April 28, 2009
The Current Fender VG Stratocaster Fades Out
by Tom Watson.
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VG Stratocaster pickguard: Note the smaller T and M knobs, the LED light and the Roland GK bridge pickup |
Here's a compilation of the Fender VG retro-style videos from the VG Strat promo section of the Fender site, which includes demos by Fender clinician Greg Koch and an explanation of the VG's features:
For those not willing to sit through the nine minute video, the essence of the VG is its combination of a U.S.-made American Series Stratocaster with modeling abilities giving the guitar 37 output variations based on: five modeling modes (Normal, Modeled Stratocaster, Telecaster, Humbucking Pickups and Acoustic); four alternate tuning choices; and, a 12-string modeling option.
And speaking of Fender clinicians, Jeff Kollman cites the VG Strat's tuning options as the inspiration for two tracks ("Numenia" and "Grossalicious") on his progressive rock instrumental group Cosmosquad's 2007 album Acid Test. The acoustic-sounding guitar that introduces the main motif in the opening of "Numenia" is the VG in D modal and the baritone guitar on "Grossalicious" is the VG on baritone tuning (all strings down a fourth). [Kollman interview]
It's interesting to note that the VG came to market in the same 2007 trade season that saw Gibson finally ship the long promised Gibson Les Paul HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar. Both companies claimed their respective futuristic entry was approximately ten years in the making and would be revolutionary with respect to the development of the electric guitar (or at least with respect to the evolution of the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster). While the VG went into general production, Gibson issued its Digital Guitar on a limited basis, as it's done with futuristic follow-ups the Robot Guitar and the more recent Dark Fire, possibly an acknowlegement of limited market appeal and a way to test the waters before commiting a model to full production.
Fender and Roland are not strangers to each other. The Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster with its Roland GK-2A pickup has been on the market for over ten years, though it's a MIDI system unlike the VG (you'll also find the Roland GK-2A in some variations of former Fender Ritchie Blackmore signature Stratocasters). The VG outputs directly to your amp without the need for an intervening MIDI device.
We may not, however, have seen the last of the VG Stratocaster. When asked about the current VG's discontinuation, Fender replied, "At this point, we stand committed behind the VG platform, but can not comment on a future model." Until then, it seems that the retail VG inventory has been reasonably priced (under $1,000 U.S.) for a US-made American Series Stratocaster with the added VG features.
Collectibility? Certainly doubtful from an investment grade standpoint, but it's possible to imagine someone in the distant future assembling a collection of instruments with a slant on the evolution of the electric guitar and technology union that includes the VG, the Roland Ready Stratocaster, the Gibson Les Paul HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar, the Robot, the Dark Fire and entries from other manufacturers such as Brian Moore, Godin and Moog.
Fender has discontinued the American Series line in 2008 and launched a revamped range of American Standard models featuring a host of new improvements, such a redesigned bridge with vintage-style bent-steel saddles and elongated string slots, a copper-infused steel block and a maple neck with a glossy rosewood or maple fingerboard and satin back for a richer presentation and smooth playability. Unfortunately, the VG Stratocaster and the Nashville B-Bender Telecaster are the only instruments which retain the older-style bridge design with the stainless steel block saddles and the all-satin neck finish.
I hope the folks at Fender will soon update the VG and the Nashville B-Bender with the new bridge design and the glossy tinted neck... Because it's time for a change!
That's a good point, John. Since Fender said they're standing behind the VG platform, I'm guessing that instead of updating the VG to the new American Standard specs they're taking the opportunity to make changes to the VG instead of simply adding the current VG electronics to the new American Standard.
Posted by: Tom Watson at May 9, 2009 11:46 AMI bought a VG Strat in good faith, and decided after a short while I did not need it. I cannot sell it. It has been on Craigslist in my area for at least 8 months. It is as new, and I was asking what I thought was an appropriate drop in price. Now dealers are virually giving them away and I'm stuck.
What do you think the future will hold for it? Will it bcome collectible when they are all sold out, or will it be a dog forever?
The VG Strat has been discontinued as of December 1st, 2009. However, I saw a "Factory Special Run" American Deluxe version of the guitar in the gorgeous Sienna Sunburst finish over a premium ash body. This limited-edition guitar has the usual high-end features such as the Samarium Cobalt pickups with the hot bridge pickup, the contoured neck heel and the abalone inlaid C-shape maple neck as most American Deluxes do, but lacks of the S-1 switching system.
Posted by: John Constantinides at June 30, 2009 5:45 PMYeah....I bought a FSR VG deluxe in October of 08' and I really like it. I don't really care much about the "collectablility" factor....It's a great strat plus a huge advantage at the gigs :)
Posted by: frantzworld at August 22, 2009 2:27 AMI've owned a VG Strat since the year they were intro'd. The only bad thing about it is that I hardly ever pick up my other Fenders and Gibsons (all Vintage).
One viable possibility to the halt to VG production is the ECONOMY. All manufacturers have been slashing prices on all products. The VG is an esoteric machine without wide market appeal. It's reasonable to assume that Fender Inc. would concentrate on selling more base-model guitars.
I bought a VG in 2008 and love it. But I wanted to play to a drum machine so I bought a Digitech RP155 Processor. Now I have to play through that pedal box to get the drum machine. But I like the sounds, tones and effects from the VG better than from the RP155. Do most people play their VG through another effects box or is that a waste of the VG build in effects? Thoughts? Suggestions?
Posted by: Chriso at January 3, 2010 4:55 AMI bought a Black VG a couple of years ago, and I have to apologise to everyone, because it's probably my fault they lost interest in them. Everything I s****g buy becomes redundant almost instantly! I'm just not lucky like that, however I still like my VG and haven't tried to sell it, my only complaint is the lack of hot pickups, or the ability to change them due to the electronics, can anyone see a way round this it must be possible? My favourite pickups in the world are Vince Gill EMG's. absolutely awesome. My other black Strat sings and screams and is just alive but controllable! If I could combine that with the VG features...Hmmm...Kenny
Posted by: Kenny Barnes at April 20, 2010 2:24 PM