They have a guitar at Guitar Center which I've had my eye on for several months now. It's a used 1957 RI Japanese Strat, white with a maple "V" neck. It's kind of beat up, but the neck has a real worn feel which I really like. They want $599 for it, but I might try talking them down to $450-$500.

But I have a few questions first. First off, I know Japanese Fenders are supposed to be very nice but I've been thinking of getting a new American Special or Jimmie Vaughan Signature as my next Strat. How would this guitar compare to those as far as sound and quality go? By the time I spend the money on pickups for the Japanese Strat, and a refret because the frets are the tiny vintage kind, they would all be about the same price.

I can't decide whether to jump on it or not. Really, I want my next guitar to be a Fender Coronado (which I actually have some money for now). And I don't really want to blow it on another Strat. On the other hand, I'd still really like another Strat. So if anyone has any feedback on these Japanese Reissues I'd really like to hear it.

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