My first guitar was a white SSS Strat copy, bought from Sears. It didn't take long to realize that the single in the bridge just didn't fit with my style of playing (hard rock and metal).

I went to "superstrat" style guitars, although they all play and sound completely different from the real deal. My wife gave me a MIM Fat Strat in 2006.

It's incredibly versatile. With the bridge 'bucker, I get the thicker tones needed for hard rock. Flipping the pickup switch, the 'bucker splits, and I can get those cool Strat "quack" tones. Clean tones sound fantastic on the neck and neck/middle postitions. I think a pup swap would make it sound even better.

Bored? Hardly. Indeed, this MIM Strat opened up a whole world of subtelty to my playing. I no longer want to do just hypergain chuggachugga.

But, now I want to explore the world further. A set neck or neck through guitar will be my next purchase, with double 'buckers, preferrably with a 24.75" scale.

You're right about one thing, though... Strats are used too often in blues music these days. It's impossible to deny the SRV influence. Play a V, or a Tele, or a Paul (like Joe B.), don't automatically go for the Strat!