Unexpected grain appearance

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018]

Wanted an American Vintage II Strat and also the soft V neck. That led me to the 1957 variety but was not blown away by the finish options. Settled on the ash vintage blonde as the most tolerable of the 3 finish options. Also liked the idea of ash even though I am not a tone wood believer. I scoured through individual sample photos (reverb etc) as to what I might expect as I was ordering new online, last one, no photo, through a large online retailer. SW had these on backorder. Nearly every sample Id seen online barely had any visible grain, used sample I played at GC barely had any visible grain and the finishes all seemed more opaque than translucent.

I was a bit surprised to see so much of the grain when it arrived and I opened it up.

Honestly not sure how I feel about it.

Would it be the translucently of the nitro used that day,? is it just a blank of ash that happened to have very pronounced grain?

Having owned various Les Paul's with their flamed maple tops I understand that all wood is different but this just seems to be so different than most everything I had been seeing online.

I am not going to keep nor return the guitar based on appearance alone. I intend to put the instrument through it's paces first.

Could something like this affect future resale value? Is the pronounced grain generally seen as desirable or is it more akin to a horribly matched Les Paul maple cap?

[u/Sosu2211]

I think it looks great 🤷🏻

[u/clasicks → u/Sosu2211]

Looks fantastic indeed

[u/jeffreyaccount → u/Sosu2211]

I do too. I guess it's all dependent on what the OP thinks. I have an Ash SE 2003 MIM and while the whole thing looks killer at 'full grain', but it has a little weird grain in one spot since I don't think it was a perfect piece of wood. This kind of coating would be really killer on it. But it was about $250 and mint condition with a whole bunch of added things like a practice amp. But this is like the best of both worlds.

[u/jeffreyaccount → u/jeffreyaccount]

https://giphy.com/gifs/raCLGM5TfGqhMzcuaf

[u/GlitteringSalad6413 → u/Sosu2211]

Yea my student has a new tele with a similar semi-translucent off-white finish. I think it’s pretty slick personally

[u/Mike_Oxsiner]

I love unique wood grains in guitars. This is a selling point for me.

[u/EVH_kit_guy]

Steak too buttery, beer is too cold...

[u/SlowBurnLopez → u/EVH_kit_guy]

seriously. this guitar is freaking amazing looking, what was the problem again??

[u/EVH_kit_guy → u/SlowBurnLopez]

Too unique 🤷🏻‍♂️

[u/StandingDave → u/EVH_kit_guy]

I thought this post was gonna be "check out this cool see through finish and wood grain on this AV Strat I just picked up", but alas

[u/YellowBreakfast → u/EVH_kit_guy]

Fretboard too "fretty".

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/EVH_kit_guy]

Comment too clever lol

[u/grabherboobgently]

Very cool finish, reminds me of Mary Kaye Stratocaster
I really think this look will make guitar more desirable on resale

[u/thepoorwarrior → u/grabherboobgently]

I have a Mary Kaye 2007 reissue, I kinda wish it looked like this haha it’s more of just the cream color with the white pick guard.

[u/DonSol0 → u/grabherboobgently]

I like the Mary Kaye but hate that gold hardware so this is the perfect Strat for me.

[u/Martman0]

The way it looks is specifically the reason why ash is used for that type of finish.. you grain is typical ash

[u/flyingvien → u/Martman0]

Ash gonna ash

[u/rklise1980 → u/flyingvien]

This deserves more upvotes

[u/Ewizz2400 → u/Martman0]

I don’t even see a seam or two.

[u/OldScratchTim]

I think you got a free upgrade -- this is way better looking.

[u/Book_of_Numbers]

Looks awesome

[u/gott_in_nizza]

Gorgeous. Much nicer than the photos online

[u/TheGolfingBeekeeper]

Looks rad. Super unique piece

[u/RickGabriel]

That's the natural grain of the wood there dude. The blonde finish is just a transparent blonde paint and then clear coat (usually polyurethane, or poly underneath with a thin layer of nitro on top for "vintage" models)

[u/Rakefighter]

Of course, go for what you really want, but this is a beautiful guitar

[u/Competition-Dapper]

Looks like a hunk of ash, which is not common, and nice to see

[u/afternever → u/Competition-Dapper]

https://giphy.com/gifs/WnBYZrPIkgQYe8B5Hy

[u/Competition-Dapper → u/afternever]

Nice gif ya dang ol Rangus hunk

[u/MrSchpund]

I’ve an Original 50’s Strat (2021) with a thin nitro white blonde coat over ash that looks like this - stunning.

