I want to buy my first strat. Would it be better to find a used one online or just go to the local guitar store and buy a new one?

You can buy a nice MIM Strat for under $500.00 out the door, so I would suggest that. Don't get a floor model, Thats the same as buying used. Make them bring out the box and give it a good going over before you buy. It will be worth the extra $100. or $200. you'll save buying used. Spend another $50. or $60. on a good setup,(being your first Strat you may not know how to do that yourself) and you will have a Guitar you will be happy with for quite some time. Try to bring someone with a little bit of Guitar knowledge with you. Depending on where you go music stores can be a Viper Pit, and one last thing. Don't Buy One Online!!

+1

I buy online periodically, but I've been a Strat owner/player for many years and I know what to look for.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Good advice here.

Trying before you buy is usually best. You can hear the tone. And see if the neck, weight, etc. agree with you. Even guitars that are the exact same model have some variation in these areas.

On rare occasions, I order. But only if it's a killer deal, if I can't get the guitar locally, and if the dealer has a descent return policy. (Return policy just in case I find I don't like the sound of the guitar.)

Good luck!

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I have to subscribe to the try it first side of this thread. For me, it doesn't matter if it comes off the wall or out of a box IMHO - I'm perfectly happy buying a guitar off the wall. Guitars are so different - no two alike as they all have pieces of wood that are purely unique... The grain, weight, moisture content, etc. The important thing for me is if it pushes my buttons when I hit those first notes. You can just as well grab a dud out of a brand new unopened box... I don't mind if a few people pawed at my axe first as long as it feels good in my hands and sings to me - that's when I make it mine.

I buy my strings and other accessories from Musicians Friend. Never had a problem. I love them for that. But when I buy a guitar, I need to spend at least 30 to 45 mins. in a room with a couple of amps before I'm ready. When the salesman starts to give me the 'ol attitude, I show him some cash or the credit card and tell them to give me a little bit of space and I'll come find them when I've got a question. I did that the first couple of times I went in and now they know me.

I'm not a fan of buying a guitar online, but I have done it, specially if it's a good deal... my latest is my first MIM Strat, I wanted something to mod and test pickups on. Brand new for $550 shipped from ebay, it's a beautiful Classic 60s!

Nice, Looks to be worth every penny and then some.

It's a personal thing... but my advice would be to buy used. It's a small risk, but you get a better quality Strat for your money and you won't be so paranoid about handling it if it's already got the odd minor dink! But also budget for a pro setup immediately you get it. That also goes for a brand new Strat bought online.

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i have been going to the local store and checking out the strats there but i dont have the money to buy new. is there a place on here where they sell used guitars or do i have to check craigslest and ebay.

cedarblues...love the guitar,looks like one of mine and always lust after your amp and cabinet...looking good!

Thanks RS! LPB is a gorgeous color! Got plans for this baby gold hardware and some new pickups... it will sound wonderful through that Bmaster!

I whould buy one on craigslist youcan get a mim strat for like $150,In spokane wa there was a MIM strat, a squire stra,t a peavy amp, an ibanez tube scrcamer, a vox wah wah pedal, a boss distortin pedal and a boss reverb pedal for $400 so check craigslist and se what you can find, I just got a 1988 strat pluss that might be a jeff beck prototype for $750 so keep your eyes open and who knows what you will find.

Matt

Hi everyone i just bought a fender stratocaster american vintage 57 white blonde but some1 said that it isnt a original fender. please anyone can send me a picture of the head and one picture with the body. thx i will aprecciate it