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gitarjoe · March 7th, 2008, 05:40 PM

just came in yesterday. Its a 50's classic in seafoam green(always wanted one in that color). Here is my review for whats its worth. I have always been a tele player, so all of these things are a little strange to me. First the color and finish. Nice detailed work, fit and finish are excellant. The action really blew me away. Real low, with no buzz. Neck super strait. Pickups are bright, but sound real good. I always thought they would be more mid rangy than the tele. The neck is the only disappointment. Some of the reviews say the neck is a nice hefty "v". No way. Its a slim "c", like all the mexican teles that I have played. But that aside, it really is a keeper. I plan on leaving everything as is. Here are some pics.

P.s, how do you guys put up with that cut away in the back?

gitarjoe · March 7th, 2008, 06:59 PM

Wow, not 1 comment.

Bill · March 7th, 2008, 07:16 PM

I know you said you plan on leaving everything as is, but I'd suggest you remove that dayglo green dot. It's covering up a hole that you can put a whammy bar in. You'll find that wiggling the bar back and forth as you play will add an interesting effect.

I only mention this because this is your first Strat and wouldn't know about this insider tip.

OK, seriously. Congrats on getting such a cool guitar. I hope you make the transition from Strat player to Strat lover!

gitarjoe · March 7th, 2008, 07:37 PM

nice.

strummin67 · March 7th, 2008, 08:00 PM

I had a '57 RI MIA in Surf Green that I wished I still had.

I think you should swap the green sticker over the the tremolo hole for an orange one.

gitarjoe · March 7th, 2008, 08:09 PM

O.k, o.k, I get the point. The sticker is gone.

But I am going to have to get used to a whammy bar. Someone said I should tighten the bridge down to have it stay in tune better. Is that true?

strummin67 · March 7th, 2008, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 24joe

O.k, o.k, I get the point. The sticker is gone.

But I am going to have to get used to a whammy bar. Someone said I should tighten the bridge down to have it stay in tune better. Is that true?

You shouldn't have to tighten anything. Your Strat was probably set up for .009 gauge strings. You can run .010s without making any changes. (I have on mine) If you go higher you might want to add that 4th or 5th spring in back.

Axis29 · March 7th, 2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 24joe

O.k, o.k, I get the point. The sticker is gone.

But I am going to have to get used to a whammy bar. Someone said I should tighten the bridge down to have it stay in tune better. Is that true?

Some like the trem locked down. On my Affinity Strat it works better this way. I never really had tunign issues, but I stuck 11's on and knew it would need a little extra help. But on my CP 50's strat, it floats nicely and will stay in tune all week in and out of the case played for several hours a day (with 10's).

It's kinda like all that stuff with a tele... it's a personal decision and experience thing.

robt57 · March 7th, 2008, 08:54 PM

If you have enough springs in the trem cavity, it is not floating, and you don't use it, you can just forget about it.

If it is floating and a string breaks the guitar will go out of tune. If you are not gigging, it ain't no thang... or just have your backup axe near by... ;)

Rob J · March 8th, 2008, 01:42 AM

You picked a GREAT model for a first Strat. I like my Classic 50's so much, it has become my favorite of the three guitars that I currently own.

Mine is Daphne Blue, but I seriously considered the Surf Green, which your's most likely is...I don't think the Classics come in Seafoam Green. Not much difference between the two greens, though.

And, yes...I use my trem bar a lot (sometimes jokingly referred to as the "talent bar"). I play a lot of surf music, and would not own a Strat without a functioning whammy bar.

I love the neck on mine.

buddastrat · March 8th, 2008, 10:00 AM

Nice guitar!

Loco · March 8th, 2008, 10:16 AM

Love that colour. If I didn't already have one in Daphne, Surf Green would have been my 2nd choice.

I also own a Standard Tele with the normal C profile. My Classic - well a hefty V neck it certainly ain't, but the two are very different in feel and shape. Maybe the factory took more wood off yours?

gitarjoe · March 8th, 2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loco

Love that colour. If I didn't already have one in Daphne, Surf Green would have been my 2nd choice.

