Originally Posted by: CSchlegelLordathestrings really detailed the core of the origins in the fundamental differences between the two "giants"[/quote]

The more I get reading, the more there is to it. Fretboard radius, woods, pick ups, neck angle, "tremolo".... I was looking for the "primary difference" in my question, but I realize now there can't be a simple answer.
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[QUOTE=CSchlegel]
Even though a "hard tail Strat" (no vibrato bar or block) sounds more like a Strat than a Paul, to me, it still doesn't have the total Strat tone.

Another assertion I've read is it is the size of the pickups... pup:body ratio I guess :) Some fellow had put 3 HB's in a strat that was otherwise 'all strat' and could not get the sound even with coil taps.