Hi there...nice to be here,

Been playing for 25 years at semi-pro level but not had a Strat before. At the moment money's tight (isn't it always!) and I've about £400 MAX to spend on a guitar. I could pick up one of the Vintage Squier 70's for £250 and spend £150 on other things....OR get a basic MIM Strat for £400.

OR

....I could take a risk and get a second hand untried cheaper "something" from ebay.

I'd really appreciate your experienced feedback and thoughts on this and any advice you have.

Many thanks

If I were in your shoes (and I was once) I would be looking for a good used MIM Strat. I know they are likely much more plentiful here than where you live, but I see reasonably priced used Strats all the time. I bought a 2006 MIM Strat at a used guitar shop recently for just $180, only to find when swapping the pickguard that it had been upgraded to a complete set of Kent Armstrong TweedTone H-S-S pickups - a $180 set in and of themselves.

There are bargains out there, so if you have access to any stores that sell used Strats, that's where I would look first. Play 'em until you find one that you like and buy it.



My $180 bargain!

_________________
Dennis in CR
Rockin' since 1963