I've been playing for years but never really have had a good guitar, should i spend this much money?

Try one out and see what you think. My vote is yes

Well, electric guitars are just like acoustic guitars in regards to it's all a matter of being personal preference. There is no single guitar that is right or perfect for everyone...otherwise we'd all be playing the same guitar.

Personally, I -love- Strats. I've been playing for close to 30 years now and to me, Strats are not only the most versatile instrument out there and one of the easiest to "personalize" (upgrade/mod), they're are about the most comfortable for me to play. I've played quite a few Les Pauls and a great many other brands/models of very good guitars over the years and I always just come back to my Strats. That's what -I- like...you may like something completely different.


Now as far as your question of "Should I spend this much money?", only -you- can decide that for yourself. I will say however that you should keep in mind that you don't HAVE to shell out $1000+ to buy something like and American Standard or an American Deluxe. The Mexican made "Standards" are very fine instruments for $500 and some of the Squiers are an incredible bargain. In fact if you are just getting in to electric, I would actually recommend getting a less expensive instrument such as a Squier Standard or something and putting the difference towards a decent amp...a good amp can make an inexpensive guitar sound fairly decent (depending on who's playing it of course) but even a $4000 Custom Shop Strat is going to sound like crap through a cheapy little practice amp!

So with that, my suggestion is first, decide what kind of budget you have for this and allow for a decent amp in that budget. Then with whatever is left over out of that, go out and play EVERY guitar in your price range, regardless of make/model/country of origin and let your hands and heart tell you which one is right for you.

Good Luck!
Jim

Another "yes" here. I hadn't played in close to 25 years when I decided to get a guitar for my 50th birthday. My first instinct was just to get something cheap to bang away on after work, much like a few friends had done. I'd always wanted a good guitar back when, but all I had was an inexpensive LP clone.

The clone was actually a terrific guitar and my band (a commercial band) somehow got steady work for nearly 7 years. Still, I wanted that REAL Fender or Gibson or Guild or ... Unfortunately back then, the money from the band had to go for living expenses, some savings or got plowed back into the band itself. So it never happened and then years of long hours corporate work left the guitar sitting in the closet rusting away.

Thus I found myself at my local GC about 7 years ago looking at the inexpensive Epis and Squires and others. Nothing wrong with them, especially today, but then it struck me. Hey, you have the money, you have the time and you probably won't get a 2nd shot. Not too likely you'll be standing here when you just turned 114 with a "do over" chance.

So I walked toward the Telecasters (I'd always especially wanted one of those) but still trying to talk myself out of it. "You haven't played in 25 years." "Who are you trying to kid?" "You won't be playing out so why get anything decent." (And my favorite self-thought -- "You're not getting this real guitar just to impress that 20-something female clerk with all the tattoos are you????")

Nevertheless, I plunged ahead and got a Hwy1 Tele (my compromise) and have lived to NOT regret it! So I think it will be with you ... once you have that Strat in hands, all doubt will be gone in a flash. Go for it!

Define "this much money". We cannot see the wad of cash you are holding in your hand. What is your budget? There is a Strat for every budget. Your options open up if you buy used instead of new.

A Strat is a VERY versatile guitar. You will be happy with one. However, until you state your budget, my only suggestion will be that you get a vintage 1954 Strat in mint condition.

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

Yes, if by this much money , you are buying one inside your budget. A strat as you know can encompass a wide range of models, quality, and cost!!

What, only one?
Just go play a few...I belive you will find your answer there

Bill

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Hey, Boy Blue is back!

I had an affinity start but had trouble playing chords near the nut..sold it and went to guitar center...tried out 3 diff mim strats..all felt different..bought an artic white one that felt great and played smooth...then i bought the super champ xd and when no one is home I crank it up by running the line out of the super champ into the "amp in"(not the guitar input!! that would fry it) on my hot rod deluxe..WOW!!! talk about Fender tone!!!! super champ no higher than 3 and it is tremendous..

Why come onto a Stratocaster Forum and ask if a Stratocaster is a good guitar, what do you think the answer is going to be?

Seriously I suggest play everything within your price range and let your ears and hands answer that question. It all depends on what sound you are looking for.

I doubt anyone here is going to say, "Stratocasters suck! I would never recommend one." Hmmm...I just cannot see it happening.

I love both my Stratocasters. I would recommend one for any musician who likes their feel and sound.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

The nice thing about a Strat is that most people will agree that they are very versatile and also that the Mexican made Strats which carry a lower price tag are also very good quality instruments. This means that a Strat should both fit your budget and your favorite genre of music. As it has been said already though play everything and decide for yourself.

This is a very legitimate question and this is a most appropriate arena to ask it because there are players here who have owned or played many guitars and styles. I will offer my opinion. Hope it helps.
1. Strats offer a good cost value among quality guitars. It is actually a bargin. Not the highest quality but a great instrument.
2. Strats are very versitile instruments. I play fusion, blues , bebop jazz funk and r&b. In the studio and live I use a strat. A mim at that. Though mine is modded but that's me.
3. They give a solid return on investment. Strats always sell. Even Partscastors sell if they sound and play well and you can get these to do both.


The biggest thing to me is what style of music are you buying for.

yes.. I started out with an acoustic guitar, then dad bought me a squier strat.. But then i sold it.. And looking to get a fender

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If I Like It...
I Just Do It...

Go to a Music Store that has several different brands of electrics and try different brands and body styles out. See what body style suits you. Then focus on pickups: Humbuckers for darker, beefier tones or single coils for classic, more vintage tones. Also, plug into both a solid state amp and a tube amp and see what the difference is.

As for the Strat; there is nothing like it on the planet Like others, I've owned several other nice guitars over the years, but always come back to the Strat. I remember the first time I played one in a store. I grabbed an american Strat and sat down in front of a Fender tube amp and the very first chord is still ringing in my ears. I thought "That's the sound i want!"

Strat's have been called the 'Swiss Army Knife' of the guitar world, and for good reason. They are extremely versatile. Someone said to look up the definition for 'electric guitar' in a Webster Dictionary and you will see a pic of a Strat!

Good Luck on your tonal quest!

StratLover61`

Absolutely YES!

A Strat can be the most versatile guitar and i've seen many 'serious' musician will at least has one as their main gears.

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If I flip the switch, I go into Killzone mode, which means these two center coils become active, and whenever I shred, I kill people instantly.

You can find a nice Strat in just about any price range but a good amp is also essential to bring out the true tone of the Strat or any guitar for that matter.

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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.