Fender Custom Shop Strat -Tele Matching Set

Set #01 of 20 Flame Red, Birdseye Neck Pair

 "But how could one be so thoughtless to try and handle less than two?" Billy Gibbons

They say that "almost" only counts with nukes, hand grenades and... something else I forget. So this is almost a Hef situation. Ok, not even close. But ya gotta agree, waaaay lower maintenance!

This matching Flame Red/Gold hdwr Strat & Tele pair is #01 of only 20 sets produced by Fender Custom Shop. They're NOS as they've been living as a store display. Lookie no touch!

New York Music Inc.- is listing this pair. Ironically they're located in Youngstown, OH. Whatever it takes to feel nationwide or like Hef... Ask your doctor if this is right for you.

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers - Boutique Lines!

Fender CS Bonnie Raitt Blue Burst Strat

#94 of 200 - Fender Custom Shop 1996

That's right, this is a Custom Shop Bonnie Raitt Strat, and not an Artists Series production model. I never even knew about these CS versions. Looks like they made 200 of 'em. The one above is NOS from '96 with case, COA and BR '94 Tour Jacket. There's also a partially faded Bonnie autograph on the pickguard. It's "NOS" since the current seller- a dealer- has had it in the original carton until a couple years ago.

The Bonnie production models had 9.5" radius soft "C" and Texas Antiquity pickups. But I have no specs on these Custom Shop models.

Seller: Billy Wray Music Shop-Harrisburg, PA is a 100% positive eBay Stores merchant with a 23K+ feedback score. Pretty clean outfit!

So, did you know that Fender does not currently feature a female guitarist Artist Series guitar model? That's right. The BR artist production line was discontinued in 2000. I don't count the Avril Lavigne Squier Tele-- would you? A Joanne Shaw Taylor Tele would be right on time!

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers - Boutique Lines!

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T-REX Yellow Drive Pedal

Coming in August 2011 Exclusively at Guitar Center

The folks at T-REX let us know about their new YELLOW DRIVE, two stage overdrive pedal, available in August '11. The Yellow Drive is the first in a series of 4 pedals to be sold exclusively through Guitar Center. 

Configured into a frequently utilized T-REX housing/control configuration, the YD is voiced for "vintage" overdrive tones which stack 2 independently selectable and adjustable stages. Per the above photo, you have the standard GAIN, LEVEL & TONE control settings for each stage. The interesting part will be the tone variations available when using both stages simultaneously-- and, less junk noise than using 2 OD pedals in your signal chain, not to mention one less battery or power supply connection.

We may receive one for demo/review. If so, this post will be updated, and I'll do some kind of ridiculous video. So stay tuned and check back! 

Ed Note 9/26 - Click Here for our demo!

Shop New Arrivals at Guitar Center!

RS Guitarworks "Paint Stick" - Friday Strat #224

It's a Super Freak... It's Super Freaky!

 "Across the tracks there's a girl who loves me, just as much as I love her..." Nils Lofgren

Click images for CLOSE ups!

Our pal Bobby D discovered this one profiled at The Gear Page by the folks of RS Guitarworks.

They shot the body with every different color the shop used over the course of a week, finishing it in black. Then it got relic'd, including the key wear-thru spots where we get to see all those colors. Aptly named "Paint Stick", I think this might also be called "Owlsley", especially since the cat died recently. Anyway, that's another trip.

All the hardware is seriously aged, and the neck too-- and it deep too! Check the reverse fat head style headstock. The pickup choices are about creating a mongrel partscaster vibe. 

I almost wanna go whacko on my Oly White Strat with an orbit sander, a BernzOmatic and a big full color set of Sharpies. Should I???

Check out all those links above!

Friday Strat Archive

RELIC GUITAR RESOURCES  

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers - Boutique Lines!

Why The Cowcaster Guitar Works

Speaking of Guitar Design Perspectives...

photo cred: Ralph Duke

The Cowcaster

I woke up to this online just this morning, posted at Guitar World click for full story. When you read the story, you'll see that the positioning with Billy Gibbons and Texas makes something like this work. Not that everyone's gonna want one, but you get the idea. Oh, and it's an actual, real deal cow skull too! No artificial, plastic, made in China cow skull from "Cow Heads 'R Us". Nope!

Also funny (strange and haha), is that I was just telling someone about my idea for a real cow skull pedal-- The "Cattle Drive OverDrive". Serious! And remember you got it here first folks. This is my intellectual property; intellectual being the key operative term too.

