hey all, i'm looking for a strat that won't break the bank. If anyone has any advice, i would really appreciate it especially since i have a book of Eric Johnson music that i can't wait to start playing!

Thanks

Road Worns, Highway Ones, Classic Player 50s and 60s. all good options.

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What music do you like and what exactly is your budget?

Can't go wrong with a MIM Standard, you can get them used for around $300. You might want to change the pickups though.

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Used used. I'm still suffering from sticker shock at the recent fender price increase. Try to find a used HWY1 or American Standard. They are super sweet players and if you do some checking on ebay the difference between a used american and a used mexi is very negligable and well worth the couple of extra bucks and you get a case (150.00 - 200) and probably won't have to change pu's.( 150 - 200) AND will hold it's value if that Eric Johnson book you have proves to be ..a little challenging.

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"New Guitars Have No Soul"

I say the American Standard Strat, you my have to save a little but well worth it.

Since you're an Eric Johnson fan, check out a 50's or 60's Classic. They're awesome guitars and total workhorses!

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The mind is like a parachute; it doesn't work unless its open-FZ

+1 We'd have to know what your bank holds in order to point you to something. There's quality at all prices. And in this economic environment, you might find some real used "steals" from guys who are trying to keep paying the rent.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

craigs list has tons of used mim and mia guitars you can pickup a good mim for 200-300 and guitarfetish has great pickups at very good prices

get a MIM standard. they are cheap, and pretty solid guitars for the price. Definately replace the pickups when you get a chance though.

also, if you can find a Highway one strat for a good price, go for it. they are excellent guitars.

Well as always I'm going to be the odd man out here. I just love how whenever someone says "I'm on a budget" the first thing a lot of folks suggest is an American Standard...must be nice to not actually know what the term "budget" actually means. If you can afford an American Standard, then by all means get one...they are good instruments but...

If you are on a lower budget than that, take a look at the Squire Standards and such. Great instruments and much more affordable....even with the price hike, the Squire Standards are still only $230 with some of the Deluxe models being around $300 - $350 and they are really great guitars. Seriously, I own 2 Squire Standards (one Indonesia and one China) and they are every bit as good as my MIM...actually the pickups are considerably better then what came stock in my '96 MIM.

Obviously get the best that you can afford but do check out the nicer Squires...don't let people fool you into thinking that Am Std's are the only choice out there for a decent instrument.

Just my $.02 worth,
Jim

Not to mention the Deluxe series have some decent pick ups that you won't need to change out right away.

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-Classic 50's Strat.
-Std. Telecaster.
-Mike Dirnt P-bass.
-Custody of SE Strat.
-Peavey Predator/Dean Evo/Epiphone DR150/Gibson Slide (much older than me).

Rellik Productions Inc.

+1 -- Yes, DD is right about that. Frankly, I'd bet a Deluxe Roadhouse will take you everywhere you need to go EJ-wise, and you will never have to change anything.

Our Deluxe Roadhouse™ Stratocaster guitar is a scorchin' reissue of one of our most successful models from a few years ago; a classy guitar with superb feel, great looks and tone as big as Texas itself. Features include three Texas Special™ single-coil Stratocaster pickups, a brown shell pickguard, tinted C-shaped maple neck with maple fingerboard, and a vintage style synchronized tremolo bridge.

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

Quite true.

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-Classic 50's Strat.
-Std. Telecaster.
-Mike Dirnt P-bass.
-Custody of SE Strat.
-Peavey Predator/Dean Evo/Epiphone DR150/Gibson Slide (much older than me).

Rellik Productions Inc.