Total misconception here.First off the artist series was never intended on replicating a particular guitar (ie stevies #1 or blackie , etc, etc).The artist series of guitars is a joint effort between Fender and the artist to come up with a different guitar that the artists wants.The artist has input into this.Stevie , as well as Eric Johnson and others work with Fender to come up with the specs.Another myth is that Stevies pickups were custom wound.They were stock pickups .There is an article somewhere that tells how they came up with the number one tribute guitar.They basically took it apart and measured dc resistances and inspected every part.Also the 1st year the SRV was out the original fretboards were rosewood, but because the good rosewood wasnt available anymore ,they subsituted pao ferro in its place.

If your hands are on the small side maybe a 60s type neck would be suited to you,my hands are on the small side and the neck on my 65 is more comfortable than my others.The sound of a 60s Strat is sweet also,I haven't heard a reissue but if they capture the sound of the original it should be worth checking out.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Thanks for the useful advice everyone !
You've all certainly given me a clearer thought of what i should buy and shouldn't.
I'm thinking of trying both a jm signature strat, or some second hand custom shops, my dad might borrow me some money.
At last , are there any special brand of pick ups I should be looking at,
Pu's that will give me that hot, warm punchy tone (think srv el mocambo)

Pickups are an interesting thing... My 60 CS has SUPER thick sounding pickups, if I play those through a vintage tube-screamer hooked to my '64 Vibroverb Custom, I've got a Texas Blues tone.

Point is, I wouldn't worry about the pickups just yet... you might find (like I have and plenty of others) that the stock pickups you get are just perfect for what you want.

I had the same predicament when looking at my first Strat. Honestly, I was very impressed with most of them. I used my instincts and asked many questions.

The end result was a Mahogany HSS American Strat Special Edition Tex-Mex). The Mahogany body has unbelievable sustain. After researching, playing and entering the world of Strats, I found the one that is compatible to me. The process of finding "that" guitar is a great feeling.

If it were me I save the money, but I know GAS is a strong strong thing to deal with.[/i]

_________________
I got a black cat bone, I got a mojo too.

If you get 30 replies you might get 25 different answers. This is a very important decision and you have been given some great advice, but this is one decision only you can make on your own.Go and try out as many leads as you have been given and buy what feels and sounds great to you. Just think how long you have saved and it is a nice sum that will buy you a high quality ax.As far as signature models try them all even if you never heard of the guy you might love the ax and artist series is the stop before custom. I myself own two not because of who played them though in my case I am a huge fan of both guys, but because what they offer. The only artist axes I would not get ,unless it was just to get as a collectible are a SRV, or a Vanhalen Frankenstein things in that vein that will associate you with that artist when you gig. But that is my preference if you like them get it. This is all about you. I bought two Fenders this year after not buying one in 7 years. A Tele and Strat Deluxe and all I can say is I believe Fender are making the best guitars they ever have in there history right now.

You may be setting yourself up for disappointment if you make too big a deal of this. Try not to think of this as a major life event.

You have plenty of money. You could certainly buy an American made Stratocaster for that amount of money. Actually for about half that amount of money.

My best advice is to go to a reputable music store and play some guitars. Pick what you like and trust your ears.

And I agree on ditching the humbucker.

_________________
James Burton Upgrade Telecaster
Hot Rodded Am Fat Strat Texas Special (now featuring Kinman Traditional II pickups)
Fender Blues Jr.
SWR California Blonde
Pedals Pedals Pedals

Curious as to why you think if you gig with an SRV you get associated with the man.I gig with mine and never had anyone say any such thing.

Thanks, this one really helped me out.

Sorry this is not really relevant... but if you guys could check out these demos that we're putting up. we'll have a bunch more up soon this week.
thanks.

take a look at the custom shop custom classic c neck
modern classic pikups on neck and mid
and a hot classic bridge pu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD3j2SC49EI
here is youtube demoing it, i dont have the cheese for this on.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StratCCRBCT/ under 2 grand

hot punchy and original.
i dont work for them, i have purchased from them.

Man I wish I could spend my money but I am savin for a car! You lucky man!

You said you wanted to be unique so I would look for some cool american strats that might be unique in color, pickups, neck, whatever.

I'll sell you one of mine

_________________
"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

Beaubs,
man its bad round here in the mid/northeast of the uk. Try playing any blues on a strat and everyone says 'ah he just wants to be the next clapton'. I do get where straycat is coming from with this. Not the SRV in particular, just artist series guitars. Man dont ever let a english bassist know you use a artist series, you'll never hear the end of it. Try playing rockabilly on anything but a gretsch or de'armond and the non playing audience members will walk out on you. They dont care about the broadcaster coming out in 51, if you play 50's you have to do it on a gretsch. One reason I gave up on that scene. Bloodyminded knownothings.
My personal bane of existence is lefties played righthanded. All I can think is 'wants to be a hendrix clone', and pretty much dont hear a note they play. My brain shuts it out.
Wrong of me I know but I just cant fix somethings.

_________________
No no and no