Advice!

Peen Simmons

Peen Simmons

Let’s Get Obtuse!
I have always wanted a hardtail strat but have never quite aligned on the ones that crossed my path w/r/t aesthetics and features.

The Fender mod shop is now offering hardtail strats with the ability to get the right bells and whistles.

I’m thinking of selling my USA Bluesboy, my 60s Classic strat, and the Godin to consolidate my pile of stuff and ordering a hardtail strat from the Mod Shop.

Is this a think you would do?

Pros: Less crap in my house + guitar I’ve wanted

Cons: Selling stuff + fewer guitars
 
That is a tough one. If the Mod Shop guitar will do what you want and you will not miss what the other guitars give you, then go for it. On the other hand, if you think you would find yourself needing the sound of one of the guitars you would give up, I'd think twice.

And all this was no help at all. :grin:
 
If you were consistently gigging as your main outlet, it might make sense to go all in on a dependable, versatile utility player. I get the impression you like studio time and would benefit from having the broader pallette on hand.
 
Motorik said:
Why do you specifically want a hardtail strat?
Click to expand...

I like the strat pickups/configuration and the ergonomics of the body. With the hardtail strats I’ve played, there’s something about the feel/resonance that is simply different than standard strats in a way that I find appealing. I suspect it’s the lack of interaction between the bridge/block/springs. It’s not a sustain thing so much as a difference in the overtones/attack.
 
Peen Simmons said:
I like the strat pickups/configuration and the ergonomics of the body. With the hardtail strats I’ve played, there’s something about the feel/resonance that is simply different than standard strats in a way that I find appealing. I suspect it’s the lack of interaction between the bridge/block/springs. It’s not a sustain thing so much as a difference in the overtones/attack.
Click to expand...

Have you tried blocking it off with a wedge of wood to prevent any movement?
 
I've always wanted a hardtail Strat too; however, my administration is firmly against anyone having fewer guitars. Therefore, I cannot in good conscience support this plan.
I put two extra springs behind the trem on my Blacktop Strat and treat it as a hardtail--works great. I'll probably do the same with the American Pro I recently bought.
 
Chicken Man said:
If you were consistently gigging as your main outlet, it might make sense to go all in on a dependable, versatile utility player. I get the impression you like studio time and would benefit from having the broader pallette on hand.
Click to expand...

This is closest to the conundrum. I do a fair amount of recording and like having options. The awesomeness of the new Cabronita has demonstrated ways in which some of the other guitars I own are very good but not exceptional. And now I’m thinking “Hey, do we go for it?” with another guitar.
 
Peen Simmons said:
With the hardtail strats I’ve played, there’s something about the feel/resonance that is simply different than standard strats in a way that I find appealing. I suspect it’s the lack of interaction between the bridge/block/springs. It’s not a sustain thing so much as a difference in the overtones/attack.
Click to expand...

For this reason alone I think you should do it.
 
I agree that a true hardtail Strat is different enough from a blocked trem.
  • Tonally, they have a certain snap to the attack that splits the difference between Strat and Tele
  • Ergonomically, the hardtails feel lighter. I'm not sure if they are lighter or if it's just the change in weight distribution (no sustain block at the tail)
I've had a '79 hardtail now for 21 years, it's a go-to.
 
Another option, if your G&L has a swimming pool route, you could turn it into a Nashville Tele. I do not endorse this option for obvious reasons, but it could split the difference for you nicely.
 
Help!I'maRock! said:
Another option, if your G&L has a swimming pool route, you could turn it into a Nashville Tele. I do not endorse this option for obvious reasons, but it could split the difference for you nicely.
Click to expand...

It does not, alas.

When I ordered the G&L I was wavering between the Bluesboy and a Legacy with the G&L hardtail. There’s some long-term ambivalence on my part. Just feeling weirdly dissatisfied.
 
Help!I'maRock! said:
Seems like your choice is made then.
Click to expand...

Not exactly. I’ll see how things go. I actually dislike guitar shopping because it always feels distracting and stressful. Maybe this will pass. Maybe I’ll get some hot action on the sales front that will make this an easy choice.

Who knows. I got the goddamn smurfco fever. I know, it’s no worse than the boogie woogie flu.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top