Which Strat or Copy?

[Cassady]

I'm considering buying a Stratocaster or a copy and was wondering about my choices. The MIM Standard Stratocaster looks nice, but I'd also consider a Squier or a copy (such as Aria, Wilson Brothers or Kramer).

This will be my third electric guitar, after a Nashville Deluxe Telecaster and and Epiphone Sheraton, so I'm not looking for a top of the line guitar. I don't play in a band, so this one would just be for variety, fun and to have something with a whammy bar.

Does anyone have an opinion, good or bad, on these guitars or another suggestion? I had a Kramer for about a week a few years back and it was fun and surprisingly good for the money, but I couldn't live without the Fender name on the headstock (and maybe still can't).

Thanks.

[Gene Machine]

If you need to have a FENDER, then consider the MIM, the 50's classic or 60's classic, depending on your preferences. best bang for buck. I have a MIM standard and a 50's classic as well as a 1999 Strat plus. I think the 50's classic is the best deal of my three.

If you don't need a Fender, then try www.rondomusic.net and they have numerous SX models and Agile models of strats that have received decent reviews and are very economical. I think the SX strats are about $120 and are on par with MIM standards, from what i hear. I have no affiliation. My buddy bought two agile LP types from them and they are excellent guitars, especially for the $$.

g.

[jwells393]

I think you should stick to Fender and I second Gene Machine's recommendations for the MIMs.

[WallyArms]

I have a Nashville Tele and a Standard Strat; the Strat is a great playing guitar, but it doesn't stand up sound wise to the Nashville IMHO. So you might want to look at some of the Deluxe Series models like the Jimmy Vaughan, Robert Cray, Deluxe Players Strat, 50's classic, etc.

[PJ]

These can be found in great shape on Ebay, and other places for no more than $400. I grabbed one on Ebay
a couple of years ago, ($375) and it's just terrific. Nice "C" profile neck, pickups are good, only think I changed out was the bridge, to a US vintage unit, which uses a steel tone block vs. die-cast. The cheaper stock unit didn't have the clarity I'm accustomed to in a Strat, but after the upgrade, it's absolutely the best Strat I've owned. Check them out at your local store, then go looking around at shows, auctions & stuff, and I'm sure you'll find one. There's no shortage of them.

[Cassady]

Thanks for the advice guys. I ended up ordering a MIM Classic 60's Strat in Lake Placid Blue. The more I looked at th 60's Strats, the more I liked them and the more interesting they got. One thing led to another and...

It should be here next week.

[shakedancer]

Good choice!!!!