I have a Squier E series MIJ from 1987, I am looking to go to the next step now and purchase a Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Electric. My playing skills are at amateur at best. I have owned several guitars when I was in Teens and 20s now im 40 this year, I really have found a interest in the current guitar I have and feel im ready to move up now.
I like the playing styles of John Mayer, SRV, Eric Clapton just to mention a few styles with artist. Also like many others not to leave any out. What im looking for is, will this be a good solid investment for someone who really has no desire to be a paid musician,? I only play for personal satisfaction. My concern is I was told I like to play rythum and some lead also by those who know me. I would agree so the 2 tex mex and the Diamond back Humbucker sounds like it would be a good combo.

What do you all think , or do you know of something else around the $1200 to $1400 range, Any info will help me and also help the wife to be able to justify why I feel the need to own a American Fender.

Thanks
Mike

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"Remember Jesus Aint Miss B Haven"

Tone Deaf and worth every Penni
Mike

My advice would be to go out and try some all single coil Strats and the S-S-H models, then maybe some Telecasters, then others and find what feels and sounds best to you.

Since you mention that you would be playing only for self satisfaction. Let your ears decide what you like.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I bought a MIA sunburst HSS with maple neck this year, and really love playing it. I have been playing off and on for 30+ years, rock, jazz and blues, and this guitar does it all. I own a lot of guitars, but my first experience with Strats was this year, and I think they make me a better player. The sounds are great, and the neck is a breeze to play. I don't think you will have any regrets at all. Play some at a shop if you can and get hooked!

If I were playing a lot of SRV and Eric I'd go for 3 single coils as neither used humbucker equipped guitars(except Eric in his Cream yrs)so I think a humbucker would take away from the authentic quack of single coils in the No.2 position.If your guitar had a coil split or tap option however,that may work with a humbucker.

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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.

The American Standard won't let you down. Excellent craftsmanship, great pickups, and smooth playability. For the money, they deliver....... Mike

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

I agree, I think with what you are playing triple single coils would be great. I love the sound of the Dimarzio virtual vintage single coils. Cool distortion and super cleans. What type of amp you are playing through becomes a factor as well though....

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80 Charvel Strat
Taylor T5 C2
Jimmie Vaughan MIM Stratocaster
08 Fender MIM Standard Floyd Rose Strat
Charvel Grover Jackson Legacy series strat

I know it's a little more, but you really should check out the American Deluxe HSS. The finish and setup are incredible, and the S1 switching makes the guitar more versatile. Noiseless pickups are also a plus. Add the locking tuners and rolling nut and I think they're a pretty good value. I wish I had looked into it before buying my current strat and I still may upgrade to the Deluxe.

I went MIM instead of the American, I ran into a friend who had bought the MIM Fender Deluxe RoadHouse with the 3 Texas Specials, This is the sound I been looking for and the neck has a good feel to it. he says when I get it take it to a shop and have it set up tho for around $45 to $100 and Play on. Which I took the other $500.00 and stashed it for a rainy day. I hope I will not be disapointed with my decision. Thanks to all who gave advice and look forward to hear more.

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"Remember Jesus Aint Miss B Haven"

Tone Deaf and worth every Penni
Mike

I also purchased a new American Standard Stat with the HSS pickup configuration which in my opnion is superior in playability and sound compared to my previous Strats which were a 93 MIM standard and a 2003 American Standard both of which had the single coil Pups. All of these Strats were played through a Fender FM212DSP and a Ciber. All had the basic Strat sound and the so called "quack". All were untouched stock pickups.

Out of all of these Strats I've owned I will have to say the HSS American Standard has the best overall tone and flexability. Unplugged the HSS strat even sounds better... Could be the new thinner finish or the fact that the HSS routing "giving a little more cavity under the pickguard" is helping of a combination of both?! Anyway of all these 3 Strats the HSS Standard Strat has the MOJO in both playability and tone.

Unlike others have said. I don't feel you will loose a thing with the HSS configuration and in fact will gain some veriations only possible with the HSS.

I also have 8 Telecasters from the MIM's to the American Standards to include a couple Squire models and Lite Ash. Above all the Highway one outdrives them all with a Lite Ash coming in a close second. The American Standard is alright but has very little MOJO.

My Gretsch RI 1962 HT has the MOJO for rockabilly and Chet's sound but fails to sustain in tone like the Strat does.

All that being said... My number one go-to electric guitar is the American Standard Strat with the HSS configuration.. It does it all and has the tone quality of any good Strat with stock configuration and then some.

The delux models and signature models to me are just configuration differences. Delux models aside from pickup differences are just pieces of expensive furniture. Nice to look at and showoff but sometimes lack the MOJO.

I can't agree with Solitare more wholeheartedly!!!
There has been a number of verbal 'scuffles' on this site on the authentic-ness of a HSS Strat versus a traditional SSS format.
"You'll miss the 'quack' of position 2...It's NOT a "REAL" Strat.....blah..blah..blah"
I am the proud owner of 8 HSS formatted Stratocasters and I ADORE them!! (7 of them are Highway One's....the other is an Am. Dlx. Fat Strat)
These indeed are my 'go to' guitars. And like you mentioned....the UNPLUGGED sound of my HSS Strats; particularly the Highway One's, is something to be admired!
Unlike Solitare....I DID change the pickups on ALL my guitars to those of a noiseless variety. (DiMarzio's AREA series R-O-C-K!!!!!!!)
Also I found Fender's humbuckers to be lackluster...so I changed them also to a combination of Gibson and DiMarzio humbuckers.
The Highway One's , in particular, are AWESOME building platforms for your own custom shop- like instrument!
And ...MOJO??!! The Highway One's have it ALL over the place.....almost uncontainable!!

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I refuse to have a battle of the wits with an unarmed man!