JV strat vs. Classic Vibe 50's vs. reverse headstock

ccrnnr9 · August 2nd, 2008, 02:21 PM

I went to MF clearance center yesterday in search of a new strat and I played a lot and liked quite a few of them. I played 2 olympic white reverse headstock strats (MIM). One didn't feel that great but another felt great. I really liked the sound of the pickups (all strats played through a Marshall JVM combo). The price was $350 and the guitar was missing the trem arm and has some minor finish scratches. The neck on these things feels great and looks great with the vintage tint, however the one thing that kinda bothered me was that on the reverse headstock the fender logo is still rightside up.

I played a Jimmie Vaughan signature series strat with tex mex pickups and this guitar was just awesome. The neck felt awesome (although didn't have that gloss finish or vintage tint

) and the pickups sounded just like a strat should in my opinion. The only downside to this is that the guitar was black so I would probably be inclined to refinish it in olym. white or fiesta red. The price was set at $400 with missing trem arm and some minor scratches.

My last option is the classic vibe 50's series squier strat that everyone has been raving about. I asked to get one pulled from back for a test out and they wouldn't do it! I was suprised. In the past they always will pull stock from back for tests should you make a committment to buy. I was wondering how the alnico III pickups on the squier compare to the JV or reverse headstock. The squier would be the cheapest option at $299.

I am truly in a pickle. Any advice is welcome!
~Nick

Zman · August 2nd, 2008, 02:50 PM

I have a 60th MIM that also came with the Tex Mex pickups. Basically it is a Jimmie Vaughan with a c shaped tinted neck and 3 ply guard. I also have the CV 50s Strat.
I was also wondering about the Alnico 3s and my concerns were unwaranted. They are really nice. I didn't realize that most Teles had Alnico 3s in them. They are smooth and creamy but can have a real bite to them. The overall guitar is really amazing. With the tinted neck and the two color burst she really looks and feels vintage. To compare them is like apples to oranges and it really makes a difference what you like in a Strat. I have 9 so I have every type of wood, pickup and hardware and I am impressed by the overall feel and tone of the CV for 299 you can slap a set of Custom shop pickups in here and still be under a scratch and dent MIM. With a guitar you will keep forever. Mine has had a pro set up and this make a world of difference, but I can't say enough about the guitar.

ccrnnr9 · August 2nd, 2008, 02:58 PM

I like a warm tone that can be used to get kind of gritty. I really like the tones that EC gets out of his strat although I know that is cliche (also I do realize that many of the his early recordings were done with a les paul). I really wish MF would let me test the classic vibe before I throw down cash on it. I really do not feel comfortable just putting $300 on an axe I can't play first!
~Nick

asc67 · August 2nd, 2008, 03:23 PM

Since you live close by , get one and take it home and if you don't like just return it.

I've had my CV 50's for a couple of weeks and although I had some doubts at first I'm really loving it now. I don't think that you will go wrong with one.

dan P · August 2nd, 2008, 05:10 PM

Yeah, go with the classic vibes, only problem IF you dont like it buying through the warehouse is they will not give you a monetary refund, but will issue a credit, if you buy through the website you have 45 days to decide on keeping and will get a refund if not happy, I really dont know why they would not pull one from stock, unless they are getting low and know they can sell them with out breaking her out of the box, and believe me the box is a sight to behold itself...

ccrnnr9 · August 3rd, 2008, 01:34 PM

Ya I am not sure why they won't pull one from stock either. Very strange if you ask me.
~Nick