Yesterday I looked at strats at a chain guitar shop & it is all confusing to me. My budget is going to be $1000(when i get it saved up), I am playing an old cheap acoustic now. I essentially no nothing about electrics, ANY advice will be helpful. I intend on just back porch playing for the family.

thanks

fendermoron

p.s. how do you find all those slick colors? didn't see any at the store

I'd check out Fender's webpage and find the model you like, then ask several store owners/managers what they can do for you.

Don't forget about all the other things you need also... amp, cord, strap, strings, etc. Those things add up.

_________________
...I for one, sure would appreciate the return of intelligent conversation, spirit of assistance and the simple yet effective ignoring of those who can't seem to hang with that...
Best regards,
rob

^^ +1
I would add that the preowned/used Strat will allow you to buy a higher line model for that $1000..
Seriously, for around $500 to $600 you can buy a real nice MIM or MIA and use the rest to pick up a Blues Junior for around $300 TO $400.

I urge you to buy a Tube amp, not a solid state, Tube amps are much more versatile especially when jamming on the porch and a 40 watt tube amp will blow away a 100 watt solid state.
But a 40 watt HRD is more than most need, unless you are actually playing in a band and small venues...Look into the 25 watt Blues Junior..It is very affordable second hand and there are many out there for sale on either Craig's list or your local classifieds.

I would stay away from E-Bay since you are a Newb in this respect.
Do take a good player with you when you are going shopping for your first Strat, someone who is into all kinds of music and can highlight just how versatile a Fender Strat is....

Godd Luck and Pics are required once you have your new 1st Strat...

_________________
"C'est parti mon Kiki "

If I were to get a new Fender right now, I'd be looking for a FSR limited edition Blacktop Telecaster or Pawn Shop '72. I really love what Fender has done in the HH department. The pickups are just sooo nice!

_________________

My recommendations are this:

Play as many guitars and amps that are within your budget. It would be more affordable to pick up used gear.

If are planning to play in a band or just in the bedroom, keep this in mind. You might not need an amp that is too powerful. The Super Champ XD might be a better amp for a beginner to electric. There is also the Mustang amps to learn on.

As for a guitar, Squier has the Vintage Modified or the Classic Vibe series that are great starter guitars. The Fender Standard or the Blacktops are also good for beginners.

Don't forget you will need patch cords, a good tuner, picks, strap, ect that will eat into your budget. I would advise against a "starter set" guitar package, if you are series about playing guitar, you will out grow it in a few months.

If you have any friends that have guitar knowledge, take them with you, they can help with the decision process.

_________________
RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Some good advise here so far. I'll add my 2 cents worth as a noobie who went through what you're going through less than 2 years ago.

As mentioned, build the cost of an amp and patch cord into your budget. You don't have to go crazy on the amp if this is only for "back porch playing" You can get a MIM (made in mexico) strat and good amp for under $1,000.00.

Buying used is a good idea, but only if you have someone you can trust to guide you as you will not know what to look for to ensure the guitar is legit and worth the price.

Use the internet. Research everything You'll learn a lot.Things you may never have thought of, such as nut width, scale, different pickups, fretboard wood choices, neck radius, etc. And keep in mind that the list price on the Fender website is a few hundred dollars higher than the retail price at a music store.

Try as many guitars as you can and take your time deciding.

I bought a Blues Junior used for $300 and love it. It'll be great for what you want it for. I like that it can get gritty overdrive and has reverb. It's one of the best purchases I have ever made insofar as the amount of satisfaction I get out of it for the money I spent.

_________________
...I for one, sure would appreciate the return of intelligent conversation, spirit of assistance and the simple yet effective ignoring of those who can't seem to hang with that...
Best regards,
rob

if you want to get real help in a store avoid a "chain" shop. visit the smaller shops and ask them what they think. most of the small shops the owner is the one selling and generally has a deep love for music ( if not why open a shop ) and usually they will work you a good deal. once you know exactly what you want start hunting. when you pick up a guitar and feel at home that's the one.

but with $1000 you have many options.
My recommendation is a good new or used american standard, Highway one or american special. like others have said if you get used you can get a nice little tube amp with the left overs. its hard to play a strat along with family with no amp one of my personal favorites is the early highway one without the 70's headstock. not a flashy guitar but they made up for the lack of flair in quality. a used one of those in great shape can be had at 500 to 600 easy, sometimes in the low 400's that leaves enough to get a nice amp.

_________________

Lots of good advice above.

As for the "slick colors" remember that you can order the guitar thru your Fender dealer too. You are not stuck with what is on the wall. Unless you're buying used that is.

_________________
-T

"You can't spend what you ain't got, you can't lose what you ain't never had" ~ McKinley Morganfield

I agree with everything above but.............if this is your frst forray into electrics.....I would probably go for a 2nd hand Squier and an amp. Obviously it's everyone's personal choice...and I know this is the Fender forum..... but pick up a cheap Squier and a cheap tube amp......a blues Jr or even some little 5w thing like an Epiphone Jr/ Orange Micro Terror even and spend the remainder of your $1000 getting a tech to replace the pickups and the tubes.......

Sounds like a faff maybe but that little bit extra effort will get you a cracking little set-up for probably way less than your inital budget...........

Food for thought (from an insistent tinkerer admittedly )

_________________
speak slowly I'm a drummer too!!

And I proudly lack a stick or a kazoo up my arse...........

but if he spends 1k on a guitar whats he going to play it through ?

also 'slick colours' are hard to find. fender like to cater for the red/black/sunburst community mostly, which sucks.

FSR (factory special runs) are good to keep an eye out for, they are generally existing guitars with limited edition finishes or subtle changes.

speding 1,000 on just your guitar?!?! that's a lot of money to spend on a guitar, when you arent even sure what you are getting yourself into. id suggest looking at a mexican made fender fist..or one of the higher end squier guitars. like the classic vibe very nice products for a very affordable price. but spending 1000 on just a guitar being new to the electric..is just nonsense. i could see spending 1000 on your entire rig, but do some research before you make any spur of the moment purchases

_________________
Squier For Life!

Peavey Mark IV Bass head
Peavey 2x10
Peavey 1x15

THANKS! for all the info

Personally I think a 40 watt tube amp is going to be a lot to handle for a noobie. I'd go for a mustang 1. Of all the amps I have this (I believe) would fit he bill. You can fit headphones and practice because it's gonna be a while before the family will want to listen, playing electric is a different ball game.