So the Cattle Drive O.D. pedal would involve a standard housing placed inside an actual cow skull, with footswitches and controls on forehead area. Besides user adjustable parameters there are 5 presets labeled:

Rollin' #1
Rollin' #2
Rollin #3 
Rawhide! (#4)
Stampede! (#5)

The eye sockets would include LED's for on/off and function indicator status.

Anyway, that's my intellectual idea. But ya gotta read the GW article! They use real cow skulls which are cleaned up for use by placing cow heads on ant hills; Texas ant hills! I know something about Texas ant hills having done USAF basic training at Lackland AFB near San Antonio. Based on how popular hamburgers are, it's obvious that cow heads are not a scarce commodity. Ya just need to know where to get 'em. Maybe use Google for that, unless you already know someone in that line of work.

Then you're in bidness! And speaking of business, also be sure to check out Brent's House of Heads --same guy!

i-n-t-e-l-l-e-c-t-u-a-l

Guitar World Online Article on Guitar Design

Stratoblogster Feature!

GW just posted another thing I wrote. This one's called, Perspectives on Solid Body Guitar Design.

I wrote it for guitar players tired of being called "conservative" for sticking with the standard guitar configurations. Check it out!

Loaded Pickguards for Stratocasters

Pre-wired, pickup configured Strat scratch plate.
(photos: Metal Shop Music)

Red Tortoise with Fender 54's

A pre-wired pickguard swap out is another way to upgrade the look and sound of your Strat. Metal Shop Music stocks hi-end guitar parts as well as guitars and amps. They specialize in providing a large variety of loaded - prewired Fender factory and Custom Shop Strat pickguards, as well as a variety of Lindy Fralin configs!

Pickup configurations typically include- Lace Sensor Holy Grail 54's, Texas Specials, TBX, Duncan 59's, Tex Mex, Lace Sensor Hot Gold SSS, Samarium Cobalt, etc.


Also check & compare Loaded Pickguards at:

www.GuitarGearStores.com - Large Supplier Directory

The STRATosphere - Stocking Eric Johnson loaded pickguards

Tricked Out Guitar - Get configs with Tonestyler tone controls


Vintage Pin-up Decals - Directory for classic waterslide decals, including How-To links for applying decals, graphics and refinishing your guitar.

Pimp Your Strat!
(links to free resources & merchants for Strat upgrades)

!

Eric Johnson Keepin' Busy!

EJ Performing With Sonny Landreth




Eric Johnson is a busy cat! Besides touring his latest UP CLOSE album, he also does an acoustic trio tour, the Experience Hendrix tours and side stuff like this Texas based fest with Landreth in April. Then in May, EJ did a series of gigs in NYC with Will Lee and Anton Fig (Letterman's band) at The Bitter End.

So when you see EJ interviews where he looks tired, he probably is tired. Oh yeah, so he's also in progress with his studio construction. And I recall a few months ago he'd put his Austin home up for sale, which sold quickly, leaving him between places for a bit.

What's Eric doing right now? I dunno, but hope he's gettin' some sleep once in awhile too!


www.ericjohnson.com - Latest tour info!


CLICK HERE for CURRENT EJ Strat eBay listings!

One 63 Stratocaster Volume Knob Anyone???

Only if You Need One... $75.00

Current eBay listing by: tradeitinmusic - Tallahassee, FL

Of course there are situations where vintage gear is totally complete except for a minor missing part or two. It's a common frustration for collectors. So it's great when the magic of the internet helps resolve these issues so that people can put all the pieces together and move on with their lives. And in this context, what's $75 anyway?

It's also important to note that the above seller is Top Rated by eBay with 100% feedback and a 2K+ fb score. HOWEVER, I'm absolutely twisted up in a puzzle of clusterf#*ked bewilderment for lack of a story on this "1963" Strat volume knob!

The seller's listing- and as upstanding as they may be - includes absolutely no background on the knob, i.e. how they came to acquire it and how they know it's a '63. Also know that they aren't listing ANY OTHER items from or for a '63 Strat. They do list other gear, but this ONE volume knob is all they have that's associated with a '63 Strat. So there must be story, right?

Throw me a frickin' bone here!

Understand that we could write an entire screenplay about the life and times of one displaced Strat volume knob. We could. Someone should. Like The Red Violin or maybe a Seinfeld type episode where someone like George pulls it out of a whale's blow hole...

But after hours of pacing... and entirely too much stress I grasped out for sanity and found a diversion that I could comprehend:

Mack Truck Hood Ornament Ash Trays!

