General Music Chat

Okay, the Strat arrived an hour ago! After waiting ALL day they (FedEx) just left it on my porch without without even ringing the doorbell! I carefully open the box pull the guitar out, what the Phuk? I cannot believe Fenders quality control would let that piece of sh*t leave the factory! Basically I took the guitar out and as some of you know I am a master carpenter and I know wood and finish's. I know that Fender uses 4 pieces of Alder for the body. All the reviews I have read said that doesn't effect the tone. I knew that going in. This body of this guitar looks as if it has been over kiln dried and was cracking before it was stained and varnished. It looks like sh*t. I called zzounds and let them know. I can't blame them as I don't believe it cost affective for them to open every box and besides they may have it shipped straight from Fender to me. I didn't even play it. Back in the box and back to zzounds it goes!

OOh, sounds like we can add ZZsounds to the list.

Guitar center, sam ash, zzsounds, Musician's friend and Dave Phillips Music centers.

BEWARE or you'll find out why I say this.

(I told you it might be wise to redo your old gf. She was a good one before and with some $, she'd be just as sweet again.)

Wow that just makes me seethe with anger.

I was considering buying a custom shop guitar at one time, until I played one. ("It was the same as my regular guitar, but exponentially more money".)

Damn Jeff, I am so sorry. I hope they are going to take their junk back and give you another, much better guitar.

Fender just isn't what it used to be.

That sucks . . . that is all . . .

Thanks guys for the sympathy. I think y'all have experienced the disappointment. Again I say I don't blame zzounds. The guitar came in a stapled and sealed Fender box and that is who I blame. Actually I blame myself more than anyone. My wife even warned my conservative (tightwad ass) I told her this is all I need. I don't need the fanciest guitar. I just need quality and dependability! I have decided first thing in the morning I am ordering a full blown American standard HSS Strat! Phuk it!

I am going from this, http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0115700

to this, http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0113100

LOL Jeff, you are a nut.

I see you playing one of these...but not with that whack tremolo.

http://cnj.craigslist.org/msg/4282687626.html

That price is whacked. Got to be one around that isn't that damn much money..

There are but I don't want a used one! There is nothing in the world like a brand new Strat! You get to break her in just like a Virgin!

Mr Haley

The my strat must be a slut but that's just what I want in a Fender Stratocaster!

Talbot

I am going from this, http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0115700

to this, http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0113100

Looks like the main differences are pickup upgrade and a hardshell case (I can't believe they sell a $950 guitar with a gig bag, not a case!)
Hope this one is in better shape. Sounds like what they sent you would be considered a 'blemished' model.

I never buy a guitar I Can't look at and play first. If my left hand can't handle the neck, I'm screwed. So I don't do mail order guitars.

Sucks to have this happen, but I'm really not surprised. Quality and craftsmanship went out the window long ago in this country. I found that out doing trim carpenter work. New house, over $300,000 price tag, the best room in the place was 3/4 inch out of square. One door upstairs was out of plumb in two different directions,. We had to take the door frame apart and cut everything at angles to make it fit.

I built my damn shed out of used lumber better than that...apparently guitar makers are doing the same downhill slide...

Sometimes you feel like a nut . . .

If you have to go the route of ordering something before playing it first, use sweetwater.com

They have a guitar gallery for the higher end stuff that they have in stock. High resolution pictures from various angles.
The list the exact weight, serial number, etc.
If they have more than one of a model, you can pick out the one you want based on appearance, weight, etc...

Like so...

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StratAMMOWT2/

I also had good experience with sweetwater.

Almost immediately after placing an order I got a call from my "personal sales rep"

We talked for about 30 minutes about my and his recording gear.