Question:
I'm looking to buy a strat ($500-700) . Which one do you like and why?
Ed

Answer:
I like the standard MiM Strat. Find a good one that's finished good...nice neck-to-body fit etc etc. Then spend a little extra upgrading the parts. Swap out electronics and pups for quality ones, replace the tuners with locking ones, replace the nut with a bone nut and you would have a VERY nice instrument that would rival a much more expensive Strat tone wise and playability wise.
If you don't want to get involved with that, I suppose a good all-in-one would be the Highway One Strats....if you like the finish that's on it. Still though, you may want to check out the upgrades I mentioned. I'd still do all those upgrades even on a USA Strat also, so may as well not spend so much.
But your mileage may vary. But bottom line, get out there and pick them up and get a feel for yourself. Plug them in, test each one, see which one you like the best.

Answer:
If you're looking for something in a vintage style, the 50s or 60s Classic Players are pretty cool. The Highway One and Light Ash Strats might be a great modern alternative, but they're a little over your $700 limit.
D

Answer:
A used G&L Legacy. :thu:
The quality and fit and finish of higher end strats made in much of the same way that custom shop Fenders are made for much less money.

Answer:
The fits perfectly into your price range. If you dig gold hardware, it has some very good specs, and plays/sounds very good.

Answer:
HWY 1 - great playing and great sounding strat (I have an hss).

Answer:
Classic Player.

Answer:
how do the vintage noiseless pickups stack up?

Answer:
I took a mim upgraded to lindy fralin blues specials with bass plate and blender pot. Wilkinson 2 point tremelo,sperzels,graphite nut and bass frets. It really kicks the butt of my americans. The only strat that is just a little better is my Anderson.

Answer:
I took a mim upgraded to lindy fralin blues specials with bass plate and blender pot. Wilkinson 2 point tremelo,sperzels,graphite nut and bass frets. It really kicks the butt of my americans. The only strat that is just a little better is my Anderson. That's certainly one choice, I did almost the same thing. Started with a MIM Standard, swapped in a set of Lollars with all new electronics including a blender circuit, locking Schallers, strap locks and full copper shielding. It's one of my best sounding guitars, but with a new tweed case, I have well over $700 in it.
D

Answer:
A nice used American Deluxe would be my pick for that range of $'s.
M

Answer:
The fits perfectly into your price range. If you dig gold hardware, it has some very good specs, and plays/sounds very good. :thu:

Answer:
See if you can find yourself a Koa Strat. They're about that price range and are IMHO jawdroppingly stunning!

Answer:
Wow! love the Koa strat. I wonder how it sounds.

Answer:
Wow! love the Koa strat. I wonder how it sounds. Like any other Strat.
To me I go for tone and playability over looks. For instance my MIM Strat looks bad...to me. The bursts on the MIM have kind of weak colors to my eyes. But the fit and finish, the feel and the playability were the best when I was testing them out in the store.

Answer:
HSS MIM or the 70s Classic :thu:

Answer:
CP 50's works for me. Great tone, super quality... and MIM price!

Answer:
I'm really happy with my classic player 60's strat, beautiful, with cs 69's AY pups and cs tremolo, great deal if you like that vibe. :love:
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