Royal Couples of Guitar Gear!

We interrupt our regularly scheduled Friday Strat for the following special feature!!!

"The Royal Scam Jam!"

Fender Custom Shop 1946 Esquire "Snakehead" and '46 Pro amp replica #35 of 50.

 Details below!

FCS George Fullerton '57 and Relic Tweed Pro Jr.

Yeah, there's only one kind of royal pomp and spectacle I wanna witness! So take a moment to marvel at the wondrous splendor of that which is true royalty, shall we! Come along...

First off, at top we're proud to bring you a 1996 reproduction of the original prototype "Snakehead" '46 Esquire and '46 Pro amp. Fifty of these lovely couples were produced in '96 to help commemorate Fender's 50th anniversary. Simply divine, don't you think! Indeed. They include all the goodies and certs, plus cases suitable for a honeymoon cruise around the world! I'm all aflutter! 

Music Center Inc. - based in Wisconsin, is listing the fine pair as NEW. Probably been stashed in a collection the last 15 years. These guys have 100% positive feedback with a 2K feedback score. Good track!

Next, we have a most splendid 2007 FCS Masterbuild George Fullerton '57 Stratocaster with Relic Tweed Pro Jr. amp. A limited run of 100 according to a Mike Eldred clip at Youtube, this set celebrates George Fullerton's contributions, and the 50th anniversary of the '57 Strat. The Pro Jr. represents the era-- and together they make for a stunning couple that truly love one another. You can just see it. Oh, to be in love in the Spring. Isn't it all so grand! I feel giddy as a schoolgirl. 

Bizarre Guitar, Reno - 100% positive, is also listing this as new, at about $1K less than a Guitar Center listing currently posted online. BTW, this Strat is Masterbuilt by Greg Fessler. An additional COA for the guitar/amp set is signed by George Fullerton himself.

It's been such a pleasure to bring you our royal coverage on this most festive of occasions, and what has turned out to be a perfectly lovely April day. Do have a wondrous and joyful weekend now!

Friday Strat Archive

Hi-end Strats

Current listings - Top Sellers - S-types

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LSL Saticoy - Sugar Pine Strat!

SoCal Boutique Guitar Gear

The name Saticoy refers to an area in California's Santa Clara valley, and is the Chumash Native American term for "Sheltered from the wind." 

Excuse the little wimpy pics here. Hopefully you can see the fir-like, straight tight grain in the top image. That is Sugar Pine! LSL guitars are handmade vintage vibe, using old school methods. They build super lightweight Strat and Tele types-- the "Saticoy" and the "T-Bone".  The thin nitro finish guitars are aged, and have checking though not heavy relic'd. 

SuperSoundMusic currently lists the new Saticoy shown above. They're an LSL dealer with 100% positive eBay feedback, and a 10K score! That's a ton of good, clean history!

Just below is a clip of our good friend Billy Penn from 300guitars.com interviewing Lance Lerman of LSL Guitars.


Note: LSL is currently building a Carl Verheyen signature model. What's that tell ya about LSL? Click Here for details!

Hi-end Strats

Current listings - Top Sellers - S-types

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T-Rex New Gull Wah Pedal!

YOY YOY! BIG PEDAL!!!

(See our video review posted later!)

The last thing most pedal makers should wanna take on are wah pedals. Dunlop corners the market with nearly a dozen Cry Baby models-- then there's Fulltone and Morley. Housings alone are an quite an investment.

But T-Rex doesn't see it that way. And they've even managed to add new and interesting twists to the wah thing. Like how 'bout "YOY!".  Huh? That ain't all either. Still, the above recent Musikmesse T-Rex Gull Wah intro video is kinda weird, with the 5:1 scale pedal, and no actual playing demo so we can hear the thing... What kind of TEASE is that?  But we just gotta have faith that T-Rex is on to something here. They make great pedals, and haven't let us down yet.

