What is a Superstrat?

And, here I thought a super strat was a strat that came with a neck that has a truss rod that actually works correctly - just kidding - don't spear me...
 
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Owegi said:
And, here I thought a super strat was a strat that came with a neck that has a truss rod that actually works correctly - just kidding - don't spear me...
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Interesting. I never had an issue with a strat truss rod. What is usually the issue?
 
RVA said:
Interesting. I never had an issue with a strat truss rod. What is usually the issue?
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The truss rod nut comes to it's end of travel before or just reaching factory specs (neck relief). Well, the nut basically stops moving with out cranking on it awful hard any ways. I like my fender strat necks a little straighter than factory specs. Actually, a fender neck with a 12" or 9.5" radius is arguably my favorite neck. I still luv's me a good Fender and it's hard to beat one. Just funning around with something I've experienced more than once and "super". I'd never tell someone NOT to by a Fender and would buy one again myself ;)
 
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RVA said:
Good analysis! So this is a Super Strat

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There are three answers to that question:

1. Yes
2. No
3. No

See explanations below:

1. Using the "Kleenex" paradigm, wherein Kleenex is a trademarked brand name, yet is a word that has become the synonymous term for facial tissues in general, one may say that the guitar pictured is a strat. It shares nearly all of the physical characteristics as the guitar developed by Fender, known as the "Stratocaster" (with the exception of the pickups). In a ubiquitous sense, the term "strat" has become a generalized term for all guitars that share that essential body shape, general layout (though, that is flexible), and usually a six-inline headstock, regardless of actual headstock shape. It is a recognizable style that draws almost exclusively from the Fender Stratocaster. In that case, the guitar pictured is a strat.

2. Approaching from a trademark and brand name perspective, the terms "Stratocaster" and "Strat" are registered trademarks of the Fender Corporation. Using that approach, one may say that only guitars built by the Fender Corporation can truly be identified as "Strats." And, then, only if given the name by Fender. From that perspective, the guitar pictured is not a Strat.

3. Approaching it from a purist perspective, some would argue that not only must the guitar be made by Fender and bear the name "Stratocaster" but it only truly qualifies for that name if it incorporates the essential characteristics of the original design. Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) the body shape and profile, a bolt-on neck with a six-inline headstock using the classic Fender shape (either the original or the big headstock), the classic pickguard shape, three single-coil (not P-90) pickups, angled surface-mounted output jack, and the classic Stratocaster control layout. Some would suggest, for example, that even a guitar that has the brand name "Fender" and the model name "Stratocaster", if such a guitar had two PAF-type humbucking pickups (versus three single-coils), it is not a "real" Strat. In this scenario, the purist is in the position of being, at times, somewhat at odds with Fender, themselves! From the purist perspective, the guitar pictured is not a Strat.
 
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RVA said:
According to Wikipedia, a Superstrat is a name for an electric guitar design that resembles a Fender Stratocaster but with differences that clearly distinguish it from a standard Stratocaster, usually to cater to a different playing style. Differences typically (but not necessarily) include more pointed, aggressive-looking body and neck shapes, different woods, increased number of frets, usage of humbucking pickups and locking tremolo systems, most commonly the Floyd Rose

To me, the above definition means that it is a Strat that is not a Strat, which means..not that much. By this definition, I may own 3, but really, I think I only own 1, and I am not sure why I feel that one is one. I may own more. Are any of my PRS "Superstrats? They would fit the above definition, but I say no. Is my Strat with 2 P90s a Superstrat? Again, it fits the above definition, but nope, not to me.

Although I think this is guitar is a Superstrat, I hate calling it that

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So what do you think a Superstrat is?
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looks super to me!
 
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After reading this thread I just realized I have a supernatural strat :ROFLMAO:

xlarge.jpg
 
RVA said:
Although I think this is guitar is a Superstrat, I hate calling it that

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That would be a Super Duper Strat... :wink:

RVA said:
IS this a Superstrat...compliments of the Gibson Custom Shop!

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Nope... not even a PRS wannabe! I like this one, too.

Tony M. said:
This.

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A EBMM Luke. That is a classy Superstrat... :yesway:

Bocc69 said:
Sweet. I just thought I had an '83 Strat. But, the Floyd Rose, and addition of the Hot Rails humbucking pickup, make it a SUPER STRAT!! Rock on!

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That's a Hot Rod Strat... :H5:
 
not sure about a Super Strat but definitely a Super Buy!
Sticker pice of AUD$449...paid AUD$99 brand new with a setup in the shop. Bought it for my kid and as it is not in a case, it's now the first guitar I pick up for a quick play.

Alder body, maple neck, rosewood board, cut away neck pocket, Wilkinson bridge and locking tuners...crappy Belcat pickups in HSS configuration. the body has that slightly exaggerated strat shape that for me says "I'm starting to move away from classic rock" and more towards "You might wanna get your air guitar for what's about to happen next!!! :dood:


Super1.JPG
 
A Strat is like a classic Harley. Not too easy to ride, but it's the original thing.

A superstrat is like a BMW bike.

Me? I'll take the strat, keep the other one, thank you.
 
A Strat with triple singles is like a Model T.\ Ford...

Model T.jpe

A Strat with Humbuckers is like a Model T with a supercharged V8....

Super Strat.jpg
 
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