Imagine my surprise to discover an entire results page of these listed at eBay! Apparently cigar smokers love 'em. And ranging from $5.50 to $199.00 they're priced to please every budget. The one pictured is currently an auction item with 3 bids sitting at $26.29 -No Reserve! What a delightful item that I couldn't possibly care less about-- but whose discovery has provided almost immediate release and relief from the mystery and dilemma of one small '63 Strat knob like so many random particles that compose the very rings of Saturn.

Unless you happen to need one of course.


Pimp Your Strat!

Stratoblogster Labs

Bender Distortocaster (revisited)- Friday Strat #223

A Strat for Dali!

Not necessarily beautiful-- but stoned.

Yeah this is a real guitar you can play!  Do not adjust your screen!

We actually featured the Bender Distortocaster a few years ago. This week's profile on KOZM Guitars sorta reminded me of the Bender models. UK builder Brian Eastwood produces the Bender series among other unique & bizarre models. His take on the Tele is called the "Jellycaster". Brian Eastwood is NOT the same guitar maker as retro guitar outfit Eastwood Guitars.

The blue collage was originally created by G. Wilson at GUITARZ blog (world's longest running guitar blog!) from pics in an old eBay listing. The red one is just floating about the web. I guess these guitars are supposed to be more ergonomic as well as unusual looking. They also appear to be dolphin safe. Be sure to check out the Brian Eastwood link for more details and interesting creations.

Friday Strat Archive

   

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers - Boutique Lines!

Fender CS Strat - Natural Ash Custom Classic

Custom Shop Guitar

Here's some just plain sweet looking wood with no relic or trick finish treatments. The natural ash body looks warm and rich with the tortoise pickguard. Both the body and flame maple neck have light tint. The oval "C" neck is 9.5" radius with 21 - 6105 frets. Pickups are 60 CS with a 69 in the bridge. Hardware is old style.
And this Strat weighs 7.5 lbs! 

Wild West Guitars is listing this as new at their eBay Store- in stock! It includes case, candy and COA.

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers - Boutique Lines

KOZM Guitars - Hmm... Who Might Want These?

Depends on How You Look at 'Em...

Click for big views!

Ed note: Check our KOZM review & demo clip after this post!

First of all, KOZM Guitars isn't named after a western USA radio station. They come from the imagination of Portland, Oregon luthier Jeff Kozmoski. And you probably thought they were Euro-based. Even though I live near Portland, I just discovered KOZM through their ad on the PG website.

Perusing the KOZM site reveals another rogue builder who wants to take guitar design somewhere else for a change. And although I firmly believe iconic players drive brand and model popularity, I respect Kozmoski's creativity and boldness. This is a tough endeavor...

Vintage 81 Strat - "Crystal" Finish

Last of the Big Head, 3 Bolt STRAT Models

1981 STRAT

Although this finish appears emerald green, the under pickguard sections are sapphire blue. Wonder what color it will be in another 30 years? According to the seller's research- and looks like he's done some good homework - this is one of the last 3 bolt big head necks. And part of a small era with the "STRAT" decal instead of "Stratocaster". 

PM BLUES in Rhode Island currently lists this one at their eBay Store. This dealer has some very sweet vintage gear, including some cool amps. They're currently listing TWO 1970 red Marshall 100W Superlead heads and some '72 stacks.

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers - Boutique Makers

Stratoblogster Reaches 1.5 Million Hits

"Just Bloggin' About Strats... and Havin' Some Food..."

Maybe I can jack this Strat from Guitar Center like this. Can you tell where it is?

Stratoblogster.com reached 1.5 million hits today! These milestones take awhile. I know Perez Hilton blog gets this many hits per hour, but I blog guitars instead of junkie dysfunctional celebs. 

Oh well...

 

1978 Steve Morse Interview by Jas Obrecht

Complete Version of Dec. '78 GP Feature!

"Clara Erickson took this photo of Steve Morse and Jas Obrecht during the interview in Twiggs' (Lyndon) truck." -1978 

In other words, we're talking about MORE than was published in the orig. Guitar Player feature. Interviews can go on and on, and then they must be edited down for page and column limits. The Jas Obrecht Music Archive site is where Jas currently posts those complete transcriptions from his 20 years at GP.

This Steve Morse feature was just posted today-- literally within the last hour. I haven't even read it yet, though I know I read the GP version, because in '78 I discovered Morse and Dixie Dregs, and was blown out of my skull! How exciting to get the full scoop some #* years later! So be sure to share this with your friends who dig Morse/Dregs!

