As a player in my late 40's I am developing more pain in my left hand when I play barre chords on my Strats and Tele with the modern C necks. I notice those chords are much easier on my hand with my Les Paul, or SG and it is obviously because of the fatter necks and flatter fretboards. I know there are others out there who experience the same problem. Any suggestions on a current model American made Strat that has a bigger neck, but wont completely break the bank?

Randy I know exactly what you mean. The perfect Strat for you would be a Jeff Beck model. I used a moded 62 reissue tele for more than a decade and that has a neck on the thin side but I switched over to the Beck. Now this is the second model of the Beck and not the baseball bat first, which Beck does not even use anymore but it is still chunky and mucho comfortable, The only thing is there two grand now. But you can always find a super clean or even mint one on ebay for $700 or more cheaper,

An cheaper alternative to the SRV strat that probably has the fattest neck and 12" radius is the Kenny Shepherd Strat. MF had them for $499 about three weeks ago. Check it out, http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=528017

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The Buddy Guy Polka Dot is Mexican and has a lovely-chunky neck, as does the MIM '50s Stratocaster, both delightful guitars; don't discount the south-of-the border guitars.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'll take a look at all of them.