I also own a Standard Tele with the normal C profile. My Classic - well a hefty V neck it certainly ain't, but the two are very different in feel and shape. Maybe the factory took more wood of yours?

Maybe. I guess its like some guitars. Sometimes the neck feels different, with same models. I was kind of hoping for some more meat.

robt57 · March 8th, 2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 24joe

Maybe. I guess its like some guitars. Sometimes the neck feels different, with same models. I was kind of hoping for some more meat.

YM it a little... Scalloping makes it feel different front and back. ;)

Scott V · March 8th, 2008, 11:30 AM

That's a great looking Strat! I recently bought a 50's classic neck, it now resides on a cherryburst body. I really like mine, I thought I was buying a 50's player neck, the 50's classic neck showed up. Mine is beefier than any MIM Standard I've played, but not as girthy as my Jimmie Vaughan, and has a comfortable soft V profile.
You will have to experiment with the tremolo, in addition to more springs, you can also adjust the spring tension with the claw screws. I prefer my trems sucked tight to the body, but I don't generally use the trem. there's a nice discussion with Carl Verheyen on youtube.com where he details how to set-up a vintage Strat trem, of particular interest is trem height (when floating) and adjusting trem springs to match string tension (the claw bar ends up being at an angle), which applies even pressure to the trem body for smoother operation.

BritishBluesBoy · March 8th, 2008, 11:45 AM

Another Stratocaster in Brooklyn. Cool.

Enjoy that thing...

nvosmeier · March 8th, 2008, 11:51 AM

Very nice looking strat. I love that color.

With a good setup, you will be able to use the tremolo bar without going out of tune too much.

beep.click · March 8th, 2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill

I know you said you plan on leaving everything as is, but I'd suggest you remove that dayglo green dot. It's covering up a hole that you can put a whammy bar in. You'll find that wiggling the bar back and forth as you play will add an interesting effect.

But... but... if you remove the DOT, the little SPRING inside could fall out! Forever!

(Don't ask me how I know this.

)

Seriously, Joe, that is one fine piece of Fender you got there. Congrats!

wilkat1 · March 8th, 2008, 12:18 PM

I like it, I like it a lot.

electricbody · March 8th, 2008, 01:45 PM

Nice guitar. I really like the color.

Look on the bright side. That slim C neck won't spoil you off other C necks. I bought a Classic Player 50s with a V neck that has a bit of chunk and now when I pick up my MIM Standard with the thin C neck, it feels like a toy.

gitarjoe · March 8th, 2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beep.click

But... but... if you remove the DOT, the little SPRING inside could fall out! Forever!

(Don't ask me how I know this.

)

Seriously, Joe, that is one fine piece of Fender you got there. Congrats!

That's exactly what happened. I was just too embarrassed to say anything.

robt57 · March 8th, 2008, 02:31 PM

I was going to ask why that DOT was on there. My only Fender Trem is a 61 re-issue EC with steel block. What spring is in there? I don't remember any spring....

strummin67 · March 8th, 2008, 02:34 PM

I didn't know they had springs.
This is how I have my trem set up on the '79. It's a bit forward and three springs staggered in back. The tremelo is still somewhat stiff. The adjustment possibilities are endless so play with it and see what works for your playing style.

robt57 · March 8th, 2008, 03:04 PM

Is the point of the trem angled off the body like that up so you can pull up as well as dive?

Bonneville Bruce · March 8th, 2008, 03:07 PM

Good score 24Joe.
This same model and color, it is Surf Green, was my first guitar. It is still the one I play most often.

I have changed out the pups and pickguard, added the five springs on the tremlo block, replaced the tuners with Gotah vintage-style locking tuners and added strap-locks. It is one fine Strat.

gitarjoe · March 8th, 2008, 03:17 PM

What kind of pickups did you put in?

gitarjoe · March 8th, 2008, 07:38 PM

And of course all 3 of my boys think it is really cool too.

robt57 · March 8th, 2008, 07:42 PM

My kid thinks my Surf green Big headstock Strat is gay. Damn shredder... When ever I ask him if he like a sound or a lick, he says "not enough distortion" I like more of a single coil gain for that, it ain't no good if you can still hear the guitar apparently. Just compressed noise. ;)

strummin67 · March 8th, 2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robt57

Is the point of the trem angled off the body like that up so you can pull up as well as dive?

