if you dont want a shredding guitar then skip the scallop neck, as thats the only purpose they were designed for, single note playing at fast speeds.
the was the purpose of their design. they arent ment for chord playing at all. thats why the bicompound necks were made. flat board up to the 12th fret and scalloped there after. so if your NOT looking for a shredder then this guitar idea you have will be a total waste of cash.
please let me end the myth that a scalloped neck will make you a better player. that the biggest line of BS that anybody has told you.
there is only 3 things that will make you a better player bro, only 3.
1 is time
2 is practice
3 is a lesson plan
thats it. period.
there is no piece of gear that will ever make anybody a better player.
when that piece is designed the designer will make bill gates bank account look like pocket change. can i get an AMEN folks?

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63supro
"The good thing is in a club situation, most of the patrons are trashed and really can't tell the difference."

Music123.com or American Musical Supply.com.

I've put the time and practice in, and i know the guitar wouldn't give me awesome mystical Yngwie-like abilities. But playing on something outside of my regular comfort zone, will help me become a better player.

I appreciate all your input, and you bring up valid points, but this guitar, being the unexperienced musician that i am, i see no downside to.

I came on here to ask if anyone knew about how to acquire one because where i live isn't the most guitar-accessible place in the world, not to discuss how good (or not good) of an idea for my first Fender pick to be.

your right and i stand corrected.
with your experience it will help you become a better player indeed.
in my 30 plus yrs of playing metal i never did find my holy grail
to make me a better player, you found yours in 1.5 yrs of experience.
congrats, hope it serves you well.

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63supro
"The good thing is in a club situation, most of the patrons are trashed and really can't tell the difference."

Heartless, it's your cash and your decision. And I'm sure you are a very good player, certainly better than me. But you are showing your inexperience by setting your heart on a niche guitar that you haven't even tried out yet.

I've yet to see a Malmsteen Strat used in any band I've either played in or seen since that model came out, and I don't know anyone who owns one. That alone ought to say something.

Make sure whoever you buy from has a rock solid returns policy.....

I'd like to be able to try it, but unfortunately, that isn't possible where i live. I'm probably going to have to try and find something similar and see how i like it.

It's something totally different for me, and playing it quite possibly could be very uncomfortable for me at first. But it's something i'm willing to go through in order to play. Also, i really wouldn't want a guitar that i know a lot of people have, i don't want to be just another player with a Strat (no offence to anyone here) , which is also one of the reasons i haven't really taken a serious look at other Fenders, or ESPs or any other brand for that matter.

I've read the reviews for this from musicians friend, and Ultimate Guitar, and they are all positive. Buuut, can't worry about returning until after i finish worrying about where to buy. Thanks for everyone's suggestions on that, though

Besides LA Music in Toronto you can also try Steve's music in Toronto Ottawa and Montreal.They'll ship to anywhere in Canada,have great prices and selection and are a great bunch of guys.I suggest the Ottawa store and ask for Gary,I've dealt with him and found him a great help and an avid collector buddy of mine has dealt with him for years.
Phone 905-789-1131.

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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.

Here's one and they ship to Canada too. It's an American Artist Series Strat. Looks like just what you said you are looking for. Click the link.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Fender-Artist-S ... 3362d85f02

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"