So watch for the T-Rex Gull Wah or YOY YOY pedal soon!!!

t-rex-effects.com

www.guitargearstores.com/a_EFFECTS_Top_Brand/t-rex

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Aristides OIO Super Strat Guitar

Sexy Euro Composite Axe

Model 010 - avail in satin black or satin aluminum finish

Also see Adrian Vandenberg Interview

*Endorser*

photo: GP mag@flickr

Netherlands based guitar maker Aristides Poort has developed a toneful material he's calls "Arium", of which his guitars and basses are composed. Although he doesn't reveal exactly what Arium is, it's a proprietary glass composite type material. And no, the guitar doesn't shatter if dropped. But according to USA dealer Kelcey Alonzo of customguitarboutique.com, resonance and sustain are amazing.

So Poort is makin' these stealth Ferrari looking guitars & basses with this Arium stuff. Besides black they're also available in a satin-like aluminum coating, and more colors coming. One NAMM clip shows a white version I kinda dig. Yeah, these aren't traditional looking, but they are more guitar looking than a Gibby Explorer (a 50 plus year old design). Nor are they some medieval dragon axe death metal band torture device either. Just don't expect a burst finish option ok. 

Custom Guitar Boutique Blog has an interview with Aristides Poort.  

customguitarboutique.com of NYC has taken on the Aristides instrument line for the US market. 

More Links: 

www.aristidesinstruments.com

www.youtube.com/user/AristidesInstruments - Several videos with good players.

Recent Additions at CGB

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Vince Gill - Serious Vintage Burst Strat!

Oh, and Carrie Underwood too.

HOW GREAT THOU STRAT!!!

Not to offend anyone but when I saw Vince's very tasty solo on this amazing vintage Strat, I imagined Carrie Underwood was singing in honor of the guitar. I know it's a gospel ode to God, but for a moment that Strat becomes the center of the universe, and it's fun to think of her singing to it. Well, I think it is...

Here at Stratoblogster we try to recognize the important things. This performance is only a few days old, and already the video has millions of views. It's about the Strat. Sadly, most viewers don't appreciate what Mr. Gill holds in his hands. Someone needs to acknowledge the fine Stratocaster. My job. And I'm sure that God and Leo paused from their pinochle game, as God spake unto Leo, "Looks like one of yours there Fender!"

Hi-end Strats

Current listings - Top Sellers - S-types

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DeTemple 56 Strat-type

Ultimate Gourmet Guitar Gear

Gotta have a pretty head...

One piece ash. Oh my!

Click pics for close-ups!

The old saying, "The sum is only as great as its parts." would be a good motto for Michael DeTemple.

This 7.1 lb. '56 model, built in 2005, is for sale by a SoCal studio owner who claims this is also the only 22 fret model DeTemple has ever made. We're talking 1 piece ash body, Italian tortoise shell pickguard, titanium block, saddles and the famous DeTemple tuned titanium truss rod. The flame maple neck is top grade. What else do you need to know? It's a DeTemple already! 

Ever priced a set of titanium saddles? Just under $800 at Floyd Upgrades! 

Ok, so pay attention now. These guitars typically have almost a 3 year lead time. This guitar is supposed to be MINT, and it's available NOW. The listing has all the numbers, including what you save compared to ordering this exact config. right now, new from DeTemple, then w-a-i-t-i-n-g. A great opportunity here! All the orig. candy, pw and a beautiful case are included. This guitar supposedly just sits in a chill *private studio. The seller is also listing a $10K Maingard acoustic guitar! Google that.

You gotta make some calls? You gotta talk to some people? Well then DO IT!!! Screw the Europe trip. Ya come home with an intestinal bug and 20,000 jpgs to organize. Think about it.

Seller: clearcreek1 - 100% positive, 800+.



*Note: Just on a hunch folks: www.clearcreekrecording.com - check the equipment menu. There she is!

Hi-end Strats

Current listings - Top Sellers - S-types

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Shane Theriot - Live Strat Jam

Strat-o-Brother in New Orleans




If your Robben Ford diet could use more spice, try Shane Theriot with red beans and rice!

I just made that up. Here's a cool clip I found of our good friend Shane Theriot in his home turf at last year's Louisiana Music Factory JazzFest 2010.

Nice to see Shane Strattin' his stuff here. Those Louisiana musicians aren't happy unless they're syncopatin' and groovin' hard! There must be an ordinance against straight 4/4. And for this, we commend them!  That's why New Orleans is the source of so much American music culture.

