Ok so here's the deal I managed to flip enough couch cushons to find around $1K for a new Fender Strat but I need some input......

I know that I want; something made (or at least assembled) in the USA, something very forgiving to play (I have small hands), I would prefer vintage hardware (trem, tuners, ect.), and want a crisp clean tone and a good dirty blues (Vaughn, Hendrix, Gilmore) sound as well. Here's the options that I have found I have to work with.

1) Buy the used 2009 Clapton Signature "Blackie" all original with tweed case I found on Craigslist for $900.

2) Go to the local shop and get a new Road Worn '50s or '60s Strat (I love the way the Road Worns look BTW) and yank the MIM Tex-Mex pups out and have the Guitar Tech at the shop set me up with some Tex-Specials or Vintage Pups with upgraded wiring and VTT controls.

3) Keep looking and try to find a used AV '50s or '60s Reissue for around $1K and roll with it.

Anything else y'all might recommend?

Thanks for the help!!!!

I like the classic 50s, 60s and 70s strats, they have great parts and can be the foundation for a custom parts strat. They are a bit less than 1K. However, if you search the used strat market/vintage guitar stores, you may fine what your seeking.

American Special Stratocaster. $800 new and it comes with Texas Special pickups ! You would have money left over too, for a hard case or something.........

Thanks for the input fellas!!! Now the fun part, running around and tryin out different Strats 'til I find the one I want.

That is the fun part. Enjoy! I say American Special as well!

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One more question...

Are the Road Worn Strats a completely MIM guitar or are they Mex Parts on and American Body/Neck peiced together in the USA? Thanks!!!!

You can probably pick up an American Standard new for $1k - maybe less if you're good at negotiating.

Just something to consider.

I would go with an MIA Standard. You can get a new one for around your price. You can also mod it if you wanted different pups but I wouldn't. You have to like a modern C shaped neck too. I do!

Road Worn models are entirely made in Mexico.

American Standard w/2 pt trem bridge.

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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!

I took option #3-used AV 57. IMHO it's the best out of all you mentioned, but that's because I don't like signature guitars or roadworns. I like to think of my instrument as signature to me, not somebody else, and I'd rather not have it look like my civic.

Anyways, AV is the best for what you want (vintage hardware, etc...), if that's not an option then the Am Standard will do everything you want as well. So many strats...so little time...and money ^^

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I traded my car in for a microphone.

I would say get the EC Strat @ craigslist. You can get a lot of American standard under $1000 at the Bay too. I wouldn't go for the road worn as I think it won't hold it's value. The 80's and early and mid 90's Japnese strat are awesome too and can probably cost less.

You can get a used road worn for about 500-700 hundred. I'd go for the AVRI or the Road Worn 60s. Here is another option. http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/prod ... sku=423642
just save a little longer

The Clapton for 900 bucks is what I would get.

If you're interested strictly looking a strat to play (and which likely will never appreciate in value) I'd suggest building your own. The options are near limitless and for $1000, you should have no problem finding parts exactly to spec (or very close) to what you're looking for as far as neck shape, hardware, pickups, finish, etc.

It's something to think about...