Offshoot of the Agile Sale thread

[Glacies]

Are those Strat clones that Rondo sells any good?

http://www.rondomusic.com/hawkmnash3ts.html

I've never seen that site before and was amazed at some of the prices. I'm looking for a beater single coil strat style guitar to travel with (not gigging) and wouldn't mind picking something like that up for the price. However, with guitars that cheap I'm always so worried about hardware quality and feel especially if I can't play before I buy. I guess I won't mind flipping tuners and a bridge off of that thing for that price but I'd love to get a read from you guys.

[poodlesrule]

No expert but:
- what is now the "Hawk" used to be the "SST', so you may find reviews using the old moniker
- typically, jumbo frets, maple necks, OK pickups. Some even like these quite a bit.
- will come needing a setup, but what does not?
- finish is usually pretty good
- loved by modders
- often benefits from easy upgrades, like new saddles, nut
- generous return policy

For your use, it would fit the bill.
I got an SST SE (cheaper(!) appointments) as a beater, I thought, and I have come to like it quite a bit... with the right amp.

[FrankenFretter]

They're not bad, especially for the money. I have one (SST Ash) and it's been on the workbench pending some mods for a while now, but they're actually not bad at all.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uDXmfCILTnE/SkaKRqqQtNI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/mwgjmzVMhRk/s640/100_1681.jpg

This is when I first got mine, a few years ago. I have a black pickguard with GFS Texas Premium Alnicos that will be going in there someday. The tuners are crap, though. I replaced mine with Wilkinsons. The body is nice and solid with a very nice finish. Most of the hardware is typical low-end import stuff, but functional. Hope that helps!