Okay, I stopped by a relatively local guitar store and was pleasantly surprised to see a good selection of Strats, most priced at 2008 prices... So, as I mentioned in another post, I found a 2007 American Strat that was priced I'm guessing at a really good 2007 price ($750). Its new and, while it isn't my first choice in color and fretboard (Candy Cola, rosewood), I do like it... But, the dealer also has a new MIM Classic Player 50's (2008) in Shoreline Gold for about $100 less. Since the price increases, I had pretty much decided on buying a MIM CP 50s.. until I stumbled upon the MIA at such a good price. Actually, either one looks like a great deal...

I know it really comes down to how they feel when I check them out, which I didn't have time to do. But, you know, I'm a novice and I'm not sure I'll be able to detect much difference between them.. So, what would you do -- get the MIA in not-my-first-choice color/fretboard or go with the MIM CP 50s that I had pretty much settled on (and really liked anyway)? For what its worth, I'm definitely in the hobbyist category and I have no aspirations to play in a band... Guitar playing is just a hobby for me..

Its kinda funny -- I had just about given up on anything but a standard MIM Strat until I saw the prices at this shop....

Opinions?

One other consideration I thought of -- the MIA comes with a hard case whereas the MIM comes with a gig bag... So, that means they're pretty much the same price... geez, wish I could just put them both on layaway...

Are you sure it's an American? The price sounds too good to be true. Could it possibly be a Highway One being touted as an American? Check it out.

I checked it out and it is, indeed, an American Strat and its new. It is definitely 2007 stock, though. It is displayed right next to a 2008 "American Standard" Strat and I compared the two. The two have different bridge saddles. I know it isn't a Highway One because it has a very glossy finish and the neck is different. I compared it to a Hwy 1 in the shop. I think its priced aggressively 'cause he wants to clear out old stock in these troubled times...

If it's definately an American I would buy it at that price rather than spend almost as much for a Mexican. I have had an American for some time now and just recently purchased 2 used (2006) Mexicans. They are nice playing instruments but the sound, feel, and quality does not equal my American. Unless you are looking to make costly upgrades to the electronics, pickups, and bridge on the Mexican I'd get the American. It will be cheaper in the long run.

The CP50 does have American parts in it already. They have the American vintage 57/62 pups in them and have good pots, switch etc. But, it does come down to which one you really like. If I were you I would play them both and see which one really feels good in your hands. I have a CP50 in sunburst and I just love it. I played some American Standards and didn't think they played as nice as my CP.

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I would get a American if you can get it so closely priced to the mexican however the mexican 50's is a super guitar as long as you are used to the Soft "V" neck which is more suited to faster playing apparently.

When you decide what to get Please puty some pictures on here for us to check out im sure a few of us would love to see it me included

I'll definitely post pictures once I have whicheve guitar I decide on. I've been trying to figure out how to get both if possible... C'mon, Obama, how about another stimulus check?....