hey ed, thanks.
the damage is what you can find it for online....=(, pm you la.
I think the custom shop (non-Masterbuilt) strats are priced similarly to the suhrs, groshes and tylers...no?
My honest take is that Fender custom shop strats and, yes, even the masterbuilts are a little overpriced. And I'm talking abt prices outside of Singapore. =)
But when you find one that suits you, sound, feel, and aesthetics wise...there's little regret in paying the premium for one, esp a Masterbuilt, imo.
I've read of inconsistencies in CS strats, but the Masterbuilts are generally well-received and consistently good performers, due to the fact that 1 luthier single handedly builds the guit from beginning to end. Even the pups are wound in a way to produce the best tone and balance for the combi of woods. I dig that detail. Think Tylers are also built this way today. Suhrs, I heard, have moved on to mass production. Not sure if this is fact or fiction.