Theriot was gracious enough to give us an interview last year. Click Here for our interview directory, and check it out. You'll also find Shane's links and more about his recorded material there.

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NOS Vacuum Tube Buying Tips

Tube Gear for Guitar Amps

(image:www.rocknrollvintage.com)

Shopping New Old Stock Tubes: 

If buying on eBay, always check the seller's feedback score, ratings and history.

Real NOS tubes have not been in service. Look for listings with clear, close photos-- or request pics from the seller. Pictures of boxes don't get it.

Tubes should have no worn lettering, bent pins, clamp marks on the bases and spots or discolorations on/in the glass. These are all signs of usage and wear. Seller should be willing to accept returns, unless understood up front the tubes are sold "as is". But don't buy tubes as is, ok. Qualify the seller's track record and don't be afraid to ask questions and request pics.

Getting a good set of NOS tubes is well worth your effort and following a few simple guidelines! 

Check these tube guides at eBay:

The Truth About NOS Tubes


NOS Audio Vacuum Tubes for Hifi and Guitar Amplifiers



 
Also check our Tubes & Amp Parts resource page for amp schematics sites and tube sellers.

Top quality tubes and components don't have to be expensive and hard to find-- even brands like Amperex & Telefunken. Shop around. And shop smart!

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Rare Two-Rock Guitar Amp, THE WOOD

Gear of the Gods! 

Songs from THE WOOD, make ya feel much better.

Click pics for close-ups!

Boutique amp collectors can drool over this hunk of tube tone p*o*r*n currently listed by some folks in Houston. They say this Two-Rock, named "THE WOOD", is a one-off model. It was built specifically for a Northern Cali boutique amp shoot out event Two-Rock was invited to a few years ago. West Coast Tone Fest -see a reference this TGP thread.

THE WOOD is a 2 channel switchable, 50W head with reverb and tube rectifier. The tubes used and its Bill Krinard configuration are very mojosthetic. How it ended up in Houston is something you can find out by calling Joshua at the phone number in this listing. Joshua is a nice biblical name so don't be afraid. The seller has 100% feedback with a high# of points and other hi-end gear listings.

The finger jointed flame maple cabinet would make a beautiful accessory addition for any room, and a delightful Mother's Day gift. And not simply for cosmetics alone-- we're talking sweet tone and music, the gift that keeps on giving for both you and that special someone. That new boat or Fat Bob you've been thinkin' about is the real money pit you don't need around right now. THE WOOD makes sense, can be enjoyed year around and requires no helmet, life jacket, storage, slip, fees, etc., etc., etc. I hope I've been of some help here.

Seller: tejastubes

Hi-End Amp Links
Current listings - Top Sellers


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Popular Guitar Design is Player Driven

Are Guitar Buyers "Conservative"?

image: vectorstock.com

Builders of "unconventional" guitar profiles & configs typically blame the guitar buying market for being too conservative as if the general demographic were mysteriously backward; perhaps even genetically dysfunctional. However, there actually is no mystery. Here's a perspective. Iconic guitars got that way by their positioning to and association with iconic guitar players...

Guitar Players and Mondays...

"I wake up Monday mornin', ________________..."

photo by Scramberlee/flickr

Those lively folks at Musician's Friend posted the above "finish the lyric" request on their Facebook wall this morning. Well, did they ever ask for it!

Some of the more unusual responses I'm willing to reprint here at family values friendly Stratoblogster include:


#10 - ......... and I smell like Ass ....
probably a drummer
  
#9 - And I'm glad I'm not Rebecca Black...

#8 - Drank a Coffee....Took A Dump....

#7 - with my snorin'....cause my grandkids stuck bread up my nose
gotta be a bass player
 
#6 - have a pancake and a smoke

#5 - Punching zombies in the face. Eat my brains!? I think not! As I fight with my trusty tube sock! 9a.m.!? Time to bathe, before I'm late to work! zombie apocalypse..killing zombies..how can that be absurd!?
another drummer


#4 - In a bath of ice... Where's my kidney?
Dude! Damn!

#3 - What the hell am I doing at Walmart with no pants on?

