Hi all, I'm new here, but have been playing for about 30 yrs.
Now down to brass tacks. I've played Les Pauls, and SG's all this time and have been looking into buying a Strat for some time. My ? is since I want it for mostly Pink Floyd/ David Gilmour songs and don't have $4000 for the Gilmour sig. series, what would some of you suggest ? I've got a line on a Vintage 57' Hot Rod, or would I be better off with a MIM, and build up from there with upgades ? Thanks for any help you can give me.

I find it hard to belive no one has an opinion on this. The 57' hot rod is for sale from a guy I know he wants $1300, the MIM I'm looking at is @ $750
and I'm looking at about $400 in upgrades. Any advice is great. Thanks

Mate for $1300 your not going to build a MIM like a hotrod. Its a great price for a really good guitar. I love mine. The bridge pickup isnt for everyone though coming from a gibson to it could well be just the job for you. The finish scars easily, I dont advise anything but the upmost care.
The neck plays great, it seems to become more appealing the more I play it. To the point that its quickly becoming my absolute goto guitar. The fretwork is on a par with my customshop guitar. Its a great instrument.

Thats my personal experience of it. I paid £1150/$1891 for mine new. Their listed at $2749 now though you can find them for $2159/£1300

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No no and no

Newwt,

I am by no means and expert and can't give advice really on the question but have you done some checking into online used deals at places like Musicians Friend or even the GC? They sometimes have some pretty good deals especially if you are close enough to one you can get a hands on with the guitar.

If you look, you can find MIM Stratocaster Standards in the $200-$300 range in very good condition. I would not spend the $750 you quoted for a MIM Strat unless it is some special model. I do have a MIJ '72 RI with EMG-SA pickups, and it does have quite a bit of that Gilmour tone you are after.
As far as the Hot Rod 57 goes, that is a beautiful guitar, worth the investment. You will love it, tho it's quite a bit different from your Gibson guitars.

Thanks all, I'm kinda leaning toward the 57' Hot Rod. I love my Gibsons, but after playing the Strat (and several hand injuries do to construction work over the years) I can't get over the feel of it. I've talked to my buddy who has it and he is holding on to it for me till I get the cash. Which will be in Feb.(got 2 kids, a wife and Christmas comming up) He was'nt even going to sell it, but he has several others and said he would sell it to me only. Thanks again, Newwt

Definitely hot rod but until feb, you might find a better deal. Which sucks because you told your friend you're buying his and it'd be awkward to back out.

I talked to him and its no big deal 4 me to wait a couple months. Plus he wasn't planning on selling it anyway so if for some reason I don't buy it, he said it was no big deal.(i've known him since the 1st grade)

You might want to buy the book "The Black Strat". It details the 30+ year history of his black stratocaster, along with each mod that was made along the way.

That's a good price for the hot rod so if it sounds like what you want go for it.

I avoid any and all signature models, they are not going to make you sound like your signature hero so why waste the money. If you really want the same mods, do them yourself to whatever guitar you choose (it will still come out cheaper)

My suggestion is to buy a good American Standard Strat. Fine quality, great sound, and tons of versatility.

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

hwy newt,
hands down 57 hotrod.
scn pus will surprise you and the tonezone im sure will appeal to you.