Just picked up a 2008 USA Standard Strat for a very good price. Traded in an old MIM strat that I had for years and never fully bonded with it even after heavy modifications.
Once in a while we are lucky enough to pick up a guitar that is "the one" from the very first note played, well this is one of those for me. The 2008 models where apparently upgraded with different pups (A5) and a more solid trem block. I set it up and played through my rig and was REALLY impressed by the stock pickups. BUT, I had a loaded pickguard with seymour duncan SSL-1/SSL-5 from a previous strat that I threw in and..... took them right back out. I like the stock pickups better all around.
So I swapped in a mint green guard and aged white PU covers as I have always loved the look on a sunburst strat, now it looks and plays awesome (low light photos don't do it justice). Getting ready to get socked by a winter storm here in the Midwest so I will get some nice bonding time with this one!
(http://imageshack.us/a/img145/6269/newstrat3.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/145/newstrat3.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img211/6388/newstrat2.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/211/newstrat2.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img69/3725/newstrat1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/newstrat1.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Beautiful guitar! IMHO, nothing quite compares to a good USA Strat.
Beautiful guitar.
I agree; there is something special about having a 'real deal' made in the USA strat.
I agree with the above posts. I like my Strats with a bridge HB and a rosewood fingerboard, but this looks beautiful! And judging by the pics, she hasn't seen a lot of action, good score!
Paul