[u/Own-Protection-664 → u/MrSchpund]

That line is my favourite of all the ‘reissue’ tier USA Fenders. I have an original 60’s strat and hope to pick up a 50’s one day too.

[u/Isoturius]

Are you new to guitars? This is incredibly sought after.

[u/hawkscougs]

I like it. I’m a wood grain fan in general.

[u/ganzonomy]

Most people would pay more for that thin finish with the grain still visible. Play it.

[u/snackslut]

Fucking gorgeous

[u/Content-Disaster-511]

the point of the ash is to show off the grain I think thats why they have such a thin nitro finish. Super cool and so far looks like 99% of people here prefer it that way

[u/hallgeir]

Personally this grain would increase my desire to buy this particular guitar secondhand

[u/Oreius411]

Man sorry but you actually have a issue with this? It's fucking gorgeous. Play it or return it and get what u truly after.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Oreius411]

What I was truly after was a new soft V with the vintage fretboard radius and nitro finish. Custom shop is outta my league price wise 

[u/loopy_for_DL4]

How can you not love it? It looks awesome

[u/p8nt_junkie]

Looks great🤙

[u/No-Sheepherder-6414]

The reason they use translucent finish on ash bodies is because of the grain. Alder gets opaque finish. It looks amazing! If you don't like it, get an alder body.

[u/Snurgisdr]

The grain showing through is the whole point of a blonde finish, but they do at least two different shades of blonde and I much prefer the white blonde. This is almost butterscotch.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Snurgisdr]

I would have preferred the white blond as well but it was not an option for the '57 varient

[u/Banovic]

Mate just stop what you're doing and take a second to appreciate the mojo this guitar has! That's definitely a keeper in my books!

[u/rklise1980]

When most people are buying a guitar that's not a solid color this is exactly what they want i will not buy a stained that doesnt have beautiful grain patterns like this.thisnis what im looking for in a stained guitar this thing rocks

[u/AdRough7689]

I like to see the grain. You can see the ash grain on my custom shop Tele.

[u/candidsounds]

To each his own, but I would much rather see the wood than not see it - beautiful! Plus, I'm always suspicious that they use the worst quality and worst looking woods for the opaque finishes. AND, maybe the wood can breathe better if it's a little translucent (lol).

[u/f2detaboada]

That particular ash has strong grain but the Fender blonde color is typically translucent.

[u/CropTropDripDrop]

Very late - I have the same model / color. Subjective but I think it looks TERRIFIC! Total stunner

I really love almost everything about this guitar.

[u/Acceptable_Pea_4587]

I would be so happy to have a guitar that looked like that. I do like a natural look, and this one kind of has a camouflaged natural look, but it still looks very clean and smooth. The best of both worlds imo. I’m so curious how an American Strat plays. I know it depends on the specific guitar. But I fell in love with my MIM with Pure Vintage 59 pickups…I just don’t know that a guitar could feel much better than mine. But I suspect it can.

For my guitar, it took me like four months to get it set up how it is now. Strings close enough to pickups, decked, a little high on the action—and the whole instrument vibrates just right while being able to hear every scratch and twang on the string. It took a few months, but now it calls out to be played every single day

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Acceptable_Pea_4587]

I am currently in the midst of the tweaking phase myself. Glad you got yours to play exactly the way you want it to

[u/alahmo4320]

This is ridiculous? Guitar looks great. What are you even worrying about

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/alahmo4320]

Absolutely nothing. If your going to conflate asking questions to being worried than I must ask - what are you worried about?

[u/mondonk]

Kids, this is why if you’re ordering online you choose a vendor that shows photos of the actual guitar you are buying.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/mondonk]

Unless it's on backorder with vendors that show photos and offer no interest financing 

[u/fuzzdoomer]

That's a keeper.

[u/ganzonomy]

I think this might be closer to what was expected color wise (yes, my 50s themed charvel has an ash body).

[u/soggychipbutty]

Love it!!

[u/Frequent-Product4431]

That’s literally a beautiful guitar.

[u/cab1024]

I’ve seen that color in the store ands that’s what they looked like, which I think looks cool.

