Highway 1 Fenders?

[Newc]

So what's the story on these? Good? Bad?

[jim777]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

The few I've tried have been very nice. I came very close a while back to grabbing a Highway 1 Tele, but the wife would have killed me. It was that matte cream color with a rosewood board. Simple and elegant, and a great player. I think in general (and specific) they're much, much nicer than the Mexican Fenders. I like the matte finishes, too. I've played the Strat, the Tele, and the J bass. I think the biggest differences between the Highways and the more expensive offerings are cosmetic for the most part. I can't speak to the electronics (I hadn't plugged any of them in), but the necks all felt nice and they had the mojo down pat. Of course, YMMV. They're definitely worth picking up the next time you pass one in a shop though.

[Newc]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

Just wondering, cuz Matt'sMusic has on one Ebay for what looks like a nice price (check his Used listings at the site to get to his auctions), but I really want a Floyded 22 fret Strat neck [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

They're the same as the USA Fender stuff, but with that satin finish. We had a Highway 1 Jazz bass that I wanted to grab at one of our list sales at work, but someone got it before the end of the day.

[thebisch]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

Here is what a HW1 Strat is in a nutshell...

Body-basically it is a Classic series body that never made it down to Mexico, and is finished in Satin.

Neck-pretty much an American Series neck, except with a single action truss rod (instede of bi-flex) and no graphite renforcement (not positive on the graphite, but I am pretty sure...) I don't believe the HW has rolled fret board edges either.

Bridge-Ping Vintage. Same one that is on the MIM Classic series.

Tunners-Ping modern Fender. Same ones that are on Mex Standards.

Pick ups- same pickups as a MIM Classic '70s Strat.

All in all a good guitar if you find one that you like...

[Newc]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

Tanks for the hinfo [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[hippietim]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

http://www.fender.com/products/view_spec...3B+Stratocaster

[jwoods986]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

If you're not dead-set on 22-frets, I would suggest the Jimmie Vaughan Strat. I've been considering a Strat lately myself and this one seems to be really nice for the money.

[thebisch]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

I agree with the JV. If you like the neck, the JV is the better buy on paper...better bridge, better tunners, better pickups and better finish (unless you like the satin).

[mattsmusiccenter]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

Newc - The one I have here is pretty cool. From a quality standpoint it's a decent guitar, just depends on what you're looking for. This guitar doesn't have any issues though, plays pretty well.

Matt [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Grandturk]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

I would suggest checking out the finish in person. I was thinking about one until I saw the satin finish. I really didn't like the looks of it. YMMV.

[thebisch]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

I'm not a big fan of the satin finish myself, but if I had to get one, the sunburst ones that I have seen seem to look pretty nice.

[jim777]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

To me, the satin finish gave it a no nonsense sort of vibe. And with the good neck, it made me feel I was playing a good guitar. I was very pleased with teh Highway Strat, and I hate the mexican necks.

[thebisch]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

Out of the Mex necks, I like the Cray, Muddy Waters, and Vintage Players (not made any more). Every once in awhile I run into a Mex Std. that is really nice. Last time I ran into one, I bought it. I have a '94 Mex Std. Tele that is just killer in every way. It even has a flamed neck, if you can believe that! And all for $225.

[Newc]

Re: Highway 1 Fenders?

I've had 2 Mexi Standard Strats - one black and one white. Sold 'em both [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
I dunno. Been gassing lately mostly is all - just got a DR2 off ebay dirt cheap, but still looking for (preferably Floyded) Strat necks for a couple of bodies I have.

Thanks all.