Fender Strat - USA vs Japan?

[strat110]

elfstones on 11:30 am on Dec. 30, 2001
I'll add my 2 cents here. In your hunt for a strat I'd recomend you check out the late 90's Korean made Fender Squire ProTones. They can typically be found in the $250 - $350 price range and IMHO are fantastic guitars for the price. If you're not familar with the Squire ProTones you're probably thinking "yeah, a Korean Squire Strat - this guy needs a clue". But, these ProTones are a real anamoly.
Rumor has it that Fender quickly discontinued the ProTone line because these guitars were so good they were outselling the American Strats at the time. I have a ash-body Transparent-Teal Protone with a maple neck that is one of the best playing strats I've ever used.
You can probably get additional input on these ProTones by checking out user comments in the Harmony Central database.
Good luck!

You are indeed right these are great guitars for the $$$, they are still let down by the electrics and pickups though. *BUT, if you do not mind the name Squire on the headstock instead of Fender then check these little dynamites out, I played one equipped with EMG SA's and it was superb. *The tremolo is not as good quality as the original US fenders but if you are not much of a trem arm playing it would do fine.

Thanks for jogging the memory Elfstones.

[Pablo]

Get a Blade texas classis instead. Cool active circuitry better neck joint bigger frets and they're cheaper at £440 or near enough

If you like strats you'll love this.

[rlintz]

I've played a Jap strat that was actually a very nice guitar - the pups were very alive. *I didn't care much for the neck profile though (V shape with a low radius and tiny vintage frets).

Let's also not forget about G&L. *My $450 Legacy smokes most strats and was made in the old Fender plant in Fullerton, CA. *The woods are great, the finish is great, the pups are awesome, and the fulcrum tremolo is also great. *All this from Leo's last guitar company.

Randy

[YJM]

I wouldn't mind getting a Japanese Strat at all if it's a good one. I wouldn't be surprised to find a good Japanese Strat to sound and play just as good as an average USA model.

Having said that, though... If you're really serious about getting one, go for a USA. They're better in woods, look (yep), feel and resale (in case you're gonna sell it).

Good luck, buddy!

-Bill