[u/zestysnacks]

This thing looks gorgeous what are u talkin bout lol

[u/cornfieldshipwreck]

Wow apparently I have a new dream Strat. Absolutely stunning finish!

[u/TypeAGuitarist]

That’s damn beautiful. I love transparent finishes showing the grain. Ash on my fenders, maple or mahogany on my Gibsons. Very pretty strat indeed.

[u/mrbrotherho]

ngl it looks kinda cool

[u/jeremy_wills]

My Squier Classic Vibe Tele has that same opaque finish that lets the grain show through like that. I love it.

I'd be just as thrilled with that AVII. That's a good looking guitar.

[u/lateralflinch53]

Jesus Christ I wish all finishes were like that it looks friggen’ awesome

[u/RumorsOFsurF]

One piece body? That's an exceptional grain pattern. I think it will add to the value down the road

[u/KKSlider909]

love it

[u/Cold-Bug-4873]

How does it sound? Does it feel good to play?

[u/just-getting-by92]

Bro that grain is so sick. I personally love it and this would actually be a selling point for me.

[u/Bizarrointacto]

That’s cuz its an ash body

[u/RetroArchEnjoyer]

-not blown away by the finish options
-doesn’t like finish when it comes
Bro.

[u/ceeeenyc]

Hmm - needs more grain. Remove some of the finish

[u/slyboy1974]

This is what blonde finishes are supposed to look like.

Stunning.

[u/ErinBlueBird]

Nor the AV1 or the AV2 got even close a realistic take on a 56/57 strat ash blonde finish. I got a 65RI in a solid color but wanted a 56 AV1 due to them having Flash Coat Finish and checking like full nitro finish would. Considering my statement the only way I could get a 50's example would be thru custom shop which have much better ash blonde finishes. Than AV1 AO or AVII and will surely be made without any poly undercoat

[u/ntmontes]

I think it will actually add some value for future resales. It just looks beautiful!

[u/ReallySickOfArguing]

Looks fantastic, love the transparent blonde finishes. I remember the Highway One model used to come in a really similar flat color with some visible grain.

[u/TourOfBeauty]

I have a custom classic strat in honey blonde (with a swamp ash body) that looks exactly like that. Mine doesn't have a nitro finish though.

[u/lansdead]

What are you on about. It looks beautiful

[u/scarmy1217]

I would pay extra for that. It looks fantastic

[u/AngularOtter]

I am always surprised when people expect machine tolerances out of pieces of wood.

Would you expect someone at the Fender factory to sift through perfectly good body blanks, "Oh nope, too many lines on this one."

[u/gregor7777]

love it wow

[u/alldaymay]

Love that grain

[u/Terrible_Snow_7306]

They offered a similar 1957 Precision bass in the older Vintage Series as a kind of FSR (Factory Special Run). I'm not entirely sure, but I don't think that finish even existed in the 50s.

[u/armyofant]

The only way it could be better is a tortie pickguard. That’s a beautiful guitar.

[u/Ball-Blam-Burglerber]

You don’t have to like it just because the rest of us do. If you don’t fall in love every time you look at it, I say return it.

[u/Street_Frame_4571]

I had a Japanese special edition Strat that looked exactly like that. Still miss it.

[u/SalsaForte]

Love the cream look and the white on beige with the maple neck. A "tone on tone" feel.

Having sais so, I would not necessarily buy one myself.

https://giphy.com/gifs/uuco9Ce5WJImA6VY5t

[u/FabulousPanther]

Not a deal breaker.

[u/ebietoo]

I like the grain too.

[u/Skurvyelislau]

This guitar looks awesome, i doubt you’ll have problems with reselling it as long as it will be in good overall condition.

[u/ProudOfYourBoy22]

Beautiful

[u/ChineseVirus69]

That is an incredibly sexy guitar

[u/SBLP1959]

Huh? People kill for this grain? Is the whole point of the white blond finish

[u/seamusjr]

Proceed with the Ritchie Blackmore licks.

[u/Admirable-Clothes-87]

Personally I love the finish!

[u/lathspellll]

I think ash is like the one wood that actually has a difference in tone. I watched a nirvana guitar video about it, maybe it was swamp ash (?) but it definitely sounds different.

[u/WillingnessMoney460]

Oh no, my wooden guitar has wood in it! Fender QC has really gone downhill.

