1 Topic by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2015-01-11 12:41:30)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Topic: Comparing Stratocasters

I was comparing some Stratocasters at a local shop yesterday, and ran into these two:

Fender Roadhouse Deluxe ($650):  http://intl.fender.com/en-CA/guitars/st … apple-red/

https://www.long-mcquade.com/files/46760/md_572cc18c257931896bf933f397ccb34e.jpg

Fender American Special ($1050):  http://intl.fender.com/en-CA/guitars/st … apple-red/

https://www.long-mcquade.com/files/7280/md_0115602309_xl.jpg

They have all the same hardware and electronics, the same pickups (single-coil Texas Specials), and they looked, played, and sounded identical. Can anyone give me some idea as to why one is $400 more than the other? They only thing worded differently on their website, is that the latter is touted as being "US-made" whereas that phrase doesn't appear in the write-up about the Roadhouse. Is that really the only material difference? I've never owned a Fender, but they seem to have so many variations of their base models, that once you get beyond the various pickups and configurations, it gets a bit confusing trying to compare them.

Many thanks in advance!

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Comparing Stratocasters

I cant tell the difference, with regards to made in America all the electronics and hardware come from China and the wood is imported too the only "making" is assembly and shipping.

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • dino48
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  • From: los banos,california
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: Comparing Stratocasters

they look the same and the one I have made in Mexico looks the same!

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman
  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Comparing Stratocasters

dino48 wrote:

they look the same and the one I have made in Mexico looks the same!

Made in China imported by Mexico even the "made in Mexico" sticker was put on in China

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Comparing Stratocasters

I know it's pretty simple for someone to make a "knock off" that is cosmetically similar. But when I looked at the electronics and specs for these two, they're also identical. $400 is a big difference when the country-of-origin is really the only factor.

  • Registered: 2007-10-14
  • Posts: 17

Re: Comparing Stratocasters

Thank you for this thread.  I'm looking at the Fender American Special Telecaster and now revisiting models that list for about half the AS $995 list.

  • dino48
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Re: Comparing Stratocasters

fretfullablues wrote:

Thank you for this thread.  I'm looking at the Fender American Special Telecaster and now revisiting models that list for about half the AS $995 list.

I think you should go down and try some camparison shopping,My strat only cost me $200.00 with a soft case and they gave me extra strings picks and a string winder,but that was about 11 years ago.

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman
  • Registered: 2007-10-14
  • Posts: 17

Re: Comparing Stratocasters

Thanks Dino.  Looking like it's $400-$500 for a new Telecaster these days.  I'm ready to step up to a genuine Fender since I'm regularly plugging into my friend's Mesa cabinet.  My trusty El Degas "Plasticaster" just isn't getting it done.

  • dino48
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Re: Comparing Stratocasters

I guess you are going too be looking at Telecasters now and not Stratocasters,both good guitars.

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman

10 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2015-01-13 20:18:20)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Comparing Stratocasters

Fretfull ... you must be looking at one of Fender's "Modern Player" series of Tele's. There are lots of positive reviews online about them, and it makes me wonder how much lower in price they'll go before it starts affecting their entry-brand "Squier", which are almost in that same price range. I had an Ibanez "Tele-copy" back in high school days (early 70's), and whipped the tar out of it with overuse. Fun guitar to play.

  • Registered: 2007-10-14
  • Posts: 17

Re: Comparing Stratocasters

Yes TF, I've seen new Telecasters that feature humbucks at the bridge, and I think that's what you're referring to.  I'm focused on the more traditional set up with single coils at both ends.  Both set ups have gotten excellent reviews, but my friend has a Gibson Les Paul, so we have humbuckers aplenty.  Single coils are a must for screaming leads, which is what I'm looking to provide in our band's current configuration.

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Comparing Stratocasters

fretfullablues wrote:

Yes TF, I've seen new Telecasters that feature humbucks at the bridge, and I think that's what you're referring to.  I'm focused on the more traditional set up with single coils at both ends.  Both set ups have gotten excellent reviews, but my friend has a Gibson Les Paul, so we have humbuckers aplenty.  Single coils are a must for screaming leads, which is what I'm looking to provide in our band's current configuration.

I have both the modern tele and a les paul they are two different animals both are excellent the Tele has more then enough "screem" it just depends on your effects

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • beamer
  • beamer
  • THE METALIZER. Naughty Rocker Boy.
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  • From: WASHINGTON ST
  • Registered: 2006-07-29
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Re: Comparing Stratocasters

Honestly if you are looking for something to cut through on leads,,, You really should check out some Ibanez guitars.  if its the tele style body you are after then my I suggest
http://www.guitarfetish.com/XV-825-Soli … c_436.html
http://www.guitarfetish.com/XV-835-Flam … c_222.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESP-LTD-TE-212- … 3cef6a1faa
Russell and I can vouch for the quality and sound from this company.

you also could go with the Tele and have H / S and have a coil tap  on the H to split it from dbl to single.

IF you can afford it, maybe this is what you are looking for. 

http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/ESP- … oCDXfw_wcB

“Find your own sound.  Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”

– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)
  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Comparing Stratocasters

The modern player tele I just got has a boost mini toggle this guitar has tons of sustain and bite even without effects the newest effect I have the electro harmoniks C9 is totally awesome nuff said

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website