#2 - with a woody like a louie-ville slugger

#1 - And she's buying a stairway to heaven

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Used RedPlate Blues Machine Amp

Boutique Gear - Serious Guitar Amp!

Another RedPlate on eBay! This one is listed as "mint" by Connecticut based Brian's Guitars whose gear we've featured before. Brian is 100% positive & "Top-rated" status with lots of history and hi-end guitar gear listings.

This RedPlate Blues Machine model is a 50W-112 combo merging the features of RP's Tweety Verb with the same overdrive circuit as their MagicDust Model-- similar/compared to the Dumbulator for the amp geeks out there. Remember kids, it ain't the size of the dog in the fight-- it's the size of the fight in the dog. And these puppies are vicious!

RedPlate amps are hand built to order. Not many opportunities to acquire one quick, so due diligence or tell a friend about this one! But whatever you do, don't forget Mother's Day.

Refer to the EBAY VINTAGE GUITAR AMPLIFIER GUIDE for valuable buying tips (good boutique tips too).

redplateamps.com

(demo vids and sound clips)

RedPlate Amp Search

Boutique & Vintage Amps

Current Listings - Top Sellers

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Upgraded 40th Anniversary 94 Strat - Friday Strat #213

Stratoblogster Guitar Gear 
(NOT For Sale)



Got to hang out with Doug Rappoport last night who was up from LA visiting family in my neighborhood. Doug currently plays guitar in Edgar Winter's band, and is also MI/GIT faculty.

When Doug played my Strat through a friend's very cool blackface Super Reverb clone, I got a fresh perspective on my own guitar. It also helps that Doug is a great player, and that he digs my Strat. He said so too! Gee! So I thought why not run my own Strat for this week's Friday feature? Why not?

I name off some of the upgrades in the video. Doug's playing with bridge pickup only, through a T-Rex Reptile 2 Delay and Tonebug OD. The Super Reverb clone is built by some cat in Florida whose name I forget. Speaker config is 2 Eminence Patriot 10's and 1 Patriot 12". It really slammed my FlipCam mic, but oh well.

Upgrade Items Links

 

Friday Strat Archive

Hi-end Strats

Current listings - Top Sellers - S-types

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Budget Strat Configs with Style

Haywire Custom Guitar Mods - Affordable!

I dunno how these folks do it. Maybe they order all their stuff through a time machine filter-- yeah, a TMF! That's the ticket!

Just browse over to the Haywire Custom Guitars eBay Store and check the BIN price pointing on their listings. Then scope the listings really close. For example, the "Double Fat Strat" above with stainless steel frets and a number of other seemingly hi-end goodies is marked under $1K!  Yeah, they got 'em a time machine, I reckon.

High positive feedback score and lots of  sales history. You figure it out. I'm just sayin'. If something else is haywire, I haven't spotted it yet.

Hi-end Strats

Current listings - Top Sellers - S-types

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Eric Gales - "Them Changes" With Eugene!

Strat-o-Brothers Gittin' Jimi Wit It!

Here's Eric Gales joined by big brother Eugene on vocals at Memphis' recent Southern HotWing Festival, a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House charities. This was just a few days ago! Eric's chops are hot as ever, and Eugene is kickin' off the cobwebs as well. Eugene also plays badass guitar lefty-upside down. It's the Gales' way.

Related:
 
Eric Gales Interview - and links!

Eugene Gales Feature

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Perri Ink. Protostar Guitar

Strat-type Rocker Gear

SoCal based guitarist/guitar builder/entrepreneur Nick Perri has put together a smart, state-of-the-art configuration; an ultimate rock machine. The Protostar is the debut instrument from Perri Ink. Custom Guitars.

Besides the locking nut you see above, the Protostar features a Floyd Upgrades trem system that stays in tune in the event of a string break, and also includes an EVH De-Tuna as well as a hefty brass block for big sustain. A Warmoth swamp ash Strat body profile contains other goodies from RS Guitarworks and Seymour Duncan completing this serious hot rod config.

