Howdy fellow Strat lovers. I'm a Stratophile from Australia - I bought my first Strat in 1970 (a 1968) and played it on 1000's of gigs. I needed to share my Straty news : My old 1968 Strat badly needed a refret so (instead of paying a luthier) I bought a roasted maple Mexican neck (12" radius,22 frets, + Fender locking tuners) via Amazon and fitted it yesterday. Now it plays like a dream. The neck is truly beautiful. After fitting it I didn't even need to adjust the intonation. I wish the '68 had been this good to play back in the day (1970s) when I played/toured with Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, Jeff St John and various rock/blues bands. I recently bought a 2020 Ultra Strat HSS which is also addictive and now I can't choose between them! = Guitar heaven? Rz Canberra Australia
OK. I've been playing since I was 17 (I'm 74) so have had the chance to gig in lots of situations, some glorious, others not so - but that's a musician's life, right? The lil rock band I was in (called Red Cloud) in 1975 toured with Chuck & Bo around Australia 1975-76, both as support band and as backing. Naturally I have many anecdotes. We were also Jeff St John's backing band at the time, who was also on the tours. Backed with some other 'famous' folks at the time - one off gigs, short tours etc. Played some huge concerts (25K), TV, screaming audiences, I had very long hair - all which of which now seems to have mostly deserted me. I quit touring in 1977 to pursue a career in zoology. I went back to back to music full time in 1992. I still practice everyday 3-5 hours and play some jazzy/bluesy rock gigs around Canberra. I have been teaching guitar for decades and find it lots of fun helping others grow their twangy bits. I have accumulated a few guitars - 1968 Strat, 2020 Ultra Strat, LSL Tele, Gibson ESS-335 61 re-issue, Epiphone LP with 'Pearly Gates' pickups, Godin xtsa, 1990 FGM Ibanez, 2008 Ibanez Prestige......I like my Mesa Boogie Express Amp & have lately been playing a Boss Katana MkII Artist & Boss GT-1000.......there's more, but that's enough! I like all music as long as it's played with good feel. Rhythm is king. rz
I'm looking forward to your posts/comments. I'm sure you have much guitarism to impart. Love to hang out and drink a cold one with ya.
But what are you doing with your old neck? I'd take that off your hands for proper disposal, no charge...
I had a 68 Strat way back when they were just used guitars. That particular one was not a shining example from Fender
Cool life story! And cool neck - I've been looking at some of the recent Fender roasted options for my MIJ Strat. Your guitar looks great, and even more importantly I'm glad you're happy with how it plays and feels!
