Hi:

I'm new to the forums and new to the electric guitar. About six to seven months ago I purchased a Fender Bullet and a Crate Amp. Being new to electric guitar I did not want to buy anything too expensive until I was certain I wa committed to the instrument.

At this point I can play several different songs. I'm really satisfied with my purchase. However, I would like to invest more in playing guitar by buying a higher end Fender. I know the Fender American Stratocaster retails for 1,000.00. However, I also know there are other Fender models between the Bullet and the American Stratocaster.

My question: should I just go for the American Stratocaster or is there another model less expensive but with features far more favorable than the bullet making it worth the money?

Also, the Crate Amp I have is fine for clean settings. However in buying a more expensive guitar, I would probably want a better Amp. Any suggestions?

Thank you for any suggestions. If my question is too vague, ask and I will clarify it.

Thanks

I'm not sure what kind of budget you have for this gear, but I believe that in upgrading from your current setup, you have many options.

My suggestion is go for what sounds best to you and what you can afford and still be comfortable with.

Good luck and welcome aboard!

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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!

Take a look at some MIM Strats. Also, you might check out the Squier CV models -- they're a lot of guitar for the money.

Best of luck

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

It really depends on your budget and what style of music you play.

As mentioned, the Squier Classic Vibe Series are excellent guitars for the cost. For around $500 you can get a Mexican made Standard Strat or Tele. And there are several more options in the price range between than and the American Standard at $1000. You can even buy American made Fender's for less than the Am. Standard. The Highway 1 is U.S. made and goes for about $700-750 and the American Special runs about $800-850.

What style of music do you play?

I've had my MIM standard now for 3 years. No unpleasant surprises whatsoever. I consider it excellent value for $$.

lol my first guitar is an old black mim... had it for 3 years now i love my maya *.* i'm getting a cv strat at the moment just waiting for the cash to slowly come pouring

i agree, try for a good mim or if you can find one in a hurry because they arent making them any more (as its been told) look quickly for a HighWay 1 strat. they are reasonably priced and great guitars. (my fav bang for the buck)

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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."

Highway One any day.

They're not making Highway 1's anymore? Any idea why? I've never owned one myself. Not fond of the big headstock and jumbo frets but I thought they were pretty popular.

well fender hasnt come out and said it anywhere that ive read but all the stores are telling us that. i love the HW1. my fav fender besides the deluxe. my deluxe's stay at home, the HW1's goes everywhere. the american special is the new HW1 with the added $150 to the price. me, i'll continue too look for and buy HW1's for yrs to come if i can find them.
i love jumbo frets and headstock size has never had a difference to me, its just a headstock and i never notice its size when playing it anyways.
for me, the HW1 is by far the best bang for the buck by Fender.

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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."