Hi All,
After looking at my local music store Fender inventory I was a bit overwhelmed at the array of models available. Is there anyone there who could put in a nutshell how to go about choosing one of these instruments.
I have been hankering after a STRAT for the last 40 years, so before I kick the bucket I would like to own one of these. My current Axe is a 73 SG running through a 100watt SG amp system. I have owned this pair since 75 and have never been quite at home with them.
Thanks.

You should play them all but I would get an American Deluxe if it's in your budget.

Yah an american deluxe would be great and if you want to go higher then try the custom shop ones hehehe I would get one if I had that kind of money

To me, there is one one Strat. For budgets, the MIM Standard is hard to beat. MIA is solid, can take you anywhere and last a lifetime, and then some. The Deluxe is icing on the cake.

Anyone of those is great for what you're looking for. Start with one of those three. Get used to it - the tone, the features, the neck. THEN, see if you want a little something different - Vneck, humbucker, big ol 70's Christmas bulb headstock, etc. You may find one that fits you perfectly. If you're not sure, I'd say just get one of those three basic ones. You can customize Strats like Harleys - endless array of tweaks and mods you can do along with way. That's why we love them

I'm definitely relatively new to the world of guitars, but I'll echo what I hear around here so often.

Play a bunch of em', and wait till one chooses you. I wouldn't even ask the name of what I was playing until it jumped out at me as feeling or sounding particularly good. If you don't find anything that jumps out at you then I'd get a MIA or MIM Standard, depending on your budget, and have it modded.

That's just what I think though. At the very least, you'll have a fun day (or days!) at your local music store (or stores!) messing around.


I tried a few Strats out before I chose mine. I tried a Highway One, and a MIM Standard, and even a very nice (expensive) Eric Johnson Signature, (the prettiest by far, with it's sexy tinted neck)..... Sorry, let me wipe up my drool...

But I fell in love with my Olympic White-Maple 2008 American Standard.

It just looked, sounded and felt right to me.


Good luck in your search though, and be sure to let us know what you choose, and how you like it!

I'd suggest going to Guitar Center (or any other fairly sizable guitar store) and playing as many strats as you can. After you get a feel for what you like and what you don't, it makes narrowing down your choices a lot easier. By the way, welcome to the forums!

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Dude....how do you want to play? Fast? Bluesy? Neck, frets pickups make a difference. Don't rely on opinions, as they are garbage. You want fast, easy, tone , looks. It can be confusing. REply if you need help.....don't make a fast choice.

I am with Chriskult. I am of the "play a bunch of them and decide " school.
There is a strat to fit ANY budget. Everyones opininion can be valuable as a start, but only YOU can decide. That axe has got to make me dream of picking it up and playing it everyday. The beauty of fender, is there is a strat to fit ANY budget, from the squire bullit, to the custom shop ones. So why would anyone consider playing a clone? I have a MIM HHS strat AND a squire standard with a scalloped neck. They are both awesome. As a 40 year player, I can't wait to play them every day. I might add I was once a Les Paul freak, owning many real expensive ones in the past. I have hardly played them since getting my first strat. I like the scale of the neck better, I like the FEEL of the neck better, and have sold a couple of my Pauls since I got my first strat a few years ago. I am afraid I will never go back.

Vintage Gibson SG alert. Dude, can you post pics of that SG?? My #1 for decades was a '76 SG, so I know what you are about to go through.

Possible considerations:
- MIA Deluxe (it was already mentioned, and I heartily agree - if too pricy, back off to the MIA Std)
- MIM Deluxe Roadhouse (a beast of a guitar for a very affordable price)

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Hi,
Thanks for all your inputs. I am now beginning to talk Fender ie Made in USA Made in Mexico. Sounds like the Mexican guitears are not that bad but buying an MIA will ensure a better future value. I also read that the Made in Japan guitars were quite a good buy. As most of you said you have to go and try them them one by one.
Thanks again.
PS How do I post an image? 01GTeibach wanted a look at my SG and Combo[/img][/url]

DELUXE

Good luck with your quest and welcome to the forum. Mike

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.