So I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I've been lurking here for a week or two absorbing some information, and for that, I'd like to say thank you.

Basically I haven't picked up a musical instrument since I played sax in the school band. I recently decided that I'd like to learn how to play the guitar and am looking at a few Stratocaster candidates at the local music store. One is a white MIM, while the other is a new American Standard in Blizzard Pearl. Both have maple necks.

I don't know enough about guitars to consider myself an expert when it comes to choosing the best one. I like them both. They both have good sound and seem to have comparable build quality. They both feel pretty good, although I think the American Standard has a little smoother fret board. I have three brothers and a nephew who all play, so they've been a lot of help to me, but ultimately I'll just have to make a decision between the two. Any input or suggestions are welcome. Whenever I get my new Strat, I'll post a pic. Until then, just wanted to say howdy and will be hanging around the forums a lot more.

Chris

Welcome to the Forum stealth71, I think the best advise would be to try out as many as you can, only you could tell which feels right, good luck

Welcome to the forum! You can do no wrong with either as both are exceptional guitars. If you are not sure you are going to stick with it, then the MIM can be had for much less money and you will still have a fantastic instrument! The MIM is not a beginner instrument. It's a REAL Fender guitar that can be had at an easily accessible price and still do just fine in the hands of a pro.

However, if money is no object and you are dedicated to learning the guitar, then by all means the American Standard is the benchmark against which all other guitars are measured (IMHO). Some subscribe to the "buy as much guitar as you can afford the first time." There may be some merit to that, but that's something for you to decide. You will NEVER outgrow the American Standard!

Good luck and post pics for us when you make a decision!

Welcome aboard my friend! Hope you enjoy the forum, for the most part a well informed, helpful, and mature bunch of good posters here!

Thank you sir. Yep, that's kind of what I did with some assistance from some more experienced people. I looked at about two dozen guitars from different manufacturers, and then finally narrowed it down to these two. The thing is, I realize there is always a "better" guitar out there no matter what you buy, but I don't think I can go wrong with either one of these Strats.



That's kind of my thinking as well. I would probably be more than happy with the MIM Strat. It's a really nice guitar and sounds great. But there's always that chance that somewhere down the road I'll want a US made Strat, so I'm almost thinking I might be money ahead by just buying the American Standard right off the bat.



Thanks, I appreciate the welcome. I agree, this is a great forum with tons of invaluable information to take in.

Welcome to the forum.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

That's your "inner guitar nut" already takin shape in your coconut! You'll go MIM and want USA - then you'll go USA and want Custom Shop! Don't worry though, the only guitar you'll ever NEED is the next one!

Welcome.

As to which Strat between the two, only YOU can answer that one!

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You dig?

DOH! I forgot about custom shop!

Yep, I agree with that, but I'm having a great time in the process. I'm the proverbial "kid in a candy store" lately.

Thanks for the welcome, cvilleira!

Welcome to the forums stealth71!

one of my guitars is an american standard strat in blizzard pearl with a maple neck and i must say it is an amazing guitar! It would be a great choice.

good luck man!

Thanks for the welcome Tanner. Is that Blizzard the one in your photo there? That's good to hear you like it. I'm really leaning towards that one. Absolutely nothing wrong with the MIM, but the Am Standard just seems to be calling out to me

'When You're Ready"

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"Another day in paradise!"

yup thats the one in my sig. i did replace the pickguard on it to a pearloid though.