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i forgot where i read it, but on a fender tribute site they said that leo designed the strat with the tummy cut and forearm cut in those locations for tone reasons and comfort. I know it reduces mass, but would the location matter since it's the bass side of the guitar? Would am 8 lb mahogany telecaster w/ a maple neck and humbuckers sound similar or the same as an 8 lb les paul w/ a maple neck and the same humbuckers?

I know the whole tremolo cavity and pickguard deal, but can anyone fill in on this? And does pickup mounting make any difference in tone?

How about paint? Does polyurethane really make a guitar sound cruddy compared to the same axe covered in nitro lacquer?

If you can get a 24.75quot; scale neck for that tele, it would get close. Also, a tight fit in the neck pocket is very important for good tone on a bolt on guitar.

Pickup placing does make a difference in tone. It's one of the reasons why a SG's bridge humbucker sounds thinner than a LP's, which is farther away from the bridge.

As long as the Poly isn't an inch thick, it shouldn't affect tone too much. I'd be more worried about the cut of wood.

Also, keep in mind that neck thickness and cutaway design affect the tone quite a bit. A thinner neck will sound brighter and snappier than a fatter neck.

Long time Fender employee Bill Carson says it was he who suggested the tummy and forearm cut because his Tele poked him in the ribs. Bill was instrumental in the design of the Strat. Tone had zero to do with it. Lew


Originally Posted by LewguitarLong time Fender employee Bill Carson says it was he who suggested the tummy and forearm cut because his Tele poked him in the ribs. Bill was instrumental in the design of the Strat. Tone had zero to do with it. Lew

That's the same thing I had heard/read.

Luke

the strat body shape has more efect on its tone because of the shorter neck contact

IMHO like all double cutaways, the decreased contact with the neck - be it bolt or glue
makes the neck sustain a little less, and have less bass