I'm buying my first guitar and have decided on a Fender Strat. I found what looks like a nice guitar but would like help. Below is the description from Craigslist.

A 2001 Fender mexican stratocaster----it has been modified with lace sensor gold pickups and seymore duncan bridge pickup. It also has Fender schaller locking tuners and fender pearl pickguard and trem cover. The 2nd tone knob controls bridge pickup too.
This is a wonderful guitar with GREAT tone and it is absolutely wonderful condition!!! $350. This is a bit high for a mex strat--but it is in incredible condition and the pickups/pickguard/tuners were approx a $250 added option.

I couldn't attach pics but this the link.
http://columbia.craigslist.org/msg/3381233143.html



Thanks for any help.
Roger

I've had a lot of Fender guitars ,but I just got my first strat. I like my stuff stock because I don't know how well they wired everything with the pickups and the pots ,but it's up to you. I see Mexican Fenders range between $275-$375 used in my area. You could always try it and see if you like it. Since any guitarist will tell you "get it's if it sounds and feels good to you". Now I was told 1990-1999 strats sound the best for mexican strats. It's a shame you don't live in Jersey this guy sells amazing strats and he won't buy or sell unless it sounds good.
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/msg/3413417730.html


You just have to make sure the truss rod,neck and frets are good and all. You don't want a problem with the neck/truss rod or have to have it re-fretted like that cause it can be expensive to fix or replace a neck.

I'd ask if the hard-case was part of the package, that would sweeten the deal for sure. The Strat looks pretty clean, well cared for from what is posted, but you'd have to eyeball it in person to truly determine its condition. But...

Ask yourself if this is the one for you. When it comes to buying your first stratocaster/guitar, you should aim to cover the bases you want/need covered. For myself, when I bought my MIM Strat, I made sure it was an HSS set up - to give flexibility in the punk/hardcore/metal genre that I played, and it was in a color that I liked (agave blue). I also made sure to get a rosewood fretboard since that was my preference at the time and still is on most of my guitars. I also played it for quite some time in the music store through several amps before I opened my wallet to make sure I was happy with it. The last thing you want is to impulse buy and five weeks later end up with buyers remorse as you find it isn't covering the bases like you had hoped. Granted CL doesn't give you the full test ride option that a music store will.

Will this guitar as it sits fulfill your musical needs? What genre of music calls to you? Will a hotrails or single coils cut it or do you need humbuckers? Is this aesthetically what you were looking for in a guitar - does it match your image as a musician? There is a lot to consider. I think that strat on CL is a great looking guitar that isn't unreasonable in price for its pictured condition. Is it the right one for you though?

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Guitars: Fender Stratocaster HSS (MIM), Fender Telecaster (MIM), Gibson SG special, Carvin C350 cobalt, Yamaha Aex500, Squier VM Jazzmaster, Squier Affinity Stratocaster (1996). Amps: Peavey Ultra Plus - XXX 4x12 Cab, Sovtek Mig 100 - Sovtek 4x12 Cab.

Thanks for the advice.

The case is not included. It does come with a gig bag. The seller is firm at $350.

The styles I'd be leaning to are country and blues. I've tried to do some research on the pup to see if these will work for me. They seem like they'd be fine for those styles.

After reading this thread I'm not sure about $350.
http://www.strat-talk.com/forum/stratoc ... value.html

Roger

If I were you I'd go with a basic strat and upgrade the pickups later on if need be or just look around a bit more. $350 without a hardshell case? It's still not that bad of a price ,but I personally would pass ,but that is just me and it's up to you Also if heaven forbid you decide to sell it later on those "upgrades" may not be what others are looking for and it will be a bit more hard to sell because you shrunk your own market. Are there any others you are looking at?

I have found a few Strats that are stock/standard ranging from $300-$350. Most at the local Guitar Center and other music stores.

I have thought about your suggestion to buy all original and make my own mods as needed. I may go that route.

I think that's best because you can get the sound you want and you can compare the feel of different guitars. You can go to youtube to hear different pickups through your guitar or ask people here what they have and if they can put videos or sound clips up. If you go to a guitar store ask if they can give you a deal on a case. Just fiddle around with as many of the guitars in your budget and try them through amps at the store until you find a winner. Plenty of mexican strats out there you could also get a color of your choosing think of it like picking a puppy And with a guitar store you can buy a warranty if need be. I've owned plenty of Fender Telecasters ,but I just got my first strat see: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=80094

I'd keep looking, who knows how well the mods are, and w/o the hard case I'd pass at 350. Hit the music stores, and try out as many as you can, once you know what you like, you can start hitting CL for deals. Also Christmas is soon approaching, you will be surprised how things sell around this time to try to earn that shopping money. I picked up a classic 50'2 series mim, and a CP 60's mim both with cases for less than the one your looking at. Deals are out there, don't let the money burn a hole in your pocket.

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"Where would rock and roll be without feedback?"

Thanks again,

I think I'll listen to you guys and pass on this one. I'm not in a hurry so ill wait on the right Strat.

Roger

I bought my Strat MIM classic 50s for 250 € a Callaham block for 50 €, and I'll ask him mics second hand 57/62 for 100 €.
This is the benefit with the Strat mim, may have changed without the complex and this by some excellent guitar that you do not want to separate then.
I told you I like my Strat?

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Sorry for my english, not good, i am of the country of Molière, Hugo, Zola ...