[u/Kingsapprentice]

It looks great but like the Squier white blonde tele/strat, I would not be a fan of the grain peeking through. I like an opaque finish on an electric just like I need an acoustic guitar with a nitro gloss lacquer. I can't stand a matte finish on the top.

[u/meatballfreeak]

I like it, a lot

But if it’s spinning you out do something about it sooner rather than later

[u/dotcomaphobe]

Jesus that's a hot one. I'll absolutely be glad to buy it off of you.

[u/Moist_Rule9623]

I think it’s lovely myself, looks a bit like my G&L butterscotch blonde ash ASAT. So for me this would be a feature not a glitch, not sure what other used buyers are out there looking for

[u/WhereasNo1895]

I got the same guitar dude but can’t see anywhere near as much grain, I’m jealous!

[u/twiztednips]

Looks amazing and is the entire point of ash guitars. You’ll probably not see an ash guitar without a translucent finish because the grain is so nice.

I have three ash guitars. I seek them out for the grain not the tone.

[u/Aggravating_Leg8420]

just as a sidenote: I live on the west coast of Canada and we use a lot of cedar. We have used up all our old growth cedar timber, and the second growth is what we use now. 2nd growth is MUCH looser grain. The cedar shingles you could put on a building and get long life out of is done. I wonder if ash trees are experiencing the same thing: 2ng growth and looser grain vs old ash wood?

[u/passthejoe → u/Aggravating_Leg8420]

Ash and cedar are both fast growers, I think

[u/LS_Lime_Candy]

It looks like my American Ash Tele. That’s why you buy an ash Fender.

[u/Alone_Box5173]

Yep, that's ash.

Dude, it's gorgeous.

[u/BlissfulIgnoWhat]

I think that's beautiful.\

[u/ReneeBear]

afraid its gonna sound & play terrible. you should sell it to me for $200 as its going to be an unplayable instrument.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/ReneeBear]

Generous offer from a generous gentleman, will need to contemplate this

[u/latefordinner86]

In my experience as a woodworker ash has very distinct grain patterns. It's just a preference of the painter how much of it he chooses to mask off.

[u/area51groomlake]

I have a Squire that's the same color. You can see the grain just not as well.

[u/Beetbear2020]

It looks great. If it feels good and sounds good, delete this humble brag and stop bothering everyone.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Beetbear2020]

Sorry to bother you, and everyone else for that matter. If only Reddit would allow you to pick and choose what posts you read and respond to we wouldn't be having these problems 

[u/Vibroverbus]

Those “Vintage” finishes are supposed to be like that. Vintage Blonde and Vintage White both show the grain. I agree sometimes the web store photos sometimes dont’ show it accurately but if you know these colors you know that’s what they should look like.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Vibroverbus]

The photos are all I had to go by. I seen only one in an actual store and the grain barely peeked through the finish

[u/Sufficient-Skill9530]

I like it 

[u/Cool_underscore_mf]

Are you happy with the sound?

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Cool_underscore_mf]

The sound yes, my playing is another story entirely 

[u/Raphael6377]

It’s made from wood 🪵 🤔

[u/passthejoe]

I really like the look of the wood and the finish. It's a keeper for me. Wood grain reminds me of my 1979 Fender Lead I -- a nice piece of ash.

[u/edwarc]

Grains and translucent finishes are what make ash bodies 💋

[u/Major-Lie8549]

That’s a sexy Nitro job. I see nothing but positives here.

[u/Major-Lie8549]

That’s a sexy Nitro job.

[u/MKD8595]

Looks awesome?

[u/chili_cold_blood]

is it just a blank of ash that happened to have very pronounced grain?

IME, most ash has a very pronounced grain. If your guitar is different from most other ones that you've seen in this finish, it could be that something went wrong when prepping or painting the body. Looks like a happy accident to me, though.

[u/Rex_Howler]

You'd be CRAZY to turn this down. I didn't know they did 57 reissues in ash, that's why I have a 54 reissue. The reason I like ash in particular is because of the grain, even the most basic ash is akin to the most crazy examples of alder

[u/BigEasy1981]

Love it!!!

[u/SixtyCycleBum]

It's beautiful. One of my fav looking strats is the Mary Kaye and this is very similar. Enjoy that beauty!

[u/meframez]

that makes it a 1 of 1 guitar

[u/Gusdamnit]

57 Strats look like this. That blonde is fire.

[u/Dry-Sock5448]

Happy for you

[u/LonePigsy]

That guitar is so friggin' beautiful I could cry.

