Strat was stolen. Any suggestions for a replacement?

[flatpicker]

My MIJ Strat ('54 copy) was stolen and unfortunately, it's not a model I think can replace easily. It was so good to me over the many years, I didn't feel the need to look at another Strat. So to make a long story short, I've lost track of what's been happening with Fender over the past decade or so, and am hoping you Strat experts can help me with selecting a worthy replacement from the current Fender line.

Available from the local guitar shops here, I've found the following:

1. Jimmie Vaughan Signature (white with maple neck) - I like the neck, plays well, decent pups.

2. Lonestar (white with maple neck) - Didn't have a chance to play one but the price is low and it supposedly has Tex Mex pups?

3. Classic Player 50s (sunburst with maple neck) - I didn't have a chance to play test this one, as it was hanging high on the rack.

4. New American Standard (pearl white with maple neck) - I didn't like the color but the weight of the guitar was very light with an extremely resonant body. Neck was decent, pups decent. This one is used but in near mint condition with a price under my budget.

I need to keep the price below $1000 (lower is better) and I prefer a maple neck. But if there's an outstanding model with a rosewood board that would be a better value for the dollar, I'm open to a rosewood model that you might recommend as well! Like I said, I don't know what's the best bang for buck models offered by Fender these days!

I play both lead and rhythm. I try to play styles from Leni Stern type jazz/fusion to blues and rock. Amps used are a Blues Junior Tex Mex Red for small gigs and Twin Reverb 65 RI for larger venues. I occasionally use a Cube 60x which is nice and light for my old back.

Thank you very much to all that can provide advice on a suitable model, or those able to share experiences with the above models!

[sa paine]

Did your home owners cover it ? Might ?

I bet you can find a US 57 RI for that price.

[cotecj]

My choice, based on the specs, would be the Jimmy Vaughn. Great neck, pickups, tuners, tremolo, etc. Then again, you need to play them all and see which one calls your name...

[Del Pickup]

Out of the selection you mention, the Jimmie Vaughan would call out to me. But then again, 2 tone S/B Classic 50's would be nice as well.

Sounds to me like you prefer the vintage styling so that would rule out the US standard.

But, as others have said, you gotta play them before committing to one.

[passingtime]

I haven't played one but the Jimmie Vaughan gets a lot of love. You couldn't go wrong with a used '57 or '62 reissue either.

[DougF]

Sorry to hear about your loss flatpicker. Where is this music store located and do you remember how much they wanted for the JV Strat?

[scooteraz]

Jimmie Vaughn all the way. Unless you really want the humbucker in the bridge position. The specs on the JV look to be pretty close to the specs for the Eric Johnson strat, and that is a great guitar (but above your price point). In white, it rocks. And, I am thinking is probably closest to your old guitar.

[pcypert]

For under a grand there's lots of used options. You could assemble, or look for a beat up standard or even deluxe. I saw a sweet Highway one that was all matte black with matching headstock just go for 550.

Paul

[tele0053]

How about another strat?
Sorry don't mean to sound smug, but it's happened to most all of us if you've been playing out and long enough, oh well time to move on... and it's really unusual to get 'em back, but a great time to try something different or the the same and a little different.
Oh by the way the Jimmie Vaughan suggestions' a great one I've got a bunch of strats and my white '99 Jimmie Vaughan is one of my absolute favorites, huge giant jumbo bang for the buck, playing, sound, and feel wise, could be a blessing in disquise!

Good Luck!

[RodeoTex]

I was already prepared to reply with a suggestion to get a JV just by reading the thread title. Glad to see you are already considering it. I got 2 of them used for $275 and $325.
Great guitar.


Oops, I just cruised ebay and see that they are now going for over $700 used - so that may have been bad advice but I'm sure glad I got mine a couple of years ago.

[flatpicker]

Many thanks for all the advice!

To answer some of the questions:

1. Not insured as a claim would raise my rates.
2. Nope. I don't care about vintage versus modern.
3. The JV is going for under $800 (I don't think I can state actual prices per forum rules, can I?)

So the good news.

I ended up picking up a Mexican JV Strat in white based on everyone's help, but also picked up a very cheap Chinese Squier Classic Vibe 50s Strat in sunburst for just over a grand.

Man, I'm suprised by the Classic Vibe. It's got a nice neck, decent pups, and a fantastic resonant body (sounds great unplugged). Given it's cheap price I don't need to worry at all. I have a set of Hot Noiseless that I can throw in down the road but I think the stock pups are okay for now.

Thanks again to all for your help!!!

[boris bubbanov]

On this forum page you are welcome to state prices - just don't buy and sell right here.

I was gonna suggest a shotgun, but a Jimmie Vaughan is a great idea.

[kinkstah]

I'd say an AV '57 is hard to beat. Otherwise, from the list you've mentioned the Jimmie Vaughan Strat is a reeeaaal good guitar.

[Guns1rose]

if willing to spend the $$$, try out the Eric Johnson strat. i not even a fan of his, and i think i can say, that that is THE best signature strat ive ever seen fender release. The P-ups are great, the neck is nice and fat, and its got a nitro finish so it can breathe, and age...