Sound:
I have owned this wonderful guitar for 3 years now. I am very glad that I got my hands on one before they quit making this particular model, (05)because I would have missed out on what has become my flagship guitar on many gigs. I recieved this chrome blue and black beast as a christmas gift my sophmore year in high school from my mother of all people. 3 years later it still sounds amazing. This in my opinion is the guitar that does it all. Using the S-1 switch, I can go from searing blues you can only get from a Fender Stratocaster with single coils to that wicked southern rock sound that made the gibson les paul famous (at least to me.) The neck is more comfortable than that of the other 5 guitars I own by a long shot. When used with the proper equipment to truly do it justice, It becomes an amazing instrument that seems to bring out the true talent in me that suprises me afterward, especially if I listen to one of the recordings.
Feature:
This guitar came with a hardshell case, a crappy strap, 2 wammy bars, equipment to adjust all of its components, and a guitar cable.
I have never used the strap, I don't really play much that require the use of the tremolo. No offense to fender but the american series tremolo has intonation issues. Always has. The cable has been a faithful and vital part of my practice and recording. It is to short for stage use, but where space is an issue, this cord has yet to give me a single issue.
Ease of Use:
This is the most playable guitar that I have ever owned. Compared to my PRS custom 22, I have to say that I prefer this guitar over that one because of its playability. This is the workhorse of my live sound because it can do almost anything at the flip of a switch. Fender would do well for itself to make these again, because there are a lot of people who would love this instrument providing the word got out.
Quality:
I have had some pretty close calls with this guitar, and to my amazement, it has come through being dropped on several occasions. I had one particular incident at a show in Ft. Worth in which it came loose from my strap locks, (user error) and fell about 7 feet. To my amazement, I picked it up and it still played like before with nothing but a scratch. It is extremely dependable. I don't have a backup, unfortuneately, so I take better care of it nowadays because it will be the only one I will probably ever have. The paint job is in remarkable shape for 3 years of slugging it out on the road. I love it.
Value:
I thought it was expensive 3 years ago, but now I realize that it was a steal, now that I have bought a couple of 2000 dollar guitars that are nowhere near the sound quality of this one.
Manufacturer Support:
I have never needed any support because this guitar is amazing. I have upgraded the neck pickup from the stock humbucker to a Duncan pearly gates neck pickup.
The Wow Factor:
I have had some very positive feedback from the crowd with this guitar from crowds across Texas. They kinda know its me when I pull it out of my stage stand and put it on. It has one upgrade to its looks: a white Nitrofish racing decal that is beside the 5-way swich on the pickguard. It has kinda become a trademark for me. My chrome blue and black Strat is as much a part of me as my hand, or my ****.
Overall:
I believe this instrument will last a lifetime because I take very good care of it. If I may make a suggestion with anyone else owning one, use it with an Ibanez TS-808 tubescreamer. This little green box from hell boosts the sound of this beast from ordinary to amazing. I also use it with a CRATE Flexwave full stack. It really is an amazing combination.
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Sound:
I have had this guitar for well over 2 years now. I bought it because I did not have the money to buy a Strat and a Les Paul (S-1 Switch!) I was surpised at the sound and how solid it was. I have played through Marshall Plexi and a Vibroverb Custom and it sounds great!
Feature:
The best of both worlds, single coils and humbuckers too. The S-1 switch is really the reason I bought this guitar.
Ease of Use:
It's a Strat all the way! I don't know why Fender stopped making this and went with just the S-S-H. I have REALLY thick stings, ala SRV on it right now and have yet to break one! That is really saying something because my SRV Signature Strat has broke them often.
Quality:
I have had a lot of compliments on the neck. It is really dark rosewood and really looks great. I chose the black on black because I thought the other colors looked too metallic. This really hides and scratches. I would say this is REAL A M E R I C A N Q U A L I T Y !
Value:
I think I paid about $989 for this which was a pretty good deal (Look at ANYTHING Gibson or PRS).
Manufacturer Support:
I have called Fender before, not on this particular item, but my Vibroverb Custom and they were the best! The sent out a footswitch overnite to me, no questions asked!
Overall:
I have played since 1975. When I was playing in bands back in the 1980's I was a stone Les Paul guy. I know play mainly blues and hard rock and this is really a great instrument. The neck is almost perfect. I wish that it was a D shaped neck, but other than that...
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Sound:
Amazing sound for whatever i play...even death metal!!! gahhrrr
Feature:
It included a little package of things..(cable, strap..etc) and everything on the guitar is great.
Quality:
The guitar is made wonderfully, it's completely amazing. The case it comes with is very durable and stylish. The guitar works very well on the road.
Value:
Great guitar for the price. I'm surprised fender hasn't upped the price yet.
Manufacturer Support:
I haven't had to do anything with it...but i hear fender is a great support center.
The Wow Factor:
All of the paint jobs this guitar comes with are amazing. The chrome finish is great.
Overall:
It's great.
Sound:
I purchased this guitar needing a versatile instrument. I play in a contemporary praise and worship band that requires a variety of sounds from bright clean to down and dirty grunge. This guitar does it all! I am in agreement with the other gemtleman who said that if you are not happy with this guitar then no guitar is likely to meet your expectations.
Value:
A bit pricey, but wort the investment.
The Wow Factor:
A truly gorgeous finish on this guitar!
Sound:
It is a great sounding instrument. Best I have used on stage so far.
Feature:
The Sidewinder switch and pickups are pretty handy, Love it.
Quality:
I took this instument with me on a out-of-state trip to a gig and it held out just fine. Banged it on the side of a table once on accident, still played just like before hand. It's Great!
Value:
This product is in a good price range for it's exceptional quality.
Overall:
Great for a rock musician, I've used it since I've gone on the road and plan to use it till it falls apart. Which probably won't happen! Good investment, good features, made by a good brand name. Just plain good.
Sound:
Even better than my Strat Plus Ultra
Feature:
Humbockers and single coils in one guitar! Why buy Gibson???
Quality:
Hey again, it's a Strat USA! When a Fender falls, nothing breaks. Broke the head of my Les paul once just by hitting the other guitarists guitar neck in a gig. Audience had the laugh of the evening. Thankfully I had the Fender as a back up.
Value:
A good cared for Fender keeps it's value. This one is going to become a classic, watch it!
Manufacturer Support:
Never had to deal with them (play Fender for over 20 years now)
The Wow Factor:
When I'll see a nice used one, it'll be mine;
Overall:
Fender, no comment
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