Why do my Strats Feel so Different?

[58Lee]

I have a '95 American Standard and a custom built Strat from an independent luthier. I love both guitars but the feel when playing each is different. My '95 feels "loose" while the custom built has a tighter feel, particularly in the string tension. Both have 9s for strings. It's hard to describe but they just feel worlds apart. I realize all guitars are different but this is a mystery to me. Almost like they have different scale lenghts. Any thoughts?
Thanks

 

[moonweasel]

Sometimes different fret sizes produce that sensation for me. Fingerboard radius too.

 

[58Lee]

That must be it. Thanks very much for helping.

 

[Wilko]

Neck stiffness can be biggest part of that difference in feel.

 

[moonweasel]

Interesting that you say that Wilko, I just experiencing that over the past week or two. I have a nice, ash bodied Warmoth tele that I built which has a thinner , std warmoth neck on it. I bought that shape just to mix things up a bit, as everything else i have has a big neck. Anyway, I have never had to adjust the relief on my necks for winter conditions until this warmoth. Its neck bends like melted butter, I can "Randy Rhoads" neck - bend like a quarter step on it. Whereas, my nocaster CS relic has a monster neck on it, is rock solid --- and has a MUCH better "feel" to it. Vibrates harder in your hand etc.