Essential Features

[chuckjaywalk]

After getting my 2006 American Series Strat back from the shop and comparing it to my 2021 Pro II Strat, I realized a few features that I absolutely have to have on a guitar now: Strat pickups, a 2-point tremolo with push-in arm, and a modern oval or soft-c neck.

What features do guitars have to have for you to bond with them?

[Chankgeez]

strings?

[qersty]

I just prefer not to have too small necks. Bolt-on neck i feel is one thing that can make or break a guitar but i am not entirely married to it

[ognoy]

It have to look cool. Everything else I can work around.

[JTurbide]

Guitar-wise I really prefer 25.5" scale over 24¾, not only does 24¾ feel too cramped, the strings tension is too low for me, I always push the low E over the fretboard.

Also, I can't stand glossy necks. Bass or guitar. Every new instrument I get I immediately get a piece of scotch-brite and remove the gloss finish off the neck. It makes the neck feel so smooth, I really can't imagine owning a guitar and not doing it

[MechaGodzilla]

the only thing i can't fw is standard-to-big necks/nut widths and heavy guits. i like small necks and lightweight. makes it hard to find anything modern non-bespoke to be excited about (those st vincent sigs are cool tho)

[backwardsvoyager]

neck dive is the only thing I 100% consider a dealbreaker.
proper balance is about the most important thing with guitars IMO (after strings).

also stainless steel frets are great.

[chuckjaywalk]

Ironically, one of my favorite guitars in the collection breaks all the rules: the Brad Paisley Tele. It has a deep U shaped neck and no tremolo, though it has a neck Strat pickup. Helps that it is gorgeous and weighs 5 lbs.

[qersty]

paisley finish is an essential feature every gitar should have

[coldbrightsunlight]

I gotta enjoy playing it

[qersty]

I gotta enjoy playing it

failed this one