Hey all-

This is my first time on the forums, and I'm excited to be here. First, let me get this out of the way. I've done a ton of reading about which guitar I want to buy, and I'm driving myself nuts about it! I am hoping someone here can help give me some input in order to make a decision.

I am a beginner at guitar, but that doesn't mean i want a beginners guitar! I have a decent amount of money to spend so I'd like to buy something worthwhile that I can keep (My cap is about $1,000) Currently I own a PRS se that i still have my grace period on. I would like to return it for a Strat, but I'm confused about which one to buy. Don't get me wrong, I do not dislike the PRS, it is a fine guitar, however I've come to the realization that i will never get that beautiful Fender clean sound elsewhere. It's something i desperately want from my sound. My style ranges from blues, classic rock, to alternative and hard rock. My only concern with buying a fender is that it won't be able to fulfill my hard rock needs. I was thinking of an HSS for this reason but from my research it seems a lot of people dislike the humbucker for some reason? (Which i can always change if needed). Are there any downsides comparing the HSS to the SSS?

Lastly, if I do go with an HSS, is it a bad idea to go for the Am. Special as opposed to the Am. Standard HSS? Many people seem to favor the standard, which i also like. The 1 thing I truly like better is the look on the Am. Special. I love that black on black and even the sunburst with black guard. They are just gorgeous. I am going to play all 3 and see which one i favor, but am interested from a technical standpoint what you would recommend...

The three guitars I have narrowed it down to that fit in my budget are:

1) American Standard Strat
2) American Standard HSS Strat
3) American Special HSS Strat

Again, thanks for dealing with this long rambling post. I truly appreciate any help you guys can give me. It's a nice chunk of change I'm about to spend, so I just want to make sure I'm making the best decision. I look forward to seeing you all on here in the future once i get my new axe!!

Hi Dre180

First off welcome to the forum, if you avoid calling peeps ignorant douchbags youll be most welcome.

As for the guitar it might not seem like it now but it could well be the first of many guitars either as youll want more guitars, or youll search for ages for those to keep and those to sell on. The PRS being an example. That said its praps more important to try a few out and see which appeals most with regard to fit/finish and fretboard feel etc.
Strats are modular so things like pups/switches, etc etc can be swapped out later.
If you fancy a humbucker equipped strat get one, dont be swayed by peeps saying it wont be a real strat lol.

Havnt tried one but in a reveiw ive read the Am special was highly thought of. Just try some out and at this stage (or any stage) go with your heart, it may be a long journey.
Good luck.

I don't personally OWN a HSS but I've played some!

Considering the wishes you posted, I would definitely go for the HSS. They're very good guitars and the stock humbuckers aren't THAT bad at all!

With time and more experience you might wanna change it, because there are either better ones out there or you fancy the different sound of others. It'll take time and experience to evaluate that and until then you're perfectly equipped with an HSS.

If the black Pickguard is the only thing that draws you to the Special, then I'd buy the Standard HSS and get myself a black pickguard. Way cheaper than the additional money you would have to spend on a Special and easily exchanged. Just a couple of screws and you're there! You needn't to touch the electrics (soldering or sth like that).

Try to play several HSS Standards and take the one which feels, plays and sounds the best to you. Each and every one of the guitars has its own feel and character.

Maybe just one more advice, since you said you're a beginner. Don't put too much importance on the look. Of course we want our guitars to look cool, but be prepared to play one that doesn't meet your taste but which plays like butter. I would seriously think about buying that one rather than a nicer one which doesn't feel right.

Of course the best would be to play 20 guitars blindfolded but nobody does! That includes me, ha ha ha. I often thought about it. Wouldn't it be cool to just let your hands and ears decide?????

Makes me wanna go to the GC and check it out *smile* (I never did! Maybe I should!)

_________________
Kindest regards from Germany, Dee
My recordings --> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_mu ... dID=564337
STRATS ROCK!!! but Teles and Firebirds, too!

Thanks so much guys. Definitely gonna head down to GC and test some out when i have the time.



Maybe i shouldn't bring this to your attention then lol, but GC is having a sale until the 27th I believe. $100 off $599 and up, and $200 off $999 and up. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.



