as many guitars as it takes to find the one that feels right in your hands.