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Swap Strat for Elite Dot?


Swoop

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An Elite series Dot (not an Elitist, but much of a muchness really. The Elites were the slightly earlier ones were they not?) has come up for sale on the local auction site, and the seller is interested in organising some kind of deal or trade for a Stratocaster. I've been hankering for a Dot lately, but the ones I have played have left a lot to be desired in terms of standard of finish, and the lack of a nice white fingerboard binding is a little bit of a turn off. The Elite, however, is pretty much exactly what I want in terms of a Dot. Beautiful Cherry finish, bound neck, Gibson pickups, etc.

 

I happen to have a Stratocaster of similar value to the Elite Dot, my Deluxe Roadhouse Mexican Strat, which has Texas Specials. I asked the seller if he was interested, and he indicated that he certainly might be. I'm just not sure. I really like my Strat, but I guess I don't really use it as much as my other guitars. I love the clean sound. Hell, who doesn't love the jangly sound of Strat single coils? The overdrive tone perhaps leaves a little to be desired though, it's not really the thick overdrive sound I like, given that the pickups are fairly low output and, well... it's a Strat, and not exactly renowned for girthy tone.

 

Plus, I have the Casino which does clean stuff excellently too, being a hollow body, and having that acoustic kind of quality to it. Plus, I have my Esquire on the way, which would probably meet my needs as far as twangy-ness and single coils go, and they're pretty good at the thicker sound too. And, after all, Strats are a dime a dozen, and I can always get another one down the line.

 

I guess then I've already partially convinced myself. What do you guys reckon? If the guy is interested, shall I swap my Strat for the Dot?

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The usual advice would be "Try before you buy."

 

This, however, is an Elitist. Make the swap.

 

 

FYI - Epi used the "Elite" badge when they first introduced the line until another guitar company filed a suit against them for copyright infringement, which is why they changed it to "Elitist", sometime during the first year or so of the run. They are otherwise the same.

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I'd still like to try the guitar, largely to ensure that it's in equally pristine condition as my Strat, and I'm sure the seller would probably want to try out my Strat to make sure it's what he wants. Fortunately we don't live more than about 90mins away from each other, so we can easily arrange that. Otherwise, I am of course confident that it's a beautiful guitar in every way.

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And' date=' after all, Strats are a dime a dozen, and I can always get another one down the line.

 

[/quote']

 

Well there you go; thats exactly what I was thinking. I've owned and sold 3 Elitists ( 2 SGs & a Les Paul ) and I am still sick over selling them. I think you will be pleased.

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That is, of course, if the guy likes my Strat and we can do some sort of deal. Ideally I'd like to do a straight swap, I think they're worth much the same money. Both include cases, etc. I'm trying to save my pennies, as I start University in July, so if there has to be some money involved, hopefully it's not too much!

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That is' date=' of course, if the guy likes my Strat and we can do some sort of deal. Ideally I'd like to do a straight swap, I think they're worth much the same money. Both include cases, etc. I'm trying to save my pennies, as I start University in July, so if there has to be some money involved, hopefully it's not too much![/quote']

 

 

I think you'll be lucky to get a straight swap.

 

The disadvantage you have is that Elitist Dots aren't available any more. As other posters mentioned, Strats aren't exactly a rare commodity. The one you have is a good Mexican Strat...but still, a Mexican Strat against an Elite series Dot...:)

 

If I were the Dot's owner, I'd be expecting some cash to change hands in my direction...

 

Good luck with your deal. Negotiate hard!

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The Elitists are selling for 3 - 4 times the cost of the average used MIM strat. If this guy will do an even swap and/or maybe a $100.00 thrown in you should be in your car already. A USA strat is more fair for this deal but that's his responsibilty to know, not yours. If some people want something bad enough they will sacrifice and take a loss. Good luck, if you get it plz post some pics.

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Elite series DOT - how I wish ... but there you are. You shouldn't even be delaying long enough to ask us what we all think - since all our answers are the same. I tell you what, if you're in any doubt, I have a Mexican Strat - if you are really disappointed by the deal I'll swap you it for the Elite DOT.

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Well it's not just a Mexican Strat. It's a bit fancier than that, Texas Special pickups, mostly American hardware and electronics. Including a practically brand new tweed case too, so the values are fairly similar I think (in terms of the value he has put on it on the auction, and the value of my guitar). Maybe a little cash difference. Hopefully we can work something out.

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