Isn't the Standard HSS more money? I thought it is $999 base as opposed to the special which is $849?

Hey, your post really draws my attention as I was in your shoes not to long ago. I decided to go with the 2004 Hss american standard the special is cheaper and different by some things I read but can't remember and I also thought, what the heck ? haha so I bought it. .... But in my case, since my guitar being a 2004 hss, it has the s-1 switch wich gives it a bigger sound but still with that unique strat tone giving me a LOT of more options than your regular strat. Still, if I could choose again, I would still go with the hss and if you like rock you should have no problem. They are very very versatiles guitars man !! At first I thought I was disappointed in the guitar because I didn't like the sound but it was really my fault because I didn't set my guitar with my line 6 pedal and my amp but after I took care of that I'm in love !! If it's rock you want to play then they are really good with it obviously using the hummbucker, as long as it isn't something like heavy metal or something like that. Anyways, I love my hss so you go try some and you will fall in love. The key is all in the setting of the sound that you are looking for, once you got that, you have everything you need ! God blees and I hope my long comment helps ! haha

i have a HSS and its very versatile

_________________
2011 PRS 25th SAS
2008 Eric Clapton Custom Antigua Strat
2012 PRS Artist Package Studio Special Order

Tonight i got a chance to run down to GC and give them a whirl. They did not have the HSS Special, just the single coil special. But i'm glad they had some variation, bc i was so happy to put one in my hands and get a feel for it. Smokin' Frets, you could not have been any more right. Although i liked the look of the special it was not for me. I definitely wasn't a big fan of the jumbo frets and the neck. Looks like the american standard Strat is the way to go for me. aj_z32, you sold me on the american standard. Thanks to everyone who chimed in. I appreciate the help. Friday is the day I will make the decision. I'll let everyone know what i opted for.

BTW Wyoming T/A that axe is freaking gorgeous. Congrats. Not enough $$ for the deluxe myself, maybe someday...

Well, I'm in Germany, so I wouldn't be tempted, ha ha ha.

I just used "GC" as a general term for "Guitar Center" in the meaning of any shop selling guitars, not as a reference to the existing american GC. Sometimes I'm a lazy typer.

_________________
Kindest regards from Germany, Dee
My recordings --> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_mu ... dID=564337
STRATS ROCK!!! but Teles and Firebirds, too!

Alright, so after much debate i decided on the american standard SSS in olympic white with a rosewood fret. Only problem is it seems impossible to find in store so I had to have one shipped. Came out to $800 after the sweet $200 off coupon- no complaints! It should be here by Tuesday, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it plays well. I don't know how people buy off the rack at GC, It seems as almost every axe they had was dinged or scratched, what a shame. Maybe i'm overly picky idk, but I would never pay full price for what they call "new'. I'd rather take the shot ordering online, or buying used. At least I have the peace of mind it should be in nice condition...

On a side note, I tried playing a bunch of different stuff, just to see if anything else would surprise me, but as soon as I put the Strat in my hands it was no comparison. Not to bash Gibson, but i don't get the overwhelming love affairs with them. I had much more expensive Gibsons in my hands, and i absolutely hate the way they feel. I guess they are simply not for me...

Dre, I see you're point about off the rack guitars. If they are in that kind of condition I would demand some sort of markdown for the imprefection. I also expect my "new" guitar to be looking like it just came off the production line.

But the downside to ordering online or requesting a guitar from out of the warehouse that has not been on the floor yet, is that even same make and model will sound different. Even with the CNC equipment, the one variable Fender can't prevent is the natural resonance of the wood.

I would rather take a guitar off the rack that I know sounds and feels the way I want it than order online - but when it comes to having a ding on the guitar, there is no way I would pay full price for a guitar that is supposed to be NEW. that's an excuse for a discount if the guitar I want is damaged, even if it's just cosmetic. Make the condition of the supposedly new product work in your favor if it's not what you expect when paying full price.

Glad to help,, I hope you enjoy your guitar ! I have 2 guitars, an acustic and my fender strat, both of them ordered online and surprisingly they were great ! haha so I hope same thing happens to you !