I am sure this is asked a lot, but here I go :

I may be in the market for a strat. I owned a MIM HSS but was very basic. It Played great , loved the feel, but I really wanted one with better pickups, etc. I am not one for replacing pick ups etc, so something I would look at would be a stock item I think.

I don't know the differences between the higher end models, ( so any suggestions ? Price range around 1500 dollars ?

Iwould of course try them out, but would like some experienced Strat players opinions .

Thanks

Jerry

Let me recommend some axes on your price budget.

Fender FSR American Standard Stratocaster Electric Guitar with TBX and Active Mid Boost $999.99
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-2010-FSR-American-Standard-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar-with-TBX-and-Active-Mid-Boost?sku=423641


Fender 2010 FSR American Standard Stratocaster Electric Guitar $1,149.99
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-2010-FSR-American-Standard-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=423642


Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster Electric Guitar $1,699.99
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-American-Vintage-Hot-Rod-57-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=512139


Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '62 Stratocaster Electric Guitar $1,699.99
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-American-Vintage-Hot-Rod-62-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=512142


Can´t go wrong with any of those. Cheers!

+1 all above plus try vintage series American and Mexican (With the Custom Shop Designed neck plate) if possible.

Hey, Thanks for the quick response and the choices to try out. It will be mid March when I pull the trigger to buy one, so I will try these out soon. They all look great too !
I appreciate the help !
Thanks again
Jerry

I recommend the most expensive one you can find that won't break the bank. Pickups are interchangable, so don't go by that alone. There are different neck profiles and fret sizes, so find one that feels right in your hand. People who buy Squires and MIM Strats usually ended up wishing they'd saved up for an American Strat....

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+2 on the vintage reissue series. Look for a used one,and get it even cheaper! seen a 62' reissue at guitar center a couple weeks ago for 1000$ (and there always having 10-15% off sales)

American deluxe series is very nice (not a fan of the N3 pups though)

It looks like I have some Necks to try out for sure. The MIM HSS seemed to have a nice neck. But a few months ago, I was testing out some practice amps, and this guy was trading in his American Made Fender ( not sure of the Model, but I think he paid around 1600 for it ) . He let me play it, and it felt like butter in my hands !!
I really liked that one, but I was not looking for a strat at that time. I had just traded in my MIM.

Thanks again for the tips

If you like the newer features try an American Deluxe with the compound radius fretboard and the new N3 noiseless pups.

"other features include staggered locking tuners, two-point synchronized American Deluxe tremolo bridge with pop-in arm, and beveled neck heel. Includes SKB high Tech Molded Case with TSA locks, cable, strap and strap locks."

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

nicest fender that i have "purchased new" ...1900.list...around your 1500. a strat will provide you with some nice sounds, and the deluxe has the strat 5 plus 5 more. gl with your choice...try b4 you buy..and you get what you pay for..

i have a 62 Reissue strat (regular not hot rod) and its a great guitar all around you wont regret getting one


Best idea though is if you have a guitar center or other large music store then just go in on a saturday and play as many strats as you can

Another option is to get an American Standard Strat for $1000 and then buy a 2nd pickguard pre-loaded with your choice of Seymour-Duncan or Dimarzio PUPs.

If you dont like the vintage radius, check out the 59 thinskins from Wildwood guitars.They are special run guitars with a 9.5 radius and 6105 dunlop frets.

Might I suggest playing all the guitars in your price range. Start with the basic models and work your way up. See what you like the best. Even guitars made in the same year and factory can sound totally different. You may be supprised that more dough does not always ensure a superior or better sounding guitar.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head