Jon at Guitar Noize blog features a more detailed review. Watch the video there & be sure to check out the 4 minute Floyd set-up string change! Also see the links below.


http://perriinkguitars.com/

http://sinaiband.com/ - Nick Perri's current guitarist gig

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Hi-End Fender Guitar Parts

Factory & Custom Shop Strat Components

 FCS Rory Gallagher Strat Body, Cert Included

Fender USA - SRV Body w/hdwr & electronics

Here's a couple recent listings at The STRATosphere. These folks are getting into Fender Custom Shop and Artist Series parts i.e. NoCaster Necks, Bodies-- and even some special run FCS guitars. FCS necks and bodies even come with a COA!

And since STRATosphere is an eBay Store only, anything currently listed pretty much has to be IN-STOCK. eBay Stores sellers don't do the back order thing-- I don't think it's permitted, and it certainly wouldn't earn positive feedback, hangin' people out to dry. Anyone seeking hard to find and hi-end Fender guitar components NOW needs to take a look over there. A lot of this stuff is gonna be special order heavy waiting from most anywhere else.

Pimp Your Strat!
Mods, DIY & Parts Suppliers

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Cool Guitar Blogs - GuitarSquid

Top 10 List THIS!

Bored with guitar blogs like mine? I am... Well, there's hope. Just get on over to GuitarSquid where you'll find a delightful array of interesting, funny and downright bizarre guitar related info, news and trivia.

Also, WE can register there and submit stuff we post or find around the web. If the head Squid digs, they'll post it.

Among the tons of continually fresh content, you can find lots of Top 10 stuff i.e. Top 10 One Armed Guitarist videos and Top 10 Videos of Idiots Failing at the Guitar Spin Trick. Also find out what your strap length says about you. It's kinda like supermarket checkout tabloids for guitar players.

Just what we needed!

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Strat Pickguard Gear by El Dorado

Give Your Strat a Western Vibe
...with a fist fulla pickguards!

Hand tooled leather pickguards

Ya think they'd make a Jules Winfield BMF pickguard?

Hand engraved metal pickguard

I ran into the El Dorado pickguard line while surfing pickguard ideas for a friend's Gretch Orange trans finish Strat body project. Besides the obvious cowboy vibe, one could also work these into some high falutin' strato-bandito Southwestern or Native American design motifs and color schemes for theme Strat ideas. And you can bet that El Dorado does Tele stuff too!


El Dorado items @Musician's Friend


El Dorado @Amazon.com


Pimp Your Strat! - Directory for mods, upgrades and parts.

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Fender's Blackmore Strat

More Artist Model Guitar Gear

Fender's Ritchie Blackmore signature model Strat offers a scalloped fretboard for about $500 less than the Yngwie Artist model. Both models have the 70's style big headstock- appropriate to their namesakes- and bullet type trussrod. From there, the Blackmore & Malmsteen Strats take radically different paths. The Ritchie B. is actually a 2 pickup Strat, utilizing a dummy in the middle position-- 420 compartment. Bottom links provide more specs. Don't it seem like more Blues players oughta dig scalloped fretboards?

Anyone recall Blackmore's epic/infamous Feb. '91 GW cover issue interview? For some reason, this guitar reminded me of the hornets nest stirred up from his blunt & less than flattering opinion of SRV only a few months following SRV's tragic death. For months afterward, GW's editor letter pages were riddled with rants from SRV fans spewing forth a rainbow of bad juju upon the legendary Deep Purple guitarist who in the same interview referred to Eddie Van Halen as the next Cole Porter, as well as other choice nuggets of Blackmoritude probably baited out by a savvy interviewer prepped for the "tude".

An interesting interview to this day folks, available for your scrutiny at www.thehighwaystar.com

Shop Blackmore Strats

Musician's Friend

eBay Results

Current listings - Top Sellers - New & Pre-owned

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Fun Melody-Rhythm App Tool!

Click on the Squares!

CLICK TO MAKE SOME MUSIC

I ran into this from a Facebook friend. The app traces back to this blog: http://mandaflewaway.tumblr.com/post/2057242738 .

