Try a NEW MIM Standard... it's a different animal to the one you've got and personally I think the neck is nicer – and little easier to play, being slightly narrower – than the MIA Standard.

However, I have to say my MIA (also new) is more resonant (might be down to the bridge) and the pups have more balls, more chime and more quack. And the no-load Dela Tone pot can used for a blender pot mod.

I'd go for the MIA because – beginner or not – it sounds like that's the one you really want.

Any MIA Strat would be a good choice just go for the right balance of price sound and feel I doubt you'll be disappointed.

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'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.