Opinions, pros and cons, preferences ? I am on the fence between the two and would love to here from you. I want that classic bell tone, say "Sultans Of Swing" tone. Thanks.

Classic Series 50's Strat. Like the colors, the maple neck, the neck radius 7.25, soft V shape, the pickups...

Well I played a Classic 50's in Fiesta Red the other day. I must say it's the best MIM Strat I've ever played and easily on a par with HW 1's, Standards, etc. Long story short I pick it up after work tomorrow.

I think you are making a good decision. I have played 2 of the Classic 50's and loved both of them, hard to believe it is MIM, not that it matters because I could care less about the location of make. I was very close to getting one myself in the Fiesta red but settled for a Hwy 1 after finding one priced right in Daphne Blue. When you get it post some pics and let us check it out!

_________________
Blues with a feeling.

GUILD GUITARS: MADE TO BE PLAYED!

must say, I am shocked by the responses.
This is just what I've heard, don't take it as truth or my experiences, but I was always told that the Classic Series aren't very good quality at all.
Where as, I know the Classic Players are really really good.
But you should just try them both out!

_________________
Turn the drums up in the umm, ear goggles

Both made in Mexico. Do they pay more attention to the Player because it is a custom shop design?

I have never played a Classic Player 50's strat, but I do have a MIM Classic Series 60s Strat and love it. I also have a Custom Shop Robert Cray Strat and honestly, I pick up and play the Classic Series more often than the Custom Shop Strat. It is very well made and feels great. I also have a Classic Player Jazzmaster and it is also a great guitar.

I've got a Classic Player's 50's and I REALLY like it -- excellent quality, great pickups..

I also own a Classic 50's Strat and I love it. No quality issues here. She is beautiful, well put together, and sounds great.

_________________
Fender CIJ Jerry Donahue Telecaster
Vox Pathfinder 15R

I have the classic player 50's
I think the main thing to thing about is the tremelo.
If you intend to block your trem or have is flush/not floating, then go with the classic 50's because the classic player has a two-point floating trem (it can be done as well it's just not a simple.

If you want a floating trem then the two-point in the classic player is great.
It also has locking tuners.

Also your preference of neck radius will come into play since the classic player has a 9.5 (better for bends is you like lower action).

I also have a Classic Player 50's. I love it!! The 57/62 pups are great and the fit and finish is awesome too. Like everyone else says, if I were you I would see if you can play both of them and compare. Only you yourself can say whether you like one or the other.

_________________
Squier Classic Vibe thinline telecaster
Squier JM Black1 partscaster
Line 6 Pod XT Live
Peavey VT Classic 212
Vox AC30 Amplug

Well I picked her up tonight. I'm in serious lust right now. I'll give a better breakdown after a couple of weeks. Right now she is even better than when I first picked her up. The luthier did a complete setup, new strings, etc. The action is unbelievable. The finish is flawless. The pickguard well it's an 8 hole and is gapping in a couple of places, not bad, just enough to hold my pick

I'm shocked!
The Classic series are of the same quality as the Classic Players.
The Players have some modern updates like a flatter radius, two post bridge etc.

The gapping with the single-ply pickguard on my CP 50's bothered me so I replaced the pickguard with a Fender 8-hole, 4-ply tortoise shell pickguard -- no flex now... The single-ply pickguard is more accurate in regard to vintage style, though.

I love my classic 50s strat