Buying a Fender Stratocaster - A Guide for the Novice Guide, Part II

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

(due to the length of the original guide, I have had to divide it into Part I and Part II. If you haven't read Part I you should start there. Sorry for the inconvenience)

Update to Part I, RE: the "Squier Series" Stratocaster

I have received several emails about my write-up on the 'Squier Series' Strats...the ones with the solid dark Fender logo? You know, my intention was never to knock that model but people that own them or are trying to sell them refuse to believe that they own anything other than a regular Mexican Standard. OK... so here are some  pictures of a genuine Mexican Standard and a 'Squier Series'. I will give pictures of the tuners and the bridge that show the differences. You may have to save these images to your computer and enlarge them.

First, here is a picture of a 'Squier Series' tuning machines. These are not standard Ping tuners like on the Mexican Standard.:


Now here is the Mexican Standard Ping style tuners:



And here is the 'Squier Series' bridge and saddles: These are not bent steel like on the Mexican Standard.


And the Mexican Standard bridge: These are the bent steel type saddles that are stamped 'Fender'


If anyone has pictures of a Strat with the solid dark Fender logo (with no outline), on a small headstock that has the regular Mexican Standard tuners and bridge I would love to see them.

Update II to Part I, RE: the "Squier Series" Stratocaster

A reader from Argentina has been so kind as to send me pictures of his "Squier Series". His has a serial number starting with "MN3" indicating a '93 model. This is the first time I have seen one that was not a '94-'96. Also, and even more interesting is the fact that his 'Fender' logo is not the solid  black with no outline type found on every other one I've seen. His has the standard outlined logo with no fill-in. His does indeed have the smaller "Squier Series" decal on the ball of the headstock as well as the typical "Squier Series" tuners and bridge though. So, bottom line is that there are obviously some that may have the regular Fender logo. But it does not change the fact that 'all' of them with the dark logo I described in Part I will be "Squier Series", whether they have the "Squier Series" decal or not, based on the logo, tuners and bridges used.

Other MIM Stratocaster models

There are may other offerings out of Mexico other than the Fender Standard Stratocaster. The Standard Stratocasters will all have the same features which include what they call the 'Modern C-shape neck' (the shape of the back of the neck where your thumb rests), 9.5 inch fretboard radius (the curvature of the fretboard), Ping standard cast/sealed tuning machines, medium-jumbo frets (wire used for frets can have different heights and widths) and ceramic magnet single-coil pickups. Fender offers many other models of Stratocasters that have some cool, non-standard options. These are organized into groups which are named the 'Classic Series', the 'Classic Player Series', the 'Deluxe Series',  the 'Artist Series', and  'Special Edition Series'. These would be considered 'upgrades' over the Standard model and are priced up to several hundred dollars more, but still priced well under the American Standard. They are considered a great value though as they can offer playability equal to, or at least very similar to the American models. And they can be a huge bargain in the used marketplace as they have tended to appeal to more of a niche in the overall market. And they still have that stigma of being made in Mexico, which continues to be a negative to many purists or, in many cases, just plain unenlightened guitarists. These can be great guitars in stock form and can be outright steals on the used market at only $50-$100 (in many cases) more than a new Standard model. Although I certainly haven't tried all of these, I have read extensive reviews and comments on them so I will attempt to discuss each one to the best of my knowledge.

Classic Series -

There are 3 models within the 'Classic Series', the Classic '50's, Classic '60's and Classic '70's,  which all attempt to capture at least some 'period correct' features from their corresponding eras. these sell for $699 new, street price. Used prices tend to run between $425-$550, on average.You can often find them around $450.

Classic '50's - Has the period correct 7.25 inch fretboard radius (which is more rounded than the modern 9.5 inch radius), the skinnier and slightly shorter vintage style frets, the vintage split-shaft style tuning machines, a soft 'V' shape neck profile (as opposed to the modern 'C' shape), single ply pickguard and vintage voiced alnico magnet single coil pickups. The soft 'V' shape has a slightly pointed ridge running down the middle of the neck where your thumb would rest. The modern 'C' shape tends to feel rather flat, which many people prefer. But many also prefer the beefier feel that the 'V' shape provides.

Classic '60's - Also has the vintage style 7.25 inch radius fretboard, vintage frets, vintage tuning machines, and vintage voiced alnico magnet single coil pickups, as described above, but this one has a vintage 'C' shape neck which doesn't have that flat feel like the modern 'C'. The vintage 'C' has a thicker feel to it and happens to be the one I prefer the most. This model also comes with the cool 3-ply mint green pickguard.