Ok, so vertically you have a scale of tones. The squares across any row horizontally are all the same note, but different beats. So clicking multiple squares in the same column makes a chord as the notes are voiced simultaneously. You can make patterns of rhythm, syncopation and single note melodies by selecting squares across the rows which don't correspond to the same column as another squares above or below. A perfect demonstration of why rhythm is the most important element in music. 

Or forget you even read my stupid description attempt, and just start playing with it.

LET YOUR IMAGINATION ROLL!

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Magneto Sonnet S-Type Guitar

Cool Stratty Euro Gear Line

Magneto - Sonnet Crown

Here's European guitarist Fab Tranzer test demoing a Magneto Sonnet Crown through a silver face Deluxe, an Xotic RC Booster and a Fulltone Fulldrive 2. Nice Strat tones and full round pickup sounds! 

Magneto Guitars is a partnership between France based designer Christian Hatstatt and veteran luthier Kei Yatsuzuka in Japan. They produce their S & T-type guitar line in Japan, using top hardware, electronics and woods. Some woods and components are USA produced, as well as Sen Ash grown in Japan.

Full  specs & details are available at: Magnetoguitars.com 

Contact Kelcey @ Custom Guitar Boutique for USA/Canada availability & quotes. And tell 'em Stratoblogster sent ya! 

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Robin Ranger Slabtop Supreme - Friday Strat #212

Last of the New Robin Guitar Gear

The Robin Ranger guitar represents the original wave of Strat-Tele hybrids to hit the market. An unmistakable Texas vibe created the Robin identity. Last year Robin decided to quit making guitars, although I understand they continue to produce their Rio Grande pickups line.

Santa Cruz, CA based Sylvan Music, a Robin dealer, still lists a few new (NOS?) Robin guitars in stock, like our featured trans-blue Ranger Slabtop Supreme. They also currently have a natural finish Ranger, a Savoy and an Avalon. Go check their listings for specs. These guitars are new-mint and include deluxe hard shell cases. In the not too distant future, we won't be seeing any more new Robin guitars. Hopefully their pickups business will keep rollin'. 

www.robinguitars.com remains online for reference and specs info.

Friday Strat Archive

Hi-end Strats

Current listings - Top Sellers - S-types

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PRS Heavy Hitter for Tone & Guitar Players!

David Grissom, PRS Guitar/Amp Gear


Also watch:
Grissom Interview - PRS DGT Guitar
Grissom Interview - PRS amps
Warren Haynes - Talks amp tone chasing with Paul Reed Smith

Over the past few years I've blogged myself blue in the face for Strat tones and Vintage Fender Blackface tones. And whether you dig that or Tele tone, Les Paul thru Marshall tones or 335 thru Mesa or $Dumble$-- good tone is good tone. What Grissom is getting here with his PRS DGT signature guitar through a PRS Sweet 16 amp is awesome tone! This tone didn't happen overnight either. They've been working on it for years...

Vintage Strats in Europe

International Vintage Show



Bring the Kids!

The International Vintage Show was part of Musikmesse (Europe's equiv to NAMM) last week in Frankfurt. No better way to chill out from all the latest hi-tech in-yo-face than with an area just for vintage guitar gear. GuitarPoint, a major guitar dealer in Germany, was there to show off some serious vintage Strat inventory.

The abrupt ending to this video clip may have something to do with the excitable boy jumpin' into Lake Placid. Excitable boy, they all said... 

GuitarPoint-de - eBay Germany Store
GuitarPoint - eBay UK Store

eBay Buyer Protection 

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New Jeff Beck Artist Strat Guitar, Autographed by Jeff!

Mojo Strat Gear!

Click for clearer closeup, headstock sig and LSR nut.

I avoid autographed guitars on eBay like the plague, because they're usually the cheapest Squier models for people who don't know the difference to hang on the wall.

Here we have a brand new Fender Jeff Beck Artist Series Oly White Strat, signed by Jeff. Any collector or JB fan would consider this a helluva lot more worthwhile than an autographed piece of junk. The guitar includes OHSC, candy, etc., and is listed by a high rated NYC memorabilia dealer with plenty of certified & documented autograph items. Check 'em out!

Seller: Autographs-Autographs-Store - 100% pos. NYC.

Hi-end Strats

Current listings - Top Sellers - S-types

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