I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on an HR57. It's down to that or the AVRI 57.

I haven't been able to find an HR57 to play, so I'm thinking of ordering one to try out. If I don't like it, I'll return it.

Both GuitarCenter and Musician's Friend have a used one for $1478. I assume it's the same one, since the price is identical, and they are under the same ownership. It's listed as 'mint', so I'm assuming someone bought it and returned it. The manufacturer's warranty has expired on it (the Lifetime Fender warranty).

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/ ... ition=used


Should I go for this, or a new one at $1699? Is the $220 extra worth it for the warranty and having one that's never been opened or played?

Thanks.

ps - feel free to try to sway me towards this or the AVRI.

I never buy a guitar untested; however, the HR 57 has some nice features.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

I know. I can't find one anywhere to test. But both MF and GC have good return policies.

If you are going to buy one sight unseen try Elderly. You can call and talk to the sales guys on the floor. Or sweetwater. Buy you can call Elderly and ask about the stuff on the floor and then buy the best one.

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Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore, trust the physician and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility.-Khalil Gibran

Thanks. But, just wondering if I should go with a used (mint condition) one for $1478, or new one for $1699.

Here's the thing: GC/MF are always running some sort of discount promotion. Right now MF has their St. Paddy's Day discount; 14% off. Well, 14% off $1699 = $1461, $17 less than the used model. And don't go thinking they'll negotiate on the used price; I've been down that road before and they tend not to budge, for whatever reason. With that in mind, you're better off, on all counts, buy buying the new one at a discount. MF has a good return policy. Hope it all works out for you.

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'10 Gibson LP Studio Faded
'09 Fender American Standard Stratocaster
'08 Fender Classic Player 60s Stratocaster
'07 Fender Classic Player Baja Telecaster
'05 Breedlove AC 25 SR Plus

The HR57 is just an American Standard with Noiseless single coils and a Dimarzio tonezone in the bridge whereas the AVRI 57 is a more faithful reproduction of the 57 Strat. The HR57 is more suited for modern pop and rock music, is easier to play and you get an extra fret The AVRI is prettier but has the 7.25" fretboard radius (which I'm not fond of) and comes stock with a 3 way switch.

If you have an American Standard just stick a tonezone in the bridge it's cheaper and if you don't like it you can change it back.

If you go with the 14% off St. Pattys sale you have to call them to place the order since most times internet sales won't take it off cause Fender most times doesn't particapate, but they will honor it on phone sales. And I would go new for cheaper. Good luck.

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Some people might like the V neck in lieu of the modern C. Let's not forget the Vintage Tremolo Vs the Modern 2 point. Nitro Vs Poly. The HR 57 is a lot different than an American Standard.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

You're right RK there are some differences with the American Standard.

Will they honor this over the phone? I've tried to use some of the coupons on-line, but Fender's always excluded. That's huge.

I'd go for the used one with the usual 15% discount ($1256.30) .... if it's a dog return it. If they say you can't have the extra discount .... you don't have to shop there.

P.S. I'd rather have the Eric Johnson version....