I went to guitar center and tried the 2012 American Standards and the Mexican Standards. I play mostly hard rock, classic rock, blues, classical, and sometimes metal and I liked the MIM better just because the pickups were higher output. The american had a better neck and sustain, but the pickups weren't my taste. Should I get the MIM this year or wait till next years american standards or a FSR of an American Standard because my dad is ready to buy either. Additionally I wont get a guitar after that for about one or two years.

If you liked everything but the pickups in the American Standard, buy it and change a pickup or two...

Have you considered a Blacktop Strat?

I agree, especially since you like their necks.

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"Today Atlantis, tomorrow the world!"

personally, I'd go for the standard and swap out the pickups. It's cheaper to replace the pickups on a more expensive guitar that otherwise feels and plays great than it is to get a less expensive guitar with desirable pickups and swap the neck.

Of course, I'm also a fussy bastard that will find a stock guitar that has everything I want in it. Hence the reason I got my American Deluxe.