Should I get a cheap strat?

[Monkey Invasion]

Been thinking of getting a strat for quite awhile, but with it being my 1st electric...I've decided to limit my budget to around $400~500, that way i might have more money to fool around with effects :mrgreen:

But after a fair share of researching, I realized that unstable tuning is a common problem on soft tail strats. Even big names like fender is facing the same problem so i wouldn't dare to imagine how serious it will be on cheaper copies.

So my question would be, should I get a Strat? Or should I play safe and get a tele for now?

 

[theGroovyMusic]

Any strat with massive use of the tremelno is bound to go out of tune, a FR bridge might cure your problem, otherwise regular playing with a strat shouldnt get you too far off tune. I suggest going down to stores and try as many strat/strat-copies that you can, and even browse the 2nd hand area in this forum to source for some good buys! I myself am scouting for a strat too.

Swing/Squier/Cort/Aria/Davis has some pretty good strats, dont leave them out cause they aren't Fenders~!

 

[LiQuiFireX]

Dont forget Yamaha Pacificas!

 

[MHD]

even fr guitars would get out of tune. it depends on how much you use the tremolo

 

[naviros]

A properly set-up guitar should have no problems, but still, even fixed bridge guitars need to be tuned between a few songs...

What you should concentrate on is what the guitar can offer you in terms of sound and playability. Getting a fixed bridge solves problems of taking time off to restring. Be reminded that there are fixed bridge strats out there...

 

[theGroovyMusic]

strats do come with FRs but restringing them is....

 

[teleplayer]

Dont forget Yamaha Pacificas!

yeah... the yamaha pacificas are quite decent... but there are better strat copies than pacificas at a lower price... imo LOL.

 

[bf0502tr]

pacificas are better off bought 2nd hand. just too ex to buy them 1st hand. unless of cos u buy the cheaper versions. even that will set u back abt $400

 

[keithC]

i've never trusted squiers.. give the swing a shot.

 

[faizal_rocks]

I remember back in 2006, while walking into Swee Lee, my intention was to get a Fender Mexican Standard Strat but ended up walking out with a Squier Standard Strat..

Why? Preferred the feel of the neck on the Squier.

 

[subversion]

But after a fair share of researching, I realized that unstable tuning is a common problem on soft tail strats. Even big names like fender is facing the same problem so i wouldn't dare to imagine how serious it will be on cheaper copies.

tuning instability is NOT a problem with whammy bridge guitars. it's a matter of friction address. even guitars with fixed bridges such as the Gibson Les Paul, gives rise to tuning instability.

this is why locking hardware was invented; to address component movements so as not to manifest excessive tuning instability. the Floyd Rose bridge & top lock nut has this issue in mind.

 

[eieio]

faizal that is a nice blues rendition..


*intro..
I remember back in 2006, jeng jeng jeng jeng..

while walking into Swee Lee, jeng jeng jeng jeng..

my intention was to get a Fender Mexican Standard Strat, jeng jeng jeng jeng...

but eeeeeeeeeended up.... walking out with a Squier Standard Strat.. yeah baby.. (blues solo part here) :mrgreen:

 

[fgl]

faizal that is a nice blues rendition..


*intro..
I remember back in 2006, jeng jeng jeng jeng..

while walking into Swee Lee, jeng jeng jeng jeng..

my intention was to get a Fender Mexican Standard Strat, jeng jeng jeng jeng...

but eeeeeeeeeended up.... walking out with a Squier Standard Strat.. yeah baby.. (blues solo part here) :mrgreen:

fgl takes the the chorus ...

Oh babee.... (Jeng jeng jeng, jeng jeng)
The 'feel" made my pants go wet ... (ad lib licks)
You know I get so orgas ... when I play that squier strat ..

tetra - waiting for your blues solo ...

TS - Put in a bit more $$$ and DIY bro with fender lic parts ..

 

[Gene]

I second squier, if not smash NA Lite from standard value is nice too.

 

[van_halen]

But after a fair share of researching, I realized that unstable tuning is a common problem on soft tail strats. Even big names like fender is facing the same problem so i wouldn't dare to imagine how serious it will be on cheaper copies.

So my question would be, should I get a Strat? Or should I play safe and get a tele for now?

i've always felt that the 6 screw vintage style tremolo is an outdated design. go for the 2 point floating tremolo (non locking. not floyd rose.), which is an improvement/advancement over the 6 screw type. try to go for a strat with a wilkinson unit.

if you prefer the strat then don't get a tele. get a strat that fulfils your requirements.

 

[subversion]

PRS still uses the 6-screws version & this bridge retains tuning well- it's about knowing what to do, really 8-

 

[Likui]

even fr guitars would get out of tune. it depends on how much you use the tremolo

I think depends on what tremolo u use, I use Schaller floyd rose. No matter how much i whammy it never goes out of tune, damn good one.

I've tried some USA strats too also can whammy a lot and never go out of tune at least not very serious.

 

[subversion]

remember, if you don't whammy, you can still go out of tune

 

[van_halen]

the way you wrap your strings around the tuning posts affect tuning stability too.

 

[bf0502tr]

i've always felt that the 6 screw vintage style tremolo is an outdated design. go for the 2 point floating tremolo (non locking. not floyd rose.), which is an improvement/advancement over the 6 screw type. try to go for a strat with a wilkinson unit.

if you prefer the strat then don't get a tele. get a strat that fulfils your requirements.

whats a 2 point floating tremolo??