Hey guys, I need expert opinions!

I came across this ad on craigslist and I was wondering if I should jump on this... seems like a great deal and I can't figure why I shouldn't, been wanting a Strat for FOREVER!

Take a look:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/msg/2304737027.html

If you guys think it's legit, I'm seriously going to get this TODAY! Thanks.

Welcome.

The specs he's listed do not completely refer to your guitar. Rather, it refers to the current models. Granted, some specs do but many don't. So right off the bat, the seller is not being completely truthful right down to the price he claims he paid for it. Caveat Emptor.

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You dig?

2002 model. He never paid 2 grand for that guitar new. I'd offer him 800-850, but that's me. Looks legit. Good luck. Play it a bunch before you make up your mind.

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

Yep, this is an early 2002 model.

I believe this guitar is one of the first USA Deluxe Strats which came with the contoured neck heel.

2002 was also a pivotal year for the USA Deluxe basses as well; an improved active circuitry with 18V supply, a redesigned bridge with nickel-plated brass saddles, a 4+1 tuner layout with two Hipshot string trees for the 5-string models and an asymmetrical neck heel with a 5-bolt fixing plate were the most significant upgrades.

From my experience only the American Deluxe Telecaster retained the standard 4-bolt design until 2004.

I'll throw my $0.02 in - the guitar in the pictures is a legit 2002 American Deluxe Strat. Like chromeface says since it's a 2002 it is one of the first with a contoured neck heel.

Now the ad is complete BS - a cut-and-paste for the current HSS version of the American Deluxe, and as others have said there is no way the seller paid $2K for it.

I also agree with cherokee747 that $800 would be a good starting offer; if it really is as clean as the photos then I wouldn't have a problem meeting the seller in the middle (at $850).

He paid over 2000 because its a Strac. They are very rare. Beware, ad sounds fishy.