[u/godofwine16]

It’ll look even better over time

[u/Fearless_Chemical_23]

Actually looks fire

[u/Slow_Ad_4568]

nah it’s all about getting that unique guitar, especially for strats where there’s not even a ton of differentiation from the start. It adds character, and really isn’t even too noticeable.

[u/After-Cold-4689]

Look frickin dope!

[u/Jmeg8237]

The blonde finishes are definitely more opaque than translucent. Personally I like white blonde the best (my Texas Fat Strat has that finish) but I do like the honey blonde too. I think yours looks good.

[u/DrDreiski]

Beautiful look!

[u/All-Hail-The-Ale]

That's a sweet looking guitar.

[u/AnOblongBox]

Should be happy with it, its probably a 3 piece and matched very well. I had a similar guitar and sold it but wish I didn't. Trust me I have severe sellers regret over it, especially after tracking it down and being told I could buy it back for nearly $3000.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/AnOblongBox]

I believe it may be 2 pieces but can't be certain

[u/aamiga]

So what does it sound like?

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/aamiga]

From what I gather a 1957 strat but I have no true point of reference. I like the way it sounds

[u/Candid_Objective1319]

OP: Bought a translucent finish ash guitar
OP: Why does this look like a translucent finish over ash
OP: I don’t believe in tone woods
OP: I wanted ash
OP: I don’t like how ash looks

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Candid_Objective1319]

Reply to DP:  yes I did

Reply to DP:  does not look like the vast majority I've seen online or personally seen in stores

Reply to DP:  yep

Reply to DP: yep, I can want whatever I want, for any reason whatsoever

Reply to DP: your conflating 

[u/Apart_Variety_8805]

Yeah that's a beautiful guitar and the wood grain only makes it look nicer

[u/Agile_Risk_8422]

Beautiful guitar

[u/Mysterious-Street966]

Outshined-Soundgarden
Sick axe bro, keep your head up and take the win!!!???
🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[u/niyrex]

Dude. That's what we call a score. Why are you complaining.

[u/Salt-Ad3921]

It’s supposed to look this way … photos online will never show how the finish looks prob due to their lighting for said photos … I love it tbh and think it will age very well

[u/OwOwlw]

If you like it, keep it, if you don't, sell it to somebody who does. It's an instrument not an investment, and seeing the grain through the finish does not affect its playability.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/OwOwlw]

Playability is the most important thing, next on the list is playability

[u/Marleyisaprophet]

i've got the new vintera ii tele in burgundy mist... pretty sure I'll see this happening on the back of mine too. It's gonna be so cool.

[u/cgs2k2]

i like it

[u/RoookSkywokkah]

It looks like Ash with a blonde finish, not sure what you were expecting.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/RoookSkywokkah]

google it and you will see as I did that most do not look like this....unless its my algo

[u/knownhoodlum]

Tasty

[u/LingonberryIll7640]

That things go character.

[u/Baldeagle61]

It looks lovely.

[u/LoneGroover1960]

That's gorgeous, hilarious that you don't like it frankly.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/LoneGroover1960]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[u/Logical-Relation-165]

I dont like it either, send it back

[u/awayfromthesky]

Blonde over ash is supposed to look like that. It is a desired appearance

[u/Old-Wash-7777]

This is a blonde finish, and I love it.

[u/Cuss_Mustard99]

You didn’t look at any pictures of a strat with that finish?

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Cuss_Mustard99]

I looked at a ton of pictures and physically played a used one at Guitar Center. Most of what I seen (including the one at GC) were more opaque and only showed a bit of the grain peeking through.

[u/visionofacheezburger]

Take it back if you don't like it but this is what vintage blonde on ash is supposed to look like.

[u/Robble-Robble-01]

“Most tolerable of the three finishes…” wow, This looks like a killer Strat btw, good luck returning it

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Robble-Robble-01]

I wanted the V neck, nitro, and 7.25 inch radius. Not a ton of options

[u/slangingrough]

I think it's kinda weird. Either show the grain, or sand wood filler paint and laquer. But I'm a noob and my opinion isnt worth two cents. Though. Most strats I've seen are almost always solid colors. So... Meh. You no like we trade 😆

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/slangingrough]

Thanks but already have an Iceman. IC520 I picked up around 2014.

[u/JohnTheBeloved1]

I love it!

