New Strats - where is the sweet spot, value wise?

BRISTOL86

As per title really - with regards new Strats - where is the sweet spot in terms of bang for buck? Let's say max budget of £1500, what would you be looking at?

ICBM

Mexican Classic Series

BRISTOL86

ICBM said:

Mexican Classic Series

Certainly heard a lot of good things about them!

guitars4you

I know you said new, but IMO you'll get more for your money if you went used - for example

Eric Johnson Strat - the original version with no fingerboard binding and buy used to fit in the budget - should get as new mint etc for less than £1500 - more of a vintage flavoured model with a few player friendly tweaks

I don't dislike a good used USA Strat Deluxe - but change the noiseless p/ups and you will have funds for both - more modern spec'd

below that and into Mex territory IMO the Classic Players are awesome for the price

BRISTOL86

Thanks guys. Believe it or not I’ve actually never gone into a store and played a bunch of guitars and walked out with the one I like.

I really want to do that...!

That was the main reason for looking to buy new but I do appreciate that obviously considering used will give me more options. 

rlw

rlw

I have been trying extremely hard not to buy the above Classic Player 50s in Shoreline Gold for some months now, depsite being obsessed with it.

p90fool

ICBM said:

Mexican Classic Series

Exactly this. They sound and feel more like a vintage Strat than the more expensive US Standards, you have to get into the silly prices of US vintage reissues to rival them IMO. 

rossi

I like the American special but you have to like Jumbo frets.

guitars4you

BRISTOL86 said:

Thanks guys. Believe it or not I’ve actually never gone into a store and played a bunch of guitars and walked out with the one I like.

I really want to do that...!

That was the main reason for looking to buy new but I do appreciate that obviously considering used will give me more options. 

wait until 29th April and the Guitar Show hits Aston Gate again (sure you know where it is ) - should provide a decent selection of used if needs be

Must be enough new dealers in town who have good selection - PMT for starters

BRISTOL86

guitars4you said:

BRISTOL86 said:

Thanks guys. Believe it or not I’ve actually never gone into a store and played a bunch of guitars and walked out with the one I like.

I really want to do that...!

That was the main reason for looking to buy new but I do appreciate that obviously considering used will give me more options. 

wait until 29th April and the Guitar Show hits Aston Gate again (sure you know where it is ) - should provide a decent selection of used if needs be

Must be enough new dealers in town who have good selection - PMT for starters

Thanks mate. Yeah I was going to head to PMT to peruse the new section. I have an Am Special at present which I do like but I have no point of reference (and I hate the big headstock!)

bbill335

ICBM said:

Mexican Classic Series

Or 80s tokai for the smaller necks

crunchman

I'd agree about the Mexican Classic Series.  For me the best Strats have the vintage style bridge.  If you gave me a choice of a Mexican Classic Series or an American Standard (or Pro or whatever they are calling them now) I'd take the Mexican one.

The Classic Series is different from the Classic Player which has the modern style bridge.

If you have the budget, used Custom Shop would be good when you consider potential resale value.  A couple of years ago you could have got one for £1500, but with the price hikes on the new ones you might be looking at £1600 in a private sale or more from a shop now.

Lebarque

Is there a difference between Classic Series and Classic Player? And where do the lacquer models fit in?

Schnozz

G&L or Tokai at around £600 - £800

You don't need to spend more than that for a top quality Stratocaster

mistercharlie

Lebarque said:

Is there a difference between Classic Series and Classic Player? And where do the lacquer models fit in?

Classic Players have a two-point trem, and a modern 9.5 inch radius. Classic Series has all the golden oldies. The Classic Players get very very good user reviews. 

ICBM

Lebarque said:

Is there a difference between Classic Series and Classic Player? And where do the lacquer models fit in?

Classic Series are accurate vintage reissues, Classic Player have some modern upgrades, eg the 2-post bridge on the Strats.

The ‘Lacquer’ series are Classics with a nitro finish - although I would guess that like the CS ones, the bodies are nitro over polyester.

meltedbuzzbox

Personally I would go used Custom shop if you really do want to spend £1500.

Failing that used USA standards are always worth a look at £500 - £600.

I dont see the sense in buying new when you have a shed load of choice used.

BRISTOL86

meltedbuzzbox said:

Personally I would go used Custom shop if you really do want to spend £1500.

Failing that used USA standards are always worth a look at £500 - £600.

I dont see the sense in buying new when you have a shed load of choice used.

It’s not that I really want to spend £1500 - just that I wouldn’t really go above that because I don’t think it’s worth it at my level of ability (plus I’m not rich!!) I’d happily spend £300 instead if it was the one that felt and sounded right for me.

I’m no label/price snob tbh. 

My reason for wanting to buy new was like I said - I’ve never been into a guitar store and just played a shedload of guitars to work out what I like the feel and sound of. Mad I know. Feels like a fundamental rite that I’ve missed out on.

Nowhere near me to get that with used gear. Even if I don’t end up buying new at least it will give me more of an inkling for what I want (this will be an only guitar after all)

Im even planning on playing guitars that aren’t Strats  that’ll be a first for me! Maybe I’ll walk out with something else!!

meltedbuzzbox

you can get a lot of guitar for £800 new. You can get a lot more for £800 used.
Definitely go and waste a day playing everything you can in a shop. Its a good learning experience.

GoldenEraGuitars

Build your own.