Classic '70's - Also comes with the vintage 7.25 inch fretboard radius, vintage frets,  vintage 'F' style tuning machines (has the Fender 'F' logo on the back) and vintage alnico magnet single coil pickups. This model comes with a 'U' shape neck profile. This is the only neck shape I am not familiar with, but I would guess it's a little deeper, front to back,  than the rest of them. Also has the large 70's style headstock which I personally dislike, but lots of people think it's cool.

Classic Player Series -

A little confusing when you are a newbie as there is a Classic Player 50's and a Classic Player 60's....very similar sounding names as the Classic 50's and 60's.  These two models feature a combination of vintage and modern features and are marketed as 'Custom Shop Designed'. These run about $100 more new than the Classic Series at $799. Used prices tend to run between $525-$650. You can find them all day long at around $550.

Classic Player 50's - This model has the modern 9.5 inch fretboard radius and medium jumbo frets which many people seem to prefer nowdays. Other features include the popular Fender Custom Shop '57/'62 vintage style alnico magnet single coil pickups and the vintage soft 'V' shape neck profile. It also has the Fender/Gotoh Vintage Style Locking Tuning Machines and custom neck plate.

Classic Player 60's - This model features a 12 inch fretboard radius, which is flatter and  generally considered to be better for faster soloing and possibly less desirable for chording. It's probably a fairly subjective observation, but it seems to be the general consensus. It has the slightly beefier vintage 'C' shape neck profile. It also features the modern medium jumbo frets and the very popular Custom Shop '69 single coil pickups. I've owned this pickup set and they are indeed sweet! This seems to be a very popular guitar lately.

Artist Series

Robert Cray Stratocaster - This is the one I own. It's got the vintage 'C' shape neck profile but has the modern 9.5 inch fretboard radius and the medium jumbo frets. Has custom shop design, vintage single coil alnico pickups which are a little hotter than most vintage style, vintage style tuning machines and it's most prominent feature...a hardtail bridge. If you don't use the tremelo bar anyway, a hardtail is a great choice as you don't have to worry about as many adjustments and tuning issues. Plus you get the great string through body design like the Tele's. Has the standard MIM 1.65 inch nut width.

Jimmy Vaughan Tex-Mex Stratocaster - Soft 'V' shape neck profile, with the modern 9.5 inch fretboard radius and the medium jumbo frets, vintage tuners and the overwound Tex-Mex pickup set with the hot bridge pickup for that Texas blues sound. This one has no tone control for the middle pickup which means it's 'wide-open' by default. The Jimmy Vaughan model has the wider 1.68 inch nut width like the USA Standards.
Both of those are very popular and highly rated Strats and they both go for around $675 new, shipped price. Used they are often tremendous bargains and can be found for between $400-$450 easily.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - more to be added soon...

Well, that's about all I can offer for now. I will update this as I gain more knowledge or as the market changes. Again, please keep in mind that I have only discussed the more common types of stock Strats you'll find out there. You'll find owners that have performed upgrades asking more for them. Like I mentioned in the beginning, there are many more vintage,  re-issues and/or specialty Strats I have not talked about. Some of these are very highly thought of and/or possibly collectable and can command much higher prices and are beyond the scope of this guide (and my knowledge!).

 I hope this helps relieve some of the confusion about all of the different Strats, or even more hopefully it doesn't add to it!

Updated links to Fender Strat information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Stratocaster

http://www.stratcollector.com/scn/model.html

I am not anywhere near an expert on this subject....far from it. The intention was just to try and make it a little more clear for the newbie's. I apologize if you found something you disagree with. If you've found this guide helpful please take the time to vote using the tab provided at the bottom of this page. If you think it sucked, well that's OK too :^P  If you have any questions, corrections, complaints, or whatever....feel free to drop me an email.

Disclaimer: I am absolutely not an expert nor am I qualified to appraise the value of your guitar. I'm sorry, but all I know concerning Strats and their values is in the guide.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

I will be adding to this section in the near future and will be discussing some of the Classic, Deluxe and Artist series Stratocasters that are currently coming out of Mexico. I am also thinking about adding a Telecaster guide as I have recently become interested in those and may have enough knowledge to at least pass on to beginners.