BTW, if you're a Duane Allman fan, JOMA is the go-to for extensive interviews with Duane and his key people. You'll also find major Blues legend content!

Jas Obrecht continues to fill in the gaps of guitar history!

LSL CV Special Saticoy Guitar

LSL Instruments' Carl Verheyen Signature Model

Curr avail at Martin Music

Carl's been talking about these on Facebook, and I just found a new LSL CV Special listing by Memphis based Martin Music (eBay Store - it's in stock!). Anyone who knows about Verheyen, knows he's a guitarist's guitarist and a vintage Strat freak! So when Carl decided to partner up with Lance Lerman of LSL Instruments it really got my attention!

Some specs hi-lites include: All CV Specials will weigh within 7.5 lbs. Carl's special angled claw floating trem set-up (you want this!), 7.25 radius medium "C", LSL wound pickups designed with Carl, oil filled tone cap circuit and Carl's new Dean Markley signature strings 9-46. All specs at LSL link above.

Click Here for an earlier LSL post which includes Billy Penn's Youtube interview clip with Lerman.

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers - Boutique Makers

Guitar Pickup Magnet Type Info

AlNiCo This!!!

Click above for larger readable version!

We're always hearing or reading Alnico this or Alnico that from the pickup pimps. Does this mean anything to you? Although there is much more to know, the above references are a nice, quick orientation.

Info. provided by Pacific Northwest pickup guru Pete Biltoft - www.vintagevibeguitars.com  

Click Here for diagrams on neck shapes, radius & contours!


STRATOCASTER MODS & PARTS  - Resources, links, upgrades and suppliers directory.

John Suhr Classic - Root Beer Drip

Groovy Guitar!

Roasted maple neck! Mmm!

Beyond the groovy finish, this Suhr Classic is a prime example of a nicely refined Strat platform. Configuration includes Suhr's SSC noise/hum elimination system, stainless steel JUMBO frets, Sperzel locking tuners, soft "V" neck, 11-14" compound radius, steel block and bent steel saddles. The body is basswood with a maple cap. Why a maple cap under the root beer finish? To balance & focus the tone with the basswood. Also, these Suhr "roasted" maple necks don't just look vintage, they're more climate stable. 

I want it! 

Elite Music Sales - Montgomery, AL (eBay Store-- in stock!) currently lists this guitar as brand new with G&G case.

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers

Tunes Guitar in Under 60 Seconds - TWICE!

Practice This!!!

Watch GW Gear Editor Paul Riario tune this totally out Breedlove in under 1 minute! First to 1/2 step down, then up to standard pitch. No tuner! All in under 60 seconds. One troll has already commented that the video is sped up. Ok, so do this yourself in 2 minutes troll.

Hamer Monaco III Natural - Carved Spruce Top

"...Sounds like a 2 ton Strat!"

 Strat

+

Bacon Maple Bar

  =

HAMER MONACO III!

Willcutt Guitars eBay Store (ck page #4) has a very good BIN deal on this Monaco III! I usually don't stray too far from Strats, but a "2 ton Strat" is tough to resist. It's actually 8lb. 3oz. -- just so you know. For years, I've heard people make the fat Strat comparison with the Hamer MIII. I've never played one cause I never seem to catch 'em in-stock anywhere I go. It's no secret that Hamer guitars are top quality instruments. This one's a beaut!

Great seller, and if you shop Monaco III's you'll see that Willcutt cuts a sweet deal here!

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers

Nash S57 Salmon Guitar

Smoked Salmon!

Vintage fat "C" neck, Alder body and Custom Lollar pickups.

ANDYS-GUITARS-ETC of Tallahassee, FL is listing a bunch of nasty Nash guitars, including this Salmon S57 Strat-type. All current Nash models at Andy's are NEW. Can't ya tell? Certainly one of the great things about a Nash guitar is that it will always maintain that "newness" too. No matter what! And it never needs polishing. I guess you could say it's self-cleaning and perma-press. And don't you wish more stuff was like this!

Hi-end Strats

CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers

 

 

Dr. Jeff Beck Covers Little Wing Live

Spring 2011 New Orleans Jazzfest

I'm pretty much done with Little Wing covers, BUT... This Jeff Beck interpretation is killer! We don't often hear him using chords and open string voicings like this either. Doesn't try to show us how good he can cop Hendrix though. Doesn't need to. Makes it his own. That's Narada Michael Walden on vocals.

That Strat is set up tight too! Check out Jeff's guitar tech. 

Current Jeff Beck Strat Listings