Highway One Strats - any thoughts... Updated! NGD!

Chuffola

I'm considering a 2002 version (small headstock) in mint condition.

Anything I should know?

Cheers in advance.

impmann

Yes the internet is full of bollocks about them.

They are actually really good IMHO if you don't mind the thin finish/relic thing

Fortheloveofguitar

I have one of the first editions with the smaller head stock. Great guitar

MattFGBI

Go and play it and see if you like it.  

Deijavoo

I sold one to @Richardj and I still miss it dearly. Although large headstock, 2008 I believe.

John_P

I have a small head model and it's a great guitar - always gets compliments from people who try it.     

If you like the look and how it plays get it.

newi123

I have a small headstock 2001, I believe. Bought new for £425 and have since had installed seymour duncan alnicos and a JB at bridge. I love it - not sure why! It`s fairly heavy and the neck is not that substantial, but it has always been my goto guitar - had an EJ strat and a custom shop clapton along the way since and both have gone - this one stayed..........

Helps that it got played by everyone at our weekly Jam night for a few years - so given the thin finish it`s naturally relic`d - much better to have a real played in relic rather than a shop done one! :-)

Friend at the current Jam also has a standard large headstock one - also a lovely guitar. Similar neck - much lighter body than mine.

Strats very soooo much, you need to play it!

xSkarloey

Really, really nice geetars. I regret not getting one.

Thinner finish as others have pointed out.

GuitarZero

I have  2006 large headstock model.  It's a bloody good guitar, I wouldn't let it go.  My only complaint is that the pickups are a bit meh, but it's an easy thing to change.

Col_Decker

I have a HY1 Tele. I will be buried with that guitar.

SRich

Col_Decker said:

I have a HY1 Tele. I will be buried with that guitar.

Couldn't sell it huh.........shame.......

Chuffola

Cheers everyone. Consensus seems to be good!

And, yes, of course I'll go play it but before I make the journey it's always good to get a few views.

Frankly the answer to almost any question asked about gear could be "go try it out". Where's the fun in that?

/rant over :P

Sambostar

They have a vintage USA trem mount spacing but a MIM string spacing, so you have the option of swapping out the trem for a USA unit if you want and the bodies are a nice matt nitro finish and melt if you put them on cheapo foam guitar stands.

Philly_Q

I wish the necks were fatter (they're the usual Modern C shape, unfortunately) but other than that they're excellent meat-and-potatoes Strats.

@Sambostar makes a good point about the bridges, that's a great feature because it's very easy to get hold of replacement bridges with whatever string spacing you prefer.

grungebob

A good strat is a good strat regardless of country of origin or price tag. But I'll wager it's as good as a USA std, all the ones I've played have been

Chuffola

Well, then... seems I'll be arranging a viewing soon.

Thanks again. Wisdoms all round.

howard_moon

Deijavoo;638728" said:

I sold one to @Richardj and I still miss it dearly. Although large headstock, 2008 I believe.

Just bought it off@richardj and can vouch its a fookin great guitar. Swapped the pickups out for Dimarzio VV Solo in the bridge and it sings. The necks one of the best I've played.

Deijavoo

Yeah, I really loved the neck and big frets. But you know was onw of those things. I NEEDED a 30w head as a home amp..... Which I sold a month later and spent the cash on nothing really.

When I eventually get a strat again I really want an EJ, or maybe one of these again. 

imalrightjack

Deijavoo said:

Yeah, I really loved the neck and big frets. But you know was onw of those things. I NEEDED a 30w head as a home amp..... Which I sold a month later and spent the cash on nothing really.

When I eventually get a strat again I really want an EJ, or maybe one of these again. 

I now refer to you as my musical twin brother. So many times I've done it...I still regret letting go an American Fender deluxe HSS in Amber with a rosewood neck. But I'm happy again after picking up this fat-necked beast: http://intl.fender.com/en-FR/guitars/stratocaster/classic-player-strat-hh-bound-rosewood-fingerboard-dark-mercedes-blue/

Deijavoo

High 5! :-)

SNAKEBITE

I keep banging on about my one, and I apologise for doing so again.

I had a Highway 1 Strat, red with maple neck and large headstock.

About 5 years ago I had to sell it because I had bills to pay. Worst thing I did, ever.

I will regret doing that for the rest of my life.