I got a new Blacktop Strat after playing it at Guitar Center and being surprised by the quality of the guitar and the sound from it. This guitar is really a steal for $450.

This guitar also made me question why I spent over $1000 4 years ago on a Les Paul Studio. I am only a home guitarist, I don't gig, and this new Strat I got actually sounds better, is more versatile, and more comfortable to play than the Les Paul. When I record, I have a wider range of tones that I can make with my new Strat. Plus, if I dent this guitar, I'm not going to go into a nervous breakdown like I almost did when I dented my Les Paul.

I'll just keep looking for MIM Fenders for my next purchases, no need for a guitar that's over $1000, end up denting it, and then not liking it as much as something cheaper. However, I learned my lesson that I do need to test out each guitar before buying. In '03 I bought a MIM Standard Strat that prevented me from even touching a MIM again for years.

Doesn't surprise me a bit - my favorite, go-to guitar is a MIM Strat. I think there are truly fine instruments coming out of the Mexican facility. Enjoy your Black Top! I have my eyes on the Black Top Jaguar...

What does surprise me is the quality, playability and sound of my Agile AL2000 Les Paul copy. I paid a hundred bucks for it used and it is a BEAUTIFUL guitar. I think those go for around $200 new and mine can hang with some of the higher end Epis I've played. Impressive at that price point.

sweet, now how bout posting some pics.
yeah 450 is not bad.

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Maybe I'll post some pics tomorrow.

I'm still surprised this guitar is priced at $450. The quality is really good. I have really come to the conclusion that very few guitars are ever worth paying over $1000 for.

I bought a Candy Apple Red one with a maple neck about a month ago. Very versatile tones with this guitar. I use it whenever I am trying to figure out a lead part that goes with a song I write. I can just switch between humbucker or single coil while I am experimenting with the sound.

It sounds a lot better than my Deluxe Player Strat does through my Blues Junior and is starting to be my go to guitar for the flexibility of the split coils during recording.

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I really like the Candy Apple Red, but I must say the Black on Black (with a maple neck) just looks so sick!
I like it on the tele too

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I have the sonic blue with maple board one. It plays amazingly, its so hard to put the thing down. Humbuckers take to distortion very well. The coil splitting tones are quacky and adaquately 'stratty', I just wish they were a little louder. Still, I wont be swapping out the pups any time soon.

It looks stunning with the tinted maple neck and dark mint green pickguard. The black knobs also look a lot better in person.

I recommend this axe 100%.

I bought the Sonic Blue, Rosewood fretboard model. I sat down with a Blacktop Strat the first day my local Guitar Center got a batch in and was so impressed with how it looked, sounded and played that it was an instant sale.

Here's a pic of mine catching some rays with my Sonic Blue Classic Player 60s Strat.
000_0535 by John Bohn, on Flickr
John

Nice looking pair, John.

Good purchase.

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My other guitar is a Strat.

Thanks orvilleowner. Had to get that mint green pickguard fix somewhere since my '65's is going to stay yellow. I have less '64 Strat envy now.

John

i also just picked up an AL-2000 with p-90 pickups and the quality of these things are incredible for the price

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I like my tone like my women. Full round bottom, sweet and clean but can get as dirty as I desire.

The more I see these Blacktops, the more I want one. I especially like the sonic blue with the maple fretboard.

I've never owned a guitar with humbuckers in it before. I just might have to have a go on one of the Blacktop Series!!

Has anyone heard a YouTube video of one yet? If so please post a link.

Here you go my friend...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMu_5vmeIXg

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

Thanks Mike! I can always count on you. There are several videos grouped together there so you can get a good idea how they all sound. Not bad at all. Peace my brother!!