Welcome, to the best Guitar forum period! Enjoy your stay.
Bill

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Hey, Boy Blue is back!

Thanks again!! Yeah so far I've read through numerous threads. I've been able to answer some basic questions by doing this.


Now I'm just trying to figure out which Strat to purchase as my first one. ??? I know what I like by looks but looks isn't everything. Any tips for choosing a Strat?

Howdy 05,

No doubt you'll be drawn to a certain model first by it's looks, but be sure to hold and play several as they all feel a little different. That sounds a bit strange I guess, as they are all built to consistent specs, but each one can be very unique nonetheless. You have plenty to choose from if you have a $600 budget.

Cheers!

n.

So here's the crappy part.....I'm so new at playing I don't know how to play anything. ( This Strat is going to be my learning instrument. So how did all of you buy your first Strats? Where any of you in my situation? Able to purchase a fairly descent level Strat but unable to test any out?

How did you decide that you wanted a Stratocaster? It's fine if it was the way it looks and it's fine if it just felt better in your hands when you compared it to other models. Either way you've already eliminated a bazillion guitars from consideration and have narrowed your choice to a bazillion different Strats. You're halfway home!

My point was only that even though a thousand guitars might be identical as far as their measurements and their component parts, it's amazing how two 'identical' guitars can feel and sound very different. I would suggest just sitting down with as many guitars as they'll let you strum at the shops in your area. You'll be able to feel differences after a few, things like sharp fret ends, a smooth or sticky neck, or even weight differences.

Don't sweat it, and don't rush it. No matter what you choose you'll always wish you had another one, then that one won't be good enough either, or you'll convince yourself that if you only had a 'better' guitar you'd be a better picker.

It's alright 05, we're all in the same boat here...

n.

Good point Noley. I picked a Strat because I was thumbing through a Sweetwater ProGear catalog and it just so happened to have the Fender Strats first. And the one that caught my eye was the Deluxe Roadhouse. I'm also vaguely familiar with Fender Strats because it seems everybody and their brother(or sister) plays one. (Also, I don't have the $5000+ for the Gibson Les Paul with sunburst that I've always had my eye on. Or the playing ability for that matter.)

So sharp fret ends? Smooth or sticky neck? I'm guessing sharp fret ends would be due to less time spent on finishing the product which = a less expensive guitar? Smooth or sticky neck? You got me on this one.

So it's looking like just go to....well GC (because there's like 5 stores within 50 miles of where I live) and fumble around with some of their stock.

I know there is no definite answer for what to buy first. I guess I just feel a little silly going in to buy a guitar I can't even play yet. That would be like going into the Ford dealer and buying the Mustang Shelby and not knowing how to drive.

Crap.....

Welcome to the Forum.

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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