It can be but I don't use it for that. I like the angle because it's a comfortable distance for me to hold the trem in my hand while I'm picking.

March 7th, 2008, 05:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
gitarjoe Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,165 15 Photos	My first strat....(pics) just came in yesterday. Its a 50's classic in seafoam green(always wanted one in that color). Here is my review for whats its worth. I have always been a tele player, so all of these things are a little strange to me. First the color and finish. Nice detailed work, fit and finish are excellant. The action really blew me away. Real low, with no buzz. Neck super strait. Pickups are bright, but sound real good. I always thought they would be more mid rangy than the tele. The neck is the only disappointment. Some of the reviews say the neck is a nice hefty "v". No way. Its a slim "c", like all the mexican teles that I have played. But that aside, it really is a keeper. I plan on leaving everything as is. Here are some pics. P.s, how do you guys put up with that cut away in the back? __________________ Just my two cents.

March 7th, 2008, 06:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
gitarjoe Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,165 15 Photos	Wow, not 1 comment. __________________ Just my two cents. Last edited by gitarjoe; March 7th, 2008 at 08:10 PM.

March 7th, 2008, 07:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bill Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 3,181 67 Photos	I know you said you plan on leaving everything as is, but I'd suggest you remove that dayglo green dot. It's covering up a hole that you can put a whammy bar in. You'll find that wiggling the bar back and forth as you play will add an interesting effect. I only mention this because this is your first Strat and wouldn't know about this insider tip. OK, seriously. Congrats on getting such a cool guitar. I hope you make the transition from Strat player to Strat lover! __________________ B i l l B a e c k WilliamBaeck.com

March 7th, 2008, 07:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
gitarjoe Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,165 15 Photos	nice. __________________ Just my two cents.

March 7th, 2008, 08:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
strummin67 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Age: 42 Posts: 289	I had a '57 RI MIA in Surf Green that I wished I still had. I think you should swap the green sticker over the the tremolo hole for an orange one. __________________ Strummin My Guitars

March 7th, 2008, 08:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
gitarjoe Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,165 15 Photos	O.k, o.k, I get the point. The sticker is gone. But I am going to have to get used to a whammy bar. Someone said I should tighten the bridge down to have it stay in tune better. Is that true? __________________ Just my two cents.

March 7th, 2008, 08:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
robt57 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost Yankee in Nashville Age: 52 Posts: 5,862 22 Photos	If you have enough springs in the trem cavity, it is not floating, and you don't use it, you can just forget about it. If it is floating and a string breaks the guitar will go out of tune. If you are not gigging, it ain't no thang... or just have your backup axe near by... ;)

March 8th, 2008, 01:42 AM	#10 (permalink)
Rob J Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Nor California Posts: 148	You picked a GREAT model for a first Strat. I like my Classic 50's so much, it has become my favorite of the three guitars that I currently own. Mine is Daphne Blue, but I seriously considered the Surf Green, which your's most likely is...I don't think the Classics come in Seafoam Green. Not much difference between the two greens, though. And, yes...I use my trem bar a lot (sometimes jokingly referred to as the "talent bar"). I play a lot of surf music, and would not own a Strat without a functioning whammy bar. I love the neck on mine.

March 8th, 2008, 10:00 AM	#11 (permalink)
buddastrat Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 204	Nice guitar!

March 8th, 2008, 10:16 AM	#12 (permalink)
Loco Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dorset, England Age: 54 Posts: 819	Love that colour. If I didn't already have one in Daphne, Surf Green would have been my 2nd choice. I also own a Standard Tele with the normal C profile. My Classic - well a hefty V neck it certainly ain't, but the two are very different in feel and shape. Maybe the factory took more wood off yours?

