What makes the Stratocaster hard to copy ?

[Fogboundturtle]

I own LP copy and ES-335 copy and they are very good.There is something about Strat shape guitar that is hard to replicate. I never found a good strat copy that really give that strat sound/feel.

[johnreardon]

The Strat is one of the most copied shapes of all guitars, some of which are excellent players including models from the following:


http://www.suhrguitars.com/default.aspx
http://www.glguitars.com/
http://www.tokai-guitars.co.uk/

[Fogboundturtle]

Originally Posted by johnreardon

The Strat is one of the most copied shapes of all guitars, some of which are excellent players including models from the following:


http://www.suhrguitars.com/default.aspx
http://www.glguitars.com/
http://www.tokai-guitars.co.uk/

The shape yes, the tone no. Although I haven't played an G&L guitar but they cost the same as a MIA Strat

[johnreardon]

Originally Posted by Fogboundturtle

The shape yes, the tone no. Although I haven't played an G&L guitar but they cost the same as a MIA Strat

I have played models from those I listed that are at least as good sounding, if not better, than my 6 Strats, which are either CS or US made.

[bo]

Try a late '70s to mid '80s Tokai.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Fogboundturtle

I own LP copy and ES-335 copy and they are very good.There is something about Strat shape guitar that is hard to replicate. I never found a good strat copy that really give that strat sound/feel.

I don't know what Strat Copies you have been playing but there are plenty of copies out there that sound and play exactly like Fender Strats. There isn't much magic to the strat sound where it can't be replicated by someone else. The same guys who made Grecos and Tokais began making Fender Japan with the same materials, just different logo

[Rick-e]

Most of the Strat copies are actually made by Fender! Brilliant, I'd say.

[nadzab]

Originally Posted by Fogboundturtle

There is something about Strat shape guitar that is hard to replicate. I never found a good strat copy that really give that strat sound/feel.

I suppose it's ultimately subjective, but I find these statements really puzzling. I could buy parts from Warmoth, heck even from Mighty Mite and GFS, and put together a great-sounding, great-playing Strat clone. And as others have mentioned, there are manufacturers out there that can beat Fender in the Strat department.

[Zmatko]

Originally Posted by Fogboundturtle

I own LP copy and ES-335 copy and they are very good.There is something about Strat shape guitar that is hard to replicate. I never found a good strat copy that really give that strat sound/feel.

You're absolutely right, the Tokai silver star might come closest, but for those with strat pedigree there aren't many options, Fender is the best.