Hi Guys. I'm new to this site and am buying a Stratocaster. I was wondering if I'm better off buying a new one off the shelf or going with a used, possible MIJ model? With the MIJ models, what are the considered the best years to be looking for? I am currently using an '85 Ibanez Roadstar II which I would like to replace with a Fender.

Thanks for any advice you can throw my way.

Pat.
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I'm thinking no more than 1200. But if I can get a great guitar for 600 then I'll get that one.

Some of the mim Artist series are really nice and in the 700-800 range new

Thanks for the quick reply guys. I haven't really considered a MIM before. 4/5 of my heard are Japanese and Korean. Seems as though I have more research ahead of me yet.

Do not rush into a sale, take your time till you find what you really like. If you buy used you have enough money to get a very good guitar. The only thing is go to a store and play as many as you can. So you know how the guitar is supposed to feel and play if you buy used say on ebay.

Good advice Straycat. I tested a new Highway One today...Excellent price at $760CAD but found the neck much too big.

Maybe u can get a deal on an American Standard for 1200$.

If not, i´d get a deluxe players strat, mexican made, with very good components and finish, I prefer a zillion times a mexican deluxe players than an american highway one, sometimes we obsess where the guitar is made, as long as it´s a Fender.......

I would certainly consider an older MIJ strat as they have a great reputation but I don't see them around this area very often. I see them on ebay all the time but I'm not into the habit of buying without handling it first. I will have to go back to the guitar shop tomorrow and see what they have there for MIMs.....oooohhhh so many guitars!!!!! So many to choose from!!!

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The possibilities are endless. Try out lots of them.

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

The one you like the most..

You'll know.. You'll walk in and something will catch your eye. Then you'll go, can I try that one out please? Then you play it and say "THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT!!" And you'll be afraid that if you leave the store, someone is just gonna snag it as soon as you leave, and you can't stand the thought of it, so you just buy it without a hesitation. And you'll walk out grinning from ear to ear. And every red light on your way home will feel like an eternity.

That's the one you should get.

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HaleAmano- House Of Sharks (Now On iTunes)
http://www.reverbnation.com/haleamano
http://www.haleamano.com

Decision has been made on the Strat issue.... I picked up a set of HSS pickups from an 80's Japan Stratocaster for my 85 Ibanez Roadstar RS440. They should sound great with that big Pro Rock'r bridge.


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I'm glad you have settled the issue but I was looking forward to which model you would end up with. Ibanez makes some of the best electrics ever but owning a Strat is like owning a piece of history.

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"If I don't see you no more in this world I'll meet you on the next one and don't be late... don't be late." -Jimi Hendrix

I definitly have not ruled out buying a Strat, I really do want one. It's a cheaper option at this point...just before Christmas and all. Plust I won't have to explain to the Mrs. just what the #@$@$ I'm doing buying yet another guitar

Can't defeat this logic

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"If I don't see you no more in this world I'll meet you on the next one and don't be late... don't be late." -Jimi Hendrix