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This is a the perfect tool for cover bands. The various textures will get you through most anything. The operative words are "get you through". It's a basic Strat, good in every way, but a little tougher to play than my Jap Strat. However, the variety of sounds will win every time. I bought a Factory 2nd and new G5 simultaneously intending to return the lesser candidate. Surprisingly, the Factory 2nd had no flaws, made a nicer presentation, played better, and was $400 less. Perhaps, it was a demo used at vendor shows. The G5 is labeled "Made in Mexico" but I was told the components are re-badged American. I have no reason to suspect otherwise. The neck feels like a Standard Strat C-shape, maybe a little chunkier profile. Finnish looks great. The alder (I think) body had one glue seam that was barely visible, therefore not one-piece body. The magnetic pickups are nothing special, but I hardly use them anyway. The Roland pick-up has far more advantages with tuning features and a Strat model that is as good or better than the magnetics. I am fond of the Tele model for a pure Leo sound. Add 12-string tuning and get something reminiscent of Rickenbacker chime. A humbucker model rounds out the palette for mid-range dirt. Mind you, the sounds are close, but not perfect. Since it's a working tool, it's for the listener who usually can't discern the difference. Also, I bought a second battery pack from the Roland Factory. Found out the hard way a battery change is time consuming (middle of set). Yes, I should have started the gig with good batteries .. . The battery configuration is four AA's snapped into an assembly (battery pack) that then slides into the back of the body. A second battery pack with fresh batteries is always nearby for a quick change. To share my perspective, when G5 arrived 6 months ago I immediately started thinking in terms of swapping out pickups and neck for an ultimate guitar. Then changed my mind thinking it is great for what it is - a Swiss Army Knife. Maybe not a principle instrument, but a valued addition for band work. And in that spirit, it is a noble beast. The Roland electronics may be dated in 10 years, but longevity is for vintage instruments. In the meantime, G5 will get well used.

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I have considered purchasing the Roland G5 VG Guitar for sometime. However, I haven't had time to play one and based my decision on the manufacturers' reputations coupled with the reviews of the guitar. At the previous price of $1,200+ I just couldn't pull the trigger and make the purchase. When the price dropped to $699, I figured it was a sign, well, that is what I told my wife. Even still, I didn't expect much from the guitar -- I figured it would have cool Roland features, but a Mexican built Strat would leave me underwhelmed. I could not have been more wrong! I was correct that the Roland technology was very cool, but the Mexican built Strat is actually FANTASTIC! From the guitar I received, the quality of Fender's Mexican operation has improved to world-class levels. The guitar is terrific and has me wondering if purchasing an American built Strat would demonstrate enough of a difference in quality to justify the additional money.

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What an amazing guitar. All the sounds are great. Probably not for perfectionist purists, but amazing for EVERYONE else. One guitar to gigs now. The modeled guitars are wonderful. The modeled Strat sound is so close to the magnetic pickup sound, I could afford to replace the single coils with a favorite set I like, and have still another sound available. Body and neck are wonderful. If you're not an UltraPicky Persnickety Perfectionist, GET THIS GUITAR. (and the harmonics don't warble like the Line6 variax). AND a Whammy bar for modeled sounds. Did I mention it has an attention getting little blue light?

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As a career musician this addition to my "arsenal" is long overdue. No more carrying multiple guitars to get the exact sound I'm looking for, no more re-tuning between songs and wasting time during live performances! This axe is AWESOME! It can do everything except make your breakfast! The acoustic settings leave a little to the imagination, but not for the novice player. 4 1/2 stars overall.

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Guitar arrived in 4 days...very fast...but the electronics were intermittent and cutting in and out. (Roland G5 system). Great action and setup on the Mexican Strat...just the pesky circuitry was less than desirable. ..zZounds didn't bat an eye and gave me an R A number immediately. ..paid for the return freight. .and we're very professional about it...I'll repeat my business with them for sure!

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This guitar is great! I love all the sounds. No, tone junkies will complain about the digital sounds, but for most of us it rocks. I never wanted to buy a 12 string and now I have one. I bought a B Stock from ZZounds and am completely satisfied. I'm not sure the extra $$$$$$ for the American made one is worth it.

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The guitar was delivered promptly which satisfied my desire to get my hands on it. However, although all the sound variations were as advertised the build quality was poor at best. The neck was bent at the seventh fret and twisted between the 5th and 1st fret. In addition the 5 way selector switch only worked intermittently when set at the neck pickup position. The guitar came with a ticket showing it had been inspected by four different people (I assume factory people) for prep, assembly, tune/test and final inspection, but they clearly fell down on the job. The good news is that zZounds didn't hesitate to offer to replace it and send return postage for me to send it back. I'll be waiting for the replacement in the hope that the quality is up to Fender specifications.

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