after 4 years of playing,i collected some money to buy a good guitar(700$).however, i was told that in order to buy a good stratocaster you need more money..i was really into stratocaster roadhouse ,but then i was discouraged...so please,if u don't mind let me know your precious opinion......is it true that fender guitars are of good quality only when they cost more than the money i have???(i wanted an SRV signature,but i know i need more practice in order to deserve one) thanks

If you're looking for used, then $700 will buy you an American Standard Strat at pretty much any music store. If you must buy new, then you're probably going to be looking at an American Special or Highway One with some dickering. What are you looking for?

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2002 mim Telecaster
Jimmie Vaughan Stratocaster
Mexican HSS Stratocaster
6 non-fender guitars
2 kids (not for sale)
1 wife (uh....no comment)

$700 bones can buy you a lot of guitar...don't discount the MIM ones, thier 50's and 60's Classic series are great guitars and you can get one new for that price...or like stated earlier, a good used MIA strats.

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What time is it? It's Fender Time.

if you go used, there are thousand out there that are good you can get with $700
most will be MIM strats but they are good guitars.

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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."

well i don't like the idea of getting a used one.http://www.thomann.de/gr/fender_deluxe_ ... mn_3ts.htm seems good to me and i can afford it...however i am open for your suggestions because i don't know a lot about stratocasters...(by the way i will appreciate those who have a roadhouse to comment,stating their opinion about their guitar)

by your experience i would like u to tell me the differences between a highway and the american special.....i'd appreciate it a lot

I assume from your post's link that you are in Germany..
Is the reason you are buying new only because of the decision to buy online..

If No to the 2nd Q. I would most definitely go to a shop or private seller and look at, play a few second hand (used guitars).
As far as the SRV, are you referring to the CS sig.
If so that is about 3 times more than $700.00...

You posted that you saved up $700 but it is not enough and you need to save up more.
In this case a used guitar may be a wise consideration.
A well maintained, cared for, properly setup used strat for $400 to $500 is IMHO a great deal.
I have bought used many times and also new, but if I can find the strat I want used for less than brand new price then it's a win all around.

And last but not least, you can buy a higher line model strat used for less...

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"C'est parti mon Kiki "

im with 53 on this. there is no shame in my game. i'll buy a used strat in a heartbeat.
with $700, a wise and patient shopper can just about clear 2 mim strats with that.

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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."

i am not from germany.idefinately want a new one because i know i will be deceived someway...i am really into a roadhouse stratocaster....and i simply wanted your opinion about it......besides i wanted you to tell me some differences between a roadhouse,highway and amercan special(guitars i can afford) since you are more experienced in fender guitars...thanks a lot for your interest....