Fender Classic '50s Stratocaster Lacquer Electric Guitar (with Case)
This Strat boasts the vintage-style single-coils and tremolo bridge that made Fender famous -- plus a unique lacquer paint job, just like a '50s hot rod.
Overall User Ratings (based on 2 ratings)
Submitted February 21, 2016 by Kody N in Rockford, IL
"Get this beautiful guitar"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Bought this guitar through Zzounds a month ago and I love it. Don't let the MiM throw you because, honestly, I like most of the Mexican made stuff better than the American. Obviously the electronics aren't quite as good but that's all stuff you can change out later and with the money you save buying this vs an American you aren't losing out plus you can pick whatever upgrades you do. I love this guitar because of the neck. Not everyone will though, the 7.5" radius and thin frets most won't like but that's what I wanted. Looks wise, I can stare at this beauty all day. It's so pretty. The sparkle red paint and the tinted maple neck and fretboard. It's the best looking guitar there is, IMO. The pickups sounds surprisingly good and they all have their own tone. You can switch through all five positions and hear the tonal difference. I've owned starts that you couldn't do that. I would've given it a five for this but I would've liked it better if Fender does something different for once. Like reverse wound recede polarity in the middle or changed the tone control to the bridge like everyone wants anyway. Not a knock against the guitar, just Fender. The case is a beautiful tweed case with plush red interior and two spots to keep your stuff. Fits perfect, as it should. Haven't dealt with Fender for support so no rating. Value, $900 is high for a foreign guitar, Zzounds did price match $750 for me so I have it a better rating. I don't think the $900 is too because like I said before I really like the stuff coming from the Mexico plant. Others will disagree. Ease of use, it's a strat I mean what else do you need to know? The neck being rounder and thin frets make it so this won't be a shred machine but if that's what you want buy a soloist. Wow factor, I get a gasp and wow every time I pull this thing out. People love it. They love the look and when they hear it and play it they love it. Overall, buy this if you like starts and want a vintage type neck. If not, I'd look else where.
Musical Background:
10 years amateur.
Musical Style:
Anything and everything.
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Submitted October 25, 2015 by Bryan N in Indianapolis, IN
"A Very Solid Unit!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I am unbelievably impressed by the quality of this made in Mexico Stratocaster. I have read reviews that say it is just as nice as the American Standard, IT IS NOT! However, it is close, it is worlds better than a Mexican standard, and has nearly unlimited potential. This guitar features and absolutely flawless nitro finish, on a three-piece body. The neck is as beautiful and well made as anything from Corona, but they are a little lazy when it comes to cleaning the tint off around the frets, and cheap plastic nut, so there is an orange glow in places where there should not be. The pick ups are ultra cheesy, and Mexican, so I guess they are sort of a queso... For a nitrocellulose lacquer connoisseur, it is absolutely worth buying this guitar, replacing the bridge with an American stamped steel version, upgrading to a bone nut, and buying a fully loaded pick guard to drop in the gorgeous nitro hot-rod body. I intend to mod mine with a Clapton signature noiseless/TBX/mid boost set up, as it is my go-to in life, effectively creating a customized candy-apple red Clapton signature that is finished in nitro, and I do truly believe the construction of the body/ neck, as well as the way they are joined in the pocket is just as nice as my Clapton signature .
Sound
It's a little rough, but then, I am spoiled by modern noiseless setups.
Features
I believe the 5 way switch is tacky and cheap compared to any Corona/Fullerton made Stratocaster.
Ease of Use
It's a Steatocaster baby, it's like getting a new pair of your favorite cut of Levi's (501 for me), and trying then on for the first time. I always think " a little stiff now, but they'll break in, and regardless it's still that same classic cut and feel!"
Quality
It seems to me that the structure of this guitar, that is the construction of the body, neck and the way they are set up together is as good as anything made in the United States factory, but there is a sharp contrast in The quality of materials used to make the hardware, as well as the plastics seen on the nut and maybe even pick guard. All metals are weak, although the tuners seem sufficient, the bridge is certainly soft. The pickups are also rough in my opinion.
Value
No, but that is the way it is with Fender products. None of them are really worth what they are charging, but if you want to Play like Mike, you got to have the shoes… this guitar should smell for around $500, if I weren't fortunate enough to have the cash, and an absolute nitrocellulose freak, there is no way I would have considered paying over $450 for anything from their Mexican factory. That paired with the fact that there are few, or any viable alternatives in nitro, explains my purchase.
Manufacturer Support
I have never tried.
The Wow Factor
The Candy-apple red nitrocellulose finish, as well as the tinted natural nitrocellulose finish on the neck is what absolutely sold it. When I got the guitar, it was everything I had hoped for, it has that Nitro glow that you just cannot get from urethane, and do not even get me started on Poly... I also think it is great that it comes with the case, but it is one of the junky cases, tweed covered plastic, and doesn't even come notched out to fit your guitar with the strap locks on, but hey… When they're charging nearly $900… They have to give you the illusion that it is worth the money.
Musical Background:
Fender Stratocaster freak. 10 years experience. Play locally.
Musical Style:
Rockabilly, blues, funk, soul,
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