Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello everybody. I recently traded my Jazzmaster for a Ric bass (hooray!), but now I have to replace it. I'm basically looking for a fender with a tremelo (preferably USA, but some others would be accepted). I'm looking for something under $800 shipped. Specifically looking for Highway 1 Strat (newer one), AVRI strats, jazzmasters, jaguars, american standard strats, and teles with bigsby's. Let me know if you've got anything.

I'm sure you mean vibrato, Brian.

Tremolo (note sp.)refers to amplitude variation; vibrato to frequency variation. Guitars have vibratos. Most amplifiers (Magnatone and variants excluded) have tremolos.

Fender has usually gotten this wrong.

For decades.

Paul, I don't know if we can be that definitive about it, unless you're only considering the definition of the tremolo effect on an amplifier. Tremolo is a variation of the musical term tremolando...and when that is asked of a violin, the player will wiggle his finger so the string makes a tremulous sound due to the pitch going up and down...which is, yes, a vibrato effect...but vibrato is linked to "vibrate"...which is not a pitch variation. I hope we are all confused now. Sometimes I think we need new terms.

Fender has usually gotten this wrong.

This implies they got it right at some point in time; I can't think of one!

Fullerton reissues, maybe?

maybe a G&L tribute

Yes, I know that the correct term is "vibrato", but Fender calls it a tremelo, so I've gotten into the bad habit of calling that as well. Not interested in G&L Tributes. I've already seen several american G&L's available on various forums for around $700. If you've got something to offer, please send pictures and info to me at [email protected] and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible. I'm also very interested in Ric 6 Strings in this price range, so if you've got a 330 or 620 that you'd be willing to let go in this price range, let me know.

The Fullertons are made in Korea, as I recall.

I can snag the G&L S-500 pictured in the link below for $675 shipped with the case. I have no experience with G&Ls. Anybody here have any experience with them? Is this a good deal?
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m129/mcgowanmusic/G%20and%20L%20S-500/S-500incase.jpg

American made G&L's are some of the best used values out there. The one thing I will caution you about is that in my experience the necks seem to be narrow compared to Fender. That being said, the quality is at least as good as MIA Fender, and if you don't like it you won't take a loss reselling it.

Brian: For $799 US you can get one of the 1950s Classic Players Stratocasters. Made in Mexico, the parts and craft are very good and it comes with a two-point vibrato. This instrument is "custom shop designed" and with 57/62 pickups that produce a great vintage tone.

The only short-coming in my view is the 8 screw single ply guard, but given the tone and features and a price under $800 US, I am confident you can live with it.

I wonder if the Curmudgeon can made a better guard for this instrument?

I would get this one in a heartbeat: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Classic-Player-60s-Stratocaster?sku=512767

In the same league, John. Both are exceedingly well done and not only rival but exceed the American Vintage models that I have played. The 60s has a flatter radius and hotter pickups that the 50s model but I cannot argue with your choice. Again under $800.

It was the Sonic Blue that swayed me towards the 60's model.

Good eye, John. I would go for the maple neck of the 50s model.

Let's see how long it takes the Curmudgeon to comment on replacing the eight hole guard.