NGD No longer a Strat virgin

Longtallronnie · October 2023

Following on from my earlier thread, I’ve just picked up my first Strat.

It’s an MIJ ST-62 from 93/4. The previous owner stripped the poly finish and refinished in worn daphne blue nitro and a very nice job he made of it imo.

Wasn’t sure I’d get on with the 7.25” radius but the neck is gorgeous, described by the seller as a chunky C it’s probably the comfiest fender neck I’ve ever played. No issues with bends past the 12th fret which is one area I was concerned with. Lovely dark rosewood board and frets are in great condition.

Haven’t done a full plugged in test yet but first impressions from my katana mini are very good.

I think the pickups are alnico going by the photos. The switch could do with some contact cleaner as it’s a bit noisy and it doesn’t have a trem arm so need to figure out what type will fit.

No idea of wood type or anything else, think they’re usually basswood or alder?

Still don’t know how to post pics but here’s a link…

https://imgur.com/gallery/NGytd8U

mikeyrob73 · October 2023

nice

ICBM · October 2023

Longtallronnie said:

The switch could do with some contact cleaner as it’s a bit noisy and it doesn’t have a trem arm so need to figure out what type will fit.

Don't waste even that much switch cleaner - those switches are total junk. Replace it with a CRL and don't look back

. The pots are good though, if they're at all dirty they should clean up fine.

The arm will be a M5 thread.

SteveRobinson · October 2023

It looks as if the neck shaft was stripped and refinished too?

Longtallronnie · October 2023

@SteveRobinson yeah the neck was refinished in nitro as well.

Longtallronnie · October 2023

Thanks @ICBM I did think it might need replacing. Thanks for trem arm info also.

ICBM · October 2023

Also, if you're doing wiring work, it's worth twisting the pickup wires together, and replacing the wires to the jack with a shielded cable, or twisting them as well if you'd prefer to keep it 'vintage' - this reduces noise quite a lot. The jack may also be worth replacing, the MIJ ones aren't that great compared to a US Switchcraft.

Longtallronnie · October 2023

Thanks for the tip, I’ll sort that all out next string change.

tony99 · October 2023

Sure is a looker, great strat!

HAL9000 · October 2023

Longtallronnie said:

Wasn’t sure I’d get on with the 7.25” radius but the neck is gorgeous…

Nowt wrong with 7.25” boards. They’ve only become ‘difficult’ since the internet was invented.

Nice looking guitar you’ve got there. Enjoy.

Longtallronnie · October 2023

I had a 52 AVRI Tele that was lovely until you tried bending the E or B strings. No amount of adjustment ever got it to where I was happy with it. Sure a competent tech would’ve fared better but I moved it on. In fairness though, that’s been my only other experience with 7.25” necks.

Offset · October 2023

HAL9000 said:

Longtallronnie said:

Wasn’t sure I’d get on with the 7.25” radius but the neck is gorgeous…

Nowt wrong with 7.25” boards. They’ve only become ‘difficult’ since the internet was invented.

Well... not really. I had a Tele with a 7.25" board and I sold it because I couldn't live with it. Pained me to do so as well because it was in every other respect a fab guitar. I'd never buy another guitar with that style of neck. Horses for courses of course.

Longtallronnie · October 2023

Offset said:

HAL9000 said:

Longtallronnie said:

Wasn’t sure I’d get on with the 7.25” radius but the neck is gorgeous…

Nowt wrong with 7.25” boards. They’ve only become ‘difficult’ since the internet was invented.

Well... not really. I had a Tele with a 7.25" board and I sold it because I couldn't live with it. Pained me to do so as well because it was in every other respect a fab guitar. I'd never buy another guitar with that style of neck. Horses for courses of course.

That’s kinda how I was dude - I was convinced 7.25” wasn’t for me based on the one guitar I’d owned. It’s obviously early days and I might decide that’s the case but this one definitely feels better, bends above the 12th fret ring out fine and the overall action is still what I’d consider to be low.

I’m much more fussy with neck profiles/radii with Fenders as I’m used to Gibsons and have to say this is the most “natural” feeling Fender neck I’ve played which is bizarre considering how un-Gibson it is.

GoFish · October 2023

Cool colour. Nice board. You've been touched, for not the very last time. Hope you enjoy the strattiness and the neck pickup and the way they balance on a strap. HNGD.

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NGD No longer a Strat virgin

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