The ShadowMusic Web Community

Fender, Squier, Tokai etc etc
American, Mexican, Japanese...
Pickups as supplied, Kinman, Seymour Duncan ...
Maple, rosewood...
Original whammy bar, EasyMute...
Lucky dip, Friday afternoon job....

I know you pays your money etc ... but what really matters here? Could someone give me an idiot's guide to this bewildering array of options? I wouldn't know where to start!

Iain

A decent American 57 or 62 Vintage re-issue will cover most bases for Shads style at a fair price. (Cakeocasters are priceless !!)

Hi Iain,

Most people will start with the look. Does it have to have that genuine 'Fender' decal? Does it have to be fiesta red, sunburst etc - then the neck. Do you prefer lacquered maple or rosewood (some say there is a difference in tone between the two - personally, I haven't noticed any difference - it's the pickups which are important)

Also regarding the neck is the profile - some are much chunkier than others. the Eric Clapton profile is a noticeable 'V' shape at the nut end others are a softer 'C' or 'D'' shape. You need to try several to find one that you find most comfortable.

Then there are the pickups - if it's early Shadows sound you want then most say you should go for CS54s, Vintage 57/62s or even Fender noiseless. There are many other options.

If you can put all your 'wants' together in one guitar - job done!

Hope this is a start - but generally Strat life is a compromise depending on your budget.

Kind regards.

Terry

Hi, does it have to be a strat? Do the job properly, get a burns Marvin, you will never look back.
regards, Rover

Are you planning a change to lead from bass?
Remember there are 2 more strings.

Ron

That could confuse him Ron.

roninnes wrote:Are you planning a change to lead from bass?
Remember there are 2 more strings.

Ron

AlanMcKillop wrote:That could confuse him Ron.

That would be a move "backwards" in my opinion!! - so just ignore those ignorant comments, Ian
John.

Oh I know John. Four strings and I only use one of them