March 8th, 2008, 11:30 AM	#15 (permalink)
Scott V Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 597	That's a great looking Strat! I recently bought a 50's classic neck, it now resides on a cherryburst body. I really like mine, I thought I was buying a 50's player neck, the 50's classic neck showed up. Mine is beefier than any MIM Standard I've played, but not as girthy as my Jimmie Vaughan, and has a comfortable soft V profile. You will have to experiment with the tremolo, in addition to more springs, you can also adjust the spring tension with the claw screws. I prefer my trems sucked tight to the body, but I don't generally use the trem. there's a nice discussion with Carl Verheyen on youtube.com where he details how to set-up a vintage Strat trem, of particular interest is trem height (when floating) and adjusting trem springs to match string tension (the claw bar ends up being at an angle), which applies even pressure to the trem body for smoother operation.

March 8th, 2008, 11:45 AM	#16 (permalink)
BritishBluesBoy Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 6,489 62 Photos	Another Stratocaster in Brooklyn. Cool. Enjoy that thing... __________________ BBB.

March 8th, 2008, 11:51 AM	#17 (permalink)
nvosmeier Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 142	Very nice looking strat. I love that color. With a good setup, you will be able to use the tremolo bar without going out of tune too much.

March 8th, 2008, 12:18 PM	#19 (permalink)
wilkat1 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: So. Illinois Age: 41 Posts: 1,905 20 Photos	I like it, I like it a lot. __________________ MySpace "That number don't mean nothing to me if the guitar don't sound right." - Buddy Guy on the year a guitar was manufactured.

March 8th, 2008, 01:45 PM	#20 (permalink)
electricbody Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Reno, NV USA Age: 40 Posts: 656 11 Photos	Nice guitar. I really like the color. Look on the bright side. That slim C neck won't spoil you off other C necks. I bought a Classic Player 50s with a V neck that has a bit of chunk and now when I pick up my MIM Standard with the thin C neck, it feels like a toy.

March 8th, 2008, 02:31 PM	#22 (permalink)
robt57 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost Yankee in Nashville Age: 52 Posts: 5,862 22 Photos	I was going to ask why that DOT was on there. My only Fender Trem is a 61 re-issue EC with steel block. What spring is in there? I don't remember any spring....

March 8th, 2008, 02:34 PM	#23 (permalink)
strummin67 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Age: 42 Posts: 289	I didn't know they had springs. This is how I have my trem set up on the '79. It's a bit forward and three springs staggered in back. The tremelo is still somewhat stiff. The adjustment possibilities are endless so play with it and see what works for your playing style. __________________ Strummin My Guitars

March 8th, 2008, 03:04 PM	#24 (permalink)
robt57 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost Yankee in Nashville Age: 52 Posts: 5,862 22 Photos	Is the point of the trem angled off the body like that up so you can pull up as well as dive?

March 8th, 2008, 03:07 PM	#25 (permalink)
Bonneville Bruce Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Caldwell, Idaho Posts: 639 3 Photos	Good score 24Joe. This same model and color, it is Surf Green, was my first guitar. It is still the one I play most often. I have changed out the pups and pickguard, added the five springs on the tremlo block, replaced the tuners with Gotah vintage-style locking tuners and added strap-locks. It is one fine Strat. __________________ "Let us issue, 'Live Music is Better' bumper stickers." Last edited by Bonneville Bruce; March 8th, 2008 at 03:15 PM. Reason: no photo

March 8th, 2008, 03:17 PM	#26 (permalink)
gitarjoe Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,165 15 Photos	What kind of pickups did you put in? __________________ Just my two cents.

March 8th, 2008, 07:38 PM	#27 (permalink)
gitarjoe Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,165 15 Photos	And of course all 3 of my boys think it is really cool too. __________________ Just my two cents.

March 8th, 2008, 07:42 PM	#28 (permalink)
robt57 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost Yankee in Nashville Age: 52 Posts: 5,862 22 Photos	My kid thinks my Surf green Big headstock Strat is gay. Damn shredder... When ever I ask him if he like a sound or a lick, he says "not enough distortion" I like more of a single coil gain for that, it ain't no good if you can still hear the guitar apparently. Just compressed noise. ;)

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