[bluefish]

Hi!

I've been lurking on the Strat forum for a while and have decided to purchase my first electric guitar. I'm a long time classical and acoustic player (12+ years).

Anyways, I'd like to buy local and I'd like to buy used since my finances are tight. I finally have enough saved up for what I think should be a good Strat at around $800 to spend. What I've played locally are the following:

Choice #1 - 1998 Fender American Strat (black with rosewood neck) - mint condition with stock hardshell case, $750. This guitar seems heavy at about 9 pounds.

Choice #2 - 2006 Fender Classic Player 50s (silvery gold color with maple neck) - mint condition with Fender plastic hardshell case, $650, about 7.5 pounds

Choice #3 - 1997 Fender Tex Mex Strat, Jimmie Vaughan Signature (black with maple neck) - mint condition with gig bag, $600, about 7.5 pounds

Choice #4 - 2008 Fender Classic Series 50's (black with maple neck) - mint condition with gig bag, $500, about 8 pounds

I've played them all but don't know enough about Strats to decide which is good. The salesperson said the American is best out of the bunch since, "Look, it's an American Series. Enuf said." How about the cheaper Classic Series? Is it still a good guitar at only $500?

I'm wondering if the American would be the best choice? I tend to keep my equipment for a long time so I don't mind spending the extra $100 over the other choices if it's the best guitar out of the bunch. But if the Classic Series 50s for $500 is still a good guitar, then I'll go for that, but I don't want to sacrifice anything by going cheap and then upgrading down the road.

Or should I keep looking? Thanks for any help anyone can provide!

Danielle