Fender Artist Series Buddy Guy Polka Dot Stratocaster Electric Guitar Black with White Polka Dots

Just love the way it looks, feels and sounds! I'd buy it again!

'Had this one for 14 years, it's a keeper. The Buddy Guy's pickups are "known" for having a "darker" sound than normal Strat pups (if there is such a thing as a "standard" Strat pickup). "Buddy Guy stringing," .010 roundwounds with a wound G really works well on this guitar. A pro setup pushed this instrument into the big leagues (i.e. American Standard), playability-wise. The flashy-hip-unique BG Polka Dot "look" is deceptive; this is not a one-trick pony; it'll competently play anything one can pull from a Strat. While not a fan of "V" necks, the one-piece maple neck / fingerboard is comfortable and plays smooth. Finish, paint, clearcoat and components fit is excellent. NO issues with the Buddy Guy Polka Dot Mexico Stratocaster at this (well under $1000) price point.

There is not currently a Custom Shop edition of this guitar. A LTD edition is planned for Sept 2010 release which is proported to be blond. There is an Artist Series with different electronics which is described in the Fender Products Section of their website, but that is standard production line generated.

MIM guitars are generally well thought of from the many user reviews I have read, and from what I have had in my hands as I audition guitars from time to time. This model was no exception but for the fact that hum cancelling pickups were desirable so I swapped in a set of DiMarzio Heavy Blues, and stopped the tremolo block a la EC. For me, it was a great player modified that way. If you want more of the look of Buddy's stage guitar consider installing gold lace sensors with black covers. I don't see an indication for active electronics and that 25DB midboost circuit as a must here. Buddy's sound does not general offer that kind of 'growl' Just for an historical perspective, the original Buddy Guy Artist Series guitar was what Fender now calls the Powerhouse Strat. It was on for a very short period of time and then supplanted by the current offering in blond or two-tone sunburst.

I bought this guitar back in september of 2006. I love this Guitar. It has amazing sound even though it's not american made. It look very unique and sylish and is easy and fun to play great price and is woth every penny