Hey all,

I've got a question for you guys in terms of equipment.

A little bit of background :

I'm a Graduated Music Student (Bachelors of Performance: Jazz Saxophone) who plays semi-professionally while preparing for a Masters. Im semi-proficient in Piano (Always playin the keys...) and I'd like to get myself involved in Guitar for two reasons. 1) I Love Blues / R&B Guitar and 2) The piano is *not* a portable chordal instrument.

I think its extremely valuable to understand the instruments I frequently play with, so I'm interested in becoming a serious guitar student.

That being said, I'm trying to avoid going with a $150 All-In-One package that with serious study I'll outgrow in terms of quality in a short period of time.

Im willing to make a significant financial investment in an Intermediate / Advanced level Guitar, and in particular I love the look and sound of almost every Strat I've heard.

In terms of something to both start, grow, and eventually perform with, would it be a worthwhile investment to grab a MiM Standard, or should I drop the extra bucks to get myself a MiA ?

Also advice on a small studio Amp (preferably something that wont destroy my wallet) would be extremely helpful.

I've got access to quite a few professional guitar players in terms of lessons and advice, but I figured I'd go right to the heart of Fender country and get some advice from people who play their Axes all the time.

Thanks in advance.

JSM

MIM Strats can be every bit as good as MIA Strats if you get the right models.Having said that there's no such thing as a bad MIM Strat-not at present for sure.I tried out 9 or 10 Strats back in April and I was prepared to pay up to $2,500 but in the end an MIM Jimmie Vaughn Strat won out both for feel/playability and sound.It's always said around here to try out as many as you can and pick the one that appeals to you the most. I tried out my Jimmie Vaughn on a Blues Jr. amp and was so impressed with the amp I bought that too.Even though I had no intention to buy an amp the Blues Jr. sounded so good with the Strat that I had to get it.BTW there was a guy in the store listening to me trying out the amp and he was so impressed(by the amp,not my playing lol)that he bought one too then and there.I hope this info was of some help and welcome to the forrum. If and when you decide on a guitar and amp please post pix.Happy hunting.

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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.

Well, if MiM's are proving to be close to on-par with quality for the MiA models... I really like the look of the Deluxe Roadhouse with the texas special pickups. I'll need to find some place with a few in stock and go try them all out.

My opinion is always buy the best you can afford no matter what it is an amp or the guitar. There are mim guitars that are on par with the Am standards but they also cost about the same. Just go and try as many as you can.

I say go for the American Standard. For under a $1000 you will have a great, top-quality guitar with excellent tone. There is NO reason to compromise just because you are learning - be proud of what you are playing, without wondering "I should have..." and it'll make it that much more enjoyable. And you won't be looking to upgrade any time soon. Also, since you said "investment", pretty good bet it'll be worth more value-wise in the long run.

Yes the MIM are okay - for the money, & the quality is usually fine, but they are NOT the same as the Am Standards. I dumped mine it a second when I got my Am Stndrd.

Of course there are even more expensive models like the Am Deluxe (one of the guitars I bought when 1st learning), but I don't think the tone is as good.

Thanks for the advice guys.

Going to do some shopping over the next few days and find something I like, will let you know when its here!

LOVE that! Have fun and TAKE YOUR TIME! Try them all, or have a shop guy play them for you, you'll find one!

Hah. It took me 3 weeks and over 100 horns before I decided to buy my Yamaha 82-Z Custom Alto Sax.

Even at that I played 16 different 82-Zs before I found the one I wanted (I had a contact at the Yamaha US Factory). I found the absolutely best horn I've ever layed hands on. (Interesting Side-Note : Phil Woods was talking to my Professor one day and my Prof was hyping up my horn. Woods asked for the serial range so he could get one from Yamaha... and hes a Yamaha Artist >.>)