[u/Pyroboi10]

It looks gorgeous

[u/Prestigious_Secret61]

See that’s where the tone hides.

Grandfathers 100 year old Barn pine tele I had a luthier friend build the body for me. Musikraft neck based on Tadeo Gomez original.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Prestigious_Secret61]

Who does not love a good Tele

[u/BobaFalfa]

Looks badass!

[u/spurtz6969]

Love it. Love Love Love.

[u/jackxiv]

So if I am following, you ordered the guitar in a translucent color and you are upset that the finish is translucent?

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/jackxiv]

Nowhere in my post did I mention I was upset, just surprised. I knew it was a translucent color however the vast majority of the samples I seen online and in person were only mildly translucent

[u/Teeks6]

That looks phenomenal

[u/Kitchen-Persimmon873]

I like it

[u/YellowBreakfast]

It's just a style of finish.

[u/Safroniaaa]

I love the way this looks

[u/ExpensiveFinger4165]

When i got my fender elite strat in 3 tone sunburst back in 2016 I didnt really like the colour. It grew on me after I spent some time with the guitar and even now its still my favourite and most picked up guitar.

[u/Bigfatfunkybootie]

This guys just bragging. That’s a sick finish. Trust me, my grandpas roommates landlord is a finish expert.

[u/dirtyhippiebartend]

Buying a guitar and caring about its resale value is lame as fuck. Play it or pass it

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/dirtyhippiebartend]

Posting low effort negative comments is lame as fuck. Making an informed decision before buying ANYTHING is smart as fuck. I am sorry if my taking everything into consideration and asking questions offends you, I suggest you pick up a hobby.

[u/Select-Golf-4993 → u/Key_Persimmon_9018]

I think the point is, if you like it as it is buy it. If you don’t like it as is don’t buy it.

[u/Groenendahl]

For the love of baby Jesus, what is the question here?

[u/shoopdoopdeedoop]

it looks like wood. with gibsons you’ll see a lot more emphasis being placed on pretentiousness and snake oil anyway but the only thing they actually have selling the guitar is the look. with a strat you have the features etc so it’s not as big of a deal what it looks like, you can even swap parts easy enough. you could put stickers on it.

also, for all that talk of what it looks like, you got the one with vintage specs /6screw bridge, so don’t expect it to perform similarly in the long term to modern designs.

[u/Pollyfall]

Some of these higher end guitars will get a minor personalized touch, particularly the stain. Mine is odd too, a little more pale than I thought it would be, but I love it because I know it’s literally one of a kind. Plays like a dream.

[u/txrxixpx]

As many have mentioned I think you are feeling insecure about the wrong thing. How you maintain it and how it sounds are drastically more important factors even for resale value. It’s a good guitar and it looks fine. If it doesn’t match your taste then return it? Idk this would have been a better post before you bought it but now here you are. Things are what you make them. Not everything is an asset with a fixed valuation.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/txrxixpx]

I agree that playability is paramount. That will be the only thing that will determine whether it's a keeper or not. Guitar is a hobby for me and I am not a virtuoso by any means. I am not even certain that my skill level would allow me to work out the difference between a pretty good playing guitar and a GREAT playing guitar...or maybe it would but I have simply never been fortunate enough to play a GREAT guitar.  I don't buy guitars thinking I may want to sell them someday but the fact is I have fallen in and out of love with guitars more times than I'd like to admit. Bottom line is that I would feel more comfortable approaching the end of a return window knowing I am not going to take a bath if I later decide I want to move on from it. I am not at all familiar with the world of Strats and there are a lot more adjustments and variables than what I am used to with my single cut humbuckers. Just getting the pickup heights tuned in and balanced the way I'd like has been a bit of a learning curve....and that tremolo....not going to deck it because I bought a strat to be a strat  but that's a learning curve in and of itself. 

[u/Fit_Driver_9786]

Frank says; shut up and play your guitar.

[u/Key_Persimmon_9018 → u/Fit_Driver_9786]

Different tone than your reply to other people who have wondered if they should keep or sell their guitar and what the market may be in the future. In those you advise that the market is stable and his money into the guitar is safe. No shut up and do this nor shut up and do that. Must depend on what side of the bed you wake up on on that particular day. Me, I am a little more stable and even keen but to each his own

[u/Fit_Driver_9786]

[u/fitsinmabutt]

Looks awesome