Hi Nik73,
My answer might be a little biased since I just purchased a CP 50's Strat in September 2012. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this guitar to you. I am a hobbyist and, love all kinds of music. This guitar has some fantastic tones. The neck is just beautiful to play and bending strings couldn't be easier. The fit and finish are as good as any guitar I've seen or owned. Mine was set up right, without a mark on it.
Fender has a real winner here. For the money, it cannot be matched in my opinion. I have the 2 tone burst with the darker lacquer finish on the neck and head stock. She's a beauty! I tried several different Strat's out the day I bought this one and, I kept coming back to it. I plugged it into an amp for about an hour at the store; the rest is history. Try some different ones out in the same price range and see what you think. A guitar has to feel right to you, it's a very personal thing. Best of luck to you and, enjoy whatever one you do decide on.

Ron

I got my baby last week and ... I've never had a guitar that's so easy to play out of the box....

Hello Nik: now that you're settling in round here we have a saying on the Forum - "pictures, or it didn't happen". Howzabout showing us that geet?

Now you're going to ask how to post photos here, aren't you...?

Cheers - C