Sadowsky Standard Strat HSS

I hate reading long, wordy reviews about things I don't really care about - mods on gear I don't plan to do, etc. So, I'm going to keep this simple and just give you my opinion on the guitar as it is without all the blab - or, at least, I'll try. Standard Strat shape, made in 2007, quilted maple on alder w/maple fretboard, Sadowsky pickups and trem, Sadowsky active preamp, locking tuners.

I use a Bad Cat Cub and Mesa 5:25 Express, along with a few pedals; an EB volume, Fulltone OCD, Visual Sounds H2O, and an EBS compressor, sometimes a Vodoo Labs Trem, oh, and a 535Q Wah. My style is old/new country, vintage and modern rock. I haven't found anything I don't like about this guitar. It can do the Strat cluck, the Tele twang, and a reasonable Gibson LP tone. The active preamp and mid control is an amazing addition, allowing a ton of tonal options not usually available on a Strat type instrument.

It arrived about a perfect as you can set up a guitar. If there's a flaw anywhere on this instrument, I defy you to find it.

The maple fretboard finish is wearing nicely after about a year of moderate playing. The body finish doesn't show any wear. I've not had to adjust one screw on it.

I don't think you'll find better customer support. Period! These guys are pros and treat you accordingly.

I've been playing for over 40 years, including years of active gigging. I'm not a professional musician. I have tons of other high end guitars, but won't bore you with all the stats. I own another Sadowsky, a metro bass, and it's just as nicely put together. By the way, I don't work for Sadowsky, I just really am sold on their guitars. Sadowsky's are expensive, but.....if you want the best...... If I pick up an electric guitar now, it's the Sadowsky. I've owned it for about a year, so I've given it time for the new, "wow" factor to fade. I can't think of another piece of music gear I own that truly deserves all 10's.