...has anyone else tried a Classic Players 60's Strat? I read a couple of very favorable reviews and I noticed a sonic blue one hanging in my local guitar store at the weekend and had to give it a go.

I was really impressed - it's Custom Shop designed but made in Mexico so it is quite affordable ($799 - but there are bargains out there too). It has an amazing feel with a C Shape that just feels great for soloing, it's really well constructed and the combination of sonic blue with mint green gives it a real vintage appeal. But this thing really came alive when I plugged it in, it's got Custom Shop designed and hand wound '69's that give the most beautiful classic strat tone - it's Hendix, SRV, Mayer, Gilmour - just beautiful.

Given it's unique features (CS 69's, Vinage 2 point trem, Mint Green PG, "Custom Sop Designed" on the neck plate) I think it's a real winner and possibly a collectors item in years to come. For me it's up there with (if not ahead of) the JV strat in terms of output from Fender's Mexican facility.

For those of you who haven't seen it here's what it looks like (picture doesn't do it justice): http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/im...rat/index.html

And here's a guy on youtube playing one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABYolJQROp0

Really Great instrument for the price - it compares very favourably to my American Deluxe so I've got very strong GAS right now - my heart says buy one but my head says "Why do you need another strat - your not even playing in a band!!" - aaggh - the agony of GAS!!!