Thoughts on Which Strat to get?

[MAXIFUNK]

MAXI,

My apologies. You are correct. I was going on info given to me by my local Fender dealer recently, as I, too, was possibly interested in trading up, and it was he who gave me the bogus info re: the pups and said that the only trade-up that would really be noticeably better than my MIM was the American Standard. The reality is that the MIM Standard Strat is loaded w Tex Mex pups, and the American Special with Texas Specials (as you pointed out), as I just verified by calling my local dealer...he called the Fender rep...got it straight, and just called me back w the corrected info.

My mistake, my error, my fault...but I thought I was given correct info from my dealer when I wrote that. (No need in going into the bridge HB, as I was mainly interested in correcting the single-coil snafu.) I hope no harm was done in anyone's decision-making. In the end, trust your ears and the tone that you like, eh...

This has just not been my day. It's sucked so far and now this. There is really no excuse for putting forward incorrect info like I did, and I'm beating myself up for doing it. I am REALLY glad you caught my error and that the corrected info is now available.

G

NO WORRIES ITS NOT A BIG DEAL
I just wanted to put the correct info in the thread and share my love of American Special Guitars. Besides I am sure I've misquoted something here before. CHEERS bigG

[barber76]

If you aren't very strict on Fender logo, then you can order Carvin Bolt with lots of options. (mmm, stainless steel frets and Sperzel locking tuners )
The sound may differ from Fenders because of pickups, but should be pretty close - after all, it's still single coil bolt-on guitar with your choice of wood.

[kidsmoke*]

what are the differences between the American Standard and a Highway One? Are these not both the base USA made??

[cedwards]

Thanks again, all. So much good advice . . . maybe too much which was the original issue. Now I've got some great pointers to shop with. Haven't really set a budget yet. This is early stage pondering GAS. Just didn't know where to start. Now I do and what I have learned is MIA is not the be all, end all. So, as many said, I think I'll save some dollars and still make myself happy.

Meanwhile . . . more happy research for me!

[deeaa*]

Well, all MIA strats I've played of late have been great guitars indeed, which is not at all what I found to be the case in the early 90s at least around here...these days it's the Gibsons that have plenty of lemons...

But anyway I'm quite taken by the Squire Classic Player neck I have, it's a DAMNED good guitar neck indeed. If I were looking for a strat just now I'd at least check them out and consider a pickup upgrade. On which I can't comment, I use EMG humbuckers on all my strats... I just don't play stuff that those strat singles work with well.

[Andy]

If i were to get annother strat I would get an esp 400 series from ebay ...they run in the $450-650 range and blow a current american strat out of the water.

I had the chance to try a few and was so impressed that I purchased a new esp vintage plus. ( a reintroduction of the highly reviered 400 series ).

it's custom shop quality without the custom shop price

[Duffy]

I'd say if you want a real good modern rock type strat that it would be a good idea to check out one of those new double humbucker Black Top strats.

That Black with rosewood neck Black Top strat is really cool looking to me, and if they actually have "hot" humbuckers, it would be an awesome rock guitar, without doubt; and, be able to handle high gain without a lot of irritating noise, unlike the single coil equipped strats, even in the noise cancelling postitions. The Black Top could be an awesome strat for 445 dollars.

The standard strats are really great for the traditional strat sound, but not necessarily for the heavy modern sounds. As far as a traditional strat I'd also suggest a Squier Classic Vibe or if the headstock name is a turn off, get a Fender Roadhouse or Lone Star, both great MIM guitars, really great; and not too expensive.