Advice on swap

[Izzy]

There is a 1979 Strat at GC (link I bellow) and today I brought out my Flying V and played with her...she's already had pixie dust and all...I still am not bonding with her, I am just not metal enough.

 

Would it be a fair trade?

 

Is mine worth more or will I be trading up? Also, what do I look for to make sure she's not been in any wrecks...I wish there was a guitarfax...

 

 

My link

 

 

[milod]

Okay, this is just my opinion and we're both certain others will disagree...

 

I think the V is a good guitar in terms of overall quality, but it ain't all that comfortable for most of us.

 

The Strat... Naaah. Never been comfortable with shorter neck radius and Fender necks in general. Your current stable includes a solidbody in your SG. I think the V is worth more than a Strat regardless.

 

Me, I'd be more likely to consider a semi (there are different sizes you may be differently comfortable with) or even a full hollow, with either P90s or HBs on it.

 

Yeah, they wouldn't sound like a Strat's single coils. They'll be bigger than your SG where the Strat would be more similarly sized. But they'll have the same scale length as the SG.

 

That's one angle of the pitch for a semi or hollow: It's a different feel, somewhere between your flattop and your SG. You can get 25 1/2 or 24 3/4 (like the SG and V) variations on scale that make a bigger difference than some will admit. If you get something like a 339 with coil taps, that's even more options.

 

I've played friends' and guitar store Strats for some 50 years since I started playing. I've never felt anything for 'em other than uncomfortable with the neck. Never owned one, and I've had more than my share of guitars of various brands and shapes.

 

I like Fender basses, I'd likely have a Tele if it had a 24 1/2 scale and 12-14" fretboard radius.

 

My recommendation? Plan a cupla hours over a cupla days off. Hit some guitar stores and try a Strat or two. Try a 339 or even an Epi equivalent that wouldn't require a swap. Try a 335 or Dot.

 

Each guitar style has a different feel. Frankly I think the 335/Epi Dot "feel" like they have a narrower nut than claimed even when the ruler proves me wrong.

 

You'll never really bond with a guitar that lacks some sort of "feel" that trips your internal trigger. Each of us has a different feel. But a quality guitar that has the right "feel" to an individual picker will make a big difference in how well they play and how much they practice/play...

 

m

[AXE®]

Sell the V to me.

[Searcy]

Screw that.... sell it to me!

[AlanH]

If you haven't bonded with it but want a strat, swap it for a superstrat rather than a regular strat. Something like a Charvel, Ibanez, Jackson etc. As long as you don't go for a wacky paint job they're not the preserve of metal heads. Many a jazz or blues guitarist enjoys their versatility.

[stein]

Link doesn't work.

 

Aside from that, I seem to remember something about this guitar and you from? I think it had something to do with the value or someting of that nature.

 

Stepping back a moment, I GOTTA say that at least in this pic, that guitar makes you look EXTREMELY cool. A little over the top maybe, but it doesn't look that way in this pic. But definitely makes me think I should be looking to you for fashion advice.

 

So anyway, regarding flying V's; I kinda feel the dollar value of them and the market is depressed at this time. As far as particular model V's, this one is IMO up there with the top ones and SHOULD be more desireable, and one of the coolest to have. Should be up there in quality as well.

 

On the flip side, if you were to ask me what the worst year for a Fender is, I would blurt out '79 without thinking about it. Particularly Strats. I have played a few, even had one. Just about every feature of a bad Strat vs a "good" one will likely be present in a '79.

 

Additionally, for some reason, late 70's Strats are WAY overpriced.

 

Pause here to remind you I don't know WHICH Strat it might be, without the link working. Or even if it is actually a '79, as the seriel# scheme and dating them causes many to clump a lot of '80 and '81 as they were seriel'd as "79".

[sellen]

Might be a fair trade, link doesn't work so hard to say. The store always have to make a profit so.... I'd say- Keep it

[AXE®]

After a little research.

 

I would say no way on the swap.

[charlie brown]

Keep the "V!" You look good, with it! Somehow, it seems to fit you!

Strats are everywhere! Each, have their place, of course. Maybe just

buy a Strat, as an addition, rather than a replacement?

 

But, it really boils down to which one YOU like, the most, and will end

up playing, as opposed to living in it's case.

 

Good Luck, on your decision.

 

CB

[Tman]

The V looks great! I mean you and the V what a great combo.

 

79 strats are cool - if it speaks to you and feels good then do it. You only have to make you happy. I had a 79 antigua strat. It was CBS, yes, and it was fabulous.

[Izzy]

I can't find it anymore o.O I went to fix the link and it is gone. It was tagged at $2,200 and had a rough sanded no paint spot along one edge...which gave it mojo but probably isn't really a good thing.

 

Either way...Ya'll are so great. Thank you! If I would have gone today and swaped I would have regreted it. She may not be meant for me, but I'll be damned if I trade down.

 

My uncle has a '79 white strat and I bonded with her so I thought maybe I'd get my own vintage but after reading your responces:

 

I will play other vintage strats (love the thin neck) AND, as milod recommended, other types of git-fiddles as well. I played a "Lucille" once and she did nothing for me then with all her curves, so I haven't gone the hollow/semi-hollow route, but I'll take a half day at GC and tinker in their vintage room with them and even the most randomest of women (bellow 3K). OMG, its like a day at the brothel.

 

I'll come back to the oracle tomorrow because I am also going to Fuller's.

[Rabs]

I can't find it anymore o.O I went to fix the link and it is gone. It was tagged at $2,200 and had a rough sanded no paint spot along one edge...which gave it mojo but probably isn't really a good thing.

