Which One?

[Yardbird Mac]

I have two MIM Standard Strats, A G&L Comanche, a Les Paul Standard, and a Les Paul "59" reissue. I'm thinking about selling off or trading one of the Strats on a low end Les Paul (or different Les Paul configuration like the LP - DC Pro, Faded Standard, or Special with humbuckers). My Les Paul Standard was a real find... the best Standard I've ever played. The R9 is my #1 guitar! The proposed new LP would be kind of a "grab & go" guitar (GIBSON) and the remaing Strat would be my "grab & go" (FENDER).

I like certain things about both Strats. One of them is an "04" (pre upgrade... smaller frets, thinner tremolo block). I really like the tone of the "04", it sounds more "typical" Strat, yet is really smooth. The "05" plays a little easier (bends are easier with the bigger frets) and has a little more "punch", but doesn't quite have the "chime" of the "04". The Comanche sort of has the best of both worlds!

As I mentioned in another thread, I've even thought about switching some parts, such as necks & tremolos. KEEPING BOTH STRATS IS NOT AN OPTION!

Anyway... opinions, suggestions, advice would be helpful and appreciated!

[bluespckr]

Either of the MIM Strats will get you a limited return on, say, eBay, and less ina store trade. I have had two MIM Fenders and thjought they were some of the best guitars out there. Still, the general perception is that they aren't as worthy as the USA models. Considering a Standard sells for, what, about $400 or so new ... I wouldn't expect much return on either of the two.

Don't know much about G&L, other than a lot of folks like them a lot. Does the G&L give all the Strat tones you like? Sounds like it does.

I'd be inclined to keep the '04 Strat, if that's the one you like best. Strat you like the best and the G&L. If you can live without a real Strat in your stable, maybe you could sell both MIMs, and keep the G&L. You'd have a little more jingle to put toward the new guitar.

Definitely keep the Standard, if it's a good one. I have two keepers -- one a '75 and the other an '05. So many people have regretted selling that "good one" they "used to have", and spend a lifetime trying to find another like it.

[Stratlover]

If you have to get rid of one, I would keep the one that plays better. You can always make various adjustments to try to improve the tone, but the fit is harder to settle for. That's what I would do, but of course, I haven't seen either; and I am just basing that statement on the information in your post.

[Yardbird Mac]

Thanks... I've decided to keep the "04"! I started off by playing the "05" tonight (jamming with a couple of backing tracks), then picked up the "04". I didn't put the "04" down the rest of the session.

It's funny... I only paid $318.00 for the "04" ($249.00 + case and tax), and I paid $399.99 + extra for the case + tax (approx. $525.00). The "04" was being sold as used, but it never really had an "out of store" owner. It was a shelf item that was used by students for "in store" guitar lessons. It was in perfect condition, even had the plastic wrap on the pickguard that's so hard to get off! I bought the "05" while the other one ("04") was being set up by the store's tech.

The older one ("04") is lighter and more "lively" sounding. And after I A/B'd it with the "05", I have to "back pedal" and say that not only is the pre upgrade smoother, it is actually "punchier" sounding! I forgot to mention that the "04" has a maple fretboard, the "05" has a rosewood board. Plus... I like the Sage Green color of the older one!

The G&L is a different animal. It has the "Z" pickups (which are noise canceling), a 5 way switch, plus a mini toggle switch that gives 5 X 2 tone combinations. The tone controls are true bass and true treble controls, so instead of just dialing out the treble, like on a Strat, I can actually dial in or out the amount of bass or treble I want. Some of the tones I would not call true Strat tones, to me they sound more like a GIBSON ES 335/345 tones. The others sort of "hint" at Strat tones. I think that if Leo had stayed with HIS original company, this is what the Strat would have evolved into. I initially had some difficulty getting this guitar set up and dialed in (I almost sent it back), but once I got it where I like it, it's an amazing guitar!!!

[Yardbird Mac]

If you have to get rid of one, I would keep the one that plays better. You can always make various adjustments to try to improve the tone, but the fit is harder to settle for. That's what I would do, but of course, I haven't seen either; and I am just basing that statement on the information in your post.

I was thinking along those lines too, but I was able to easily adapt to the smaller frets on the "older" one. The "04" just sounds so much more "alive"!!!

[javlib]

Oh Four it is. Keep that one and sell the 05.

[Stratlover]

I was thinking along those lines too, but I was able to easily adapt to the smaller frets on the "older" one. The "04" just sounds so much more "alive"!!!

Cool! Good luck with the new Lester! Let us know what you get.