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Post subject: Used Strat?
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 1:15 pm
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Hello, I recently decided to get a used American made Strat. (based on suggestions from my last post)
I have about $750, the obvious choice is an "American Standard" but do you think I can get a Deluxe for that much. Or are there any others models that would be good (artist signature, F.S.R...)
The main thing I wanted to know is where to get one, I want to play it first so ebay is out of the question, there are lots of guitar centers near me but i'm not to sure about that... Any suggestions?


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Post subject: Re: Used Strat?
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 1:30 pm
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If you wish to play it first, you have two choices:

1. Go to all guitar shops in your driving distance and try out all instruments in your price range. (Downside: it is easy to compare guitars at the same shop but hard to make a good comparison between guitars at different stores.)

2. Find guitars you are interested in on your local Craigslist or other "for sale by owner" forums and arrange with the sellers to come and try out the guitar. (Downside: still hard to compare guitars and if you try but don't buy you may have a hard time getting the seller to meet you again when you do decide to buy.)

You should be able to find several US made Strats to choose from in the $750 price range... especially if you are not opposed to a few nicks or scratches or otherwise road wear. But you are also at the pouncing price for a brand spanking new American Special which is a great guitar as well!

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my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: Used Strat?
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 1:56 pm
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Oh, and be sure to try out each prospective guitar on the same amp on the same settings. Otherwise you won't have an accurate comparison at all. Some folks on this board suggest just playing the instrument unplugged for awhile.

Advantage of GC and similar stores is that you will get a 30 day return policy if you have buyer's remorse. Disadvantage is that guitar shops, especially Guitar Center, usually want top dollar for used instruments and you may even have difficulty finding a US made used Strat for as low as $750 because GC will only take trades in very like new condish.

You will get a better deal on Craigslist, but it is definitely caveat emptor and once you walk away with the instrument it is yours like it or not! And if the price is too good to be true... it is probably because of a hidden problem or it is a stolen instrument.

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Tiger J

my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: Used Strat?
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 8:59 pm
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Location: Kansas City Mo
Tiger J wrote:
Oh, and be sure to try out each prospective guitar on the same amp on the same settings. Otherwise you won't have an accurate comparison at all. Some folks on this board suggest just playing the instrument unplugged for awhile.

Advantage of GC and similar stores is that you will get a 30 day return policy if you have buyer's remorse. Disadvantage is that guitar shops, especially Guitar Center, usually want top dollar for used instruments and you may even have difficulty finding a US made used Strat for as low as $750 because GC will only take trades in very like new condish.

You will get a better deal on Craigslist, but it is definitely caveat emptor and once you walk away with the instrument it is yours like it or not! And if the price is too good to be true... it is probably because of a hidden problem or it is a stolen instrument.



Yes :) I have seen some killer used Stratocaster deals at Guitar Center.
Where do you live at?
Do they have a Guitar Center close to you?

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Post subject: Re: Used Strat?
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 10:47 pm
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Make sure you shop around at local mom and pop shops. It helps supporting these one off businesses over large nation wide shops. You will also find most have knowledgeable people not just kids making a pit stop on their future.

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Post subject: Re: Used Strat?
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 11:12 pm
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Location: Kansas City Mo
cvilleira wrote:
Make sure you shop around at local mom and pop shops. It helps supporting these one off businesses over large nation wide shops. You will also find most have knowledgeable people not just kids making a pit stop on their future.



Agreed 100%

If you can find one they are the best.

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Post subject: Re: Used Strat?
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 7:11 am
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Also check "Reverb" as if you find one in your area, it could be possible to try before you buy:

http://reverb.com/marketplace?condition ... ratocaster

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