 

Either way...Ya'll are so great. Thank you! If I would have gone today and swaped I would have regreted it. She may not be meant for me, but I'll be damned if I trade down.

 

My uncle has a '79 white strat and I bonded with her so I thought maybe I'd get my own vintage but after reading your responces:

 

I will play other vintage strats (love the thin neck) AND, as milod recommended, other types of git-fiddles as well. I played a "Lucille" once and she did nothing for me then with all her curves, so I haven't gone the hollow/semi-hollow route, but I'll take a half day at GC and tinker in their vintage room with them and even the most randomest of women (bellow 3K). OMG, its like a day at the brothel.

 

I'll come back to the oracle tomorrow because I am also going to Fuller's.

If they have any check out the Midtowns.. they come in both Humbucker and P90 flavors and are a great price for a semi hollow .. good luck and have fun

[Kaiser Bill]

Keep the "V"....please

[Riffster]

If you haven't warmed up to the V by now I doubt you will. I just bought an Epiphone V and I've been rocking out with it daily.

 

Sad to let a V go but the new owner will definitely appraciate it. If you trade it for a 70s Strat just make sure you like the guitar, I played a 77 for a week and was a great guitar.

[Riffster]

If you haven't warmed up to the V by now I doubt you ever will. I just bought an Epiphone V and I've been rocking out with it daily.

 

Sad to let a V go but the new owner will definitely appraciate it. If you trade it for a 70s Strat just make sure you like the guitar, I played a 77 for a week and was a great guitar.

[L5Larry]

Izzy,

I have a Strat going up for sale that you might be interested in. It's a custom build on a 1990 MIJ "50's Reissue" white hardtail, basswood body, maple neck, with the "Clapton" active electronics package (9v powered, 12dB mid-boost control, TBX tone control circuit, gold Lace Sensors), and a 5-way switch with tweed case.

 

I have better pictures I can send you if interested, but here's a group shot (it's the one on the left, hah).

 

Price: $1000 plus S&H.

 

The current "Clapton" Strat still uses the same electronics, but different pickups ("Vintage Noiseless" instead of "Lace Sensors"), so you can read up on what the gizmos do.

 

Let me know if you (or anybody else) might be interested. Otherwise it's going up on CraigsList and ebay sometime soon.

[Blueblooded]

Oh, Izzy, looks like you've got a Shanker.. er, ah, I mean Schenker there . Nice guitar.

 

Not sure what it's worth, but should be pretty easy to research what the value is. I think if you're dealing with a store, you'll always do better selling it yourself and using the cash to make your purchase. Should be easy to sell.

 

I had a 2002 Faded V with ebony board and the super hot 498/500 pickup arrangement and loved the tone but not being able to sit with it was a drawback. Ended up selling eventually.

 

I like to buy used, but after playing a new American Standard Strat a few weeks ago I had to buy a new one. The hand contoured neck edges and fretwork are just so comfortable, and the fat 50's custom shop pickups sound amazing. Told my GC salesman I wanted to walk out the door under 1K and they made it happen. Suggest you stick with an American Standard or Deluxe as a minimum, and try a 2012 or newer and see what you think.

 

Best of luck with your decision.

[cjsinla]

1362952869[/url]' post='1342748']

The V looks great! I mean you and the V what a great combo.

 

79 strats are cool - if it speaks to you and feels good then do it. You only have to make you happy. I had a 79 antigua strat. It was CBS, yes, and it was fabulous.

 

You had one? I wondered who bought that one I Saw at guitar center back in the late 70s. I bet you don't still have it. I also had a 79 Strat that I thought was a piece of junk. It was my first electric guitar but I sold it. I would keep the V if I was you. Either that or sell it out right, you will get more money for it that way. Guitar Center will kill you on the trade. By the way, what kind of pick ups are in that V?

[Izzy]

You had one? I wondered who bought that one I Saw at guitar center back in the late 70s. I bet you don't still have it. I also had a 79 Strat that I thought was a piece of junk. It was my first electric guitar but I sold it. I would keep the V if I was you. Either that or sell it out right, you will get more money for it that way. Guitar Center will kill you on the trade. By the way, what kind of pick ups are in that V?

 

I, erm...have no idea. :unsure: I was told they're not the original pups by someone who looked at it. Does this pic help?

 

[cookieman15061]

First don't trade the V. You'll make out much better to sell it outright. GC will offer you half of what its worth.

 

Second, do whats right for you. Everyone bonds with guitars for different reasons but only you know the feel and tone that makes you happy.

 

I'm not a fan of the V or SG but love strats and teles. The search for "The One" is half the fun.

[kidblast]

I'm sort of late to the party here, but I agree with Cookie man's opine on the trade in value -- you'll just get hosed on that deal.

 

Selling out right takes longer and it IS a hassle (IME) most of the time, but even after you get wiggled down on a private sale, you'll still have more cash coming back to you.

 

 

that said,,, I know this is all subjective, but going from humbuckers to single coils, not really able to do a leap of faith here, the tone/response is just that different.

 

I love my fenders, (USA Tele and Strat) and I do use them a lot, but that said, prefer humbuckers most of the time. Given that hypothetical situation "you can only have one"

 

it's gonna be a les paul.

 

Good luck...

[cjsinla]

I, erm...have no idea. :unsure: I was told they're not the original pups by someone who looked at it. Does this pic help?

 

 

I can't tell what's in it but it looks like Rudolf Schenker signed it. That must be worth something if you sell it. How did you come by it? You might get a clue to what pickups are in there if you can check their resistance. It would also help if you could get a picture of the bottom side of them.