Fender Strat Prices

[toddw7]

I know this is a mostly an Ibanez forum but I trust the opinions of people on here so I thought I'd ask this: What's the best price I could get a new american strat for? They sell for like $950 in mail order catalogs but I know if you go to Guitar Center you can negotiate the price down. I wonder what the lowest they can go is? If anyone knows that would be cool to hear.

I'm trying to decide between a used RG550 and an american strat. If the price of a new american strat can be negotiated down to like $600 then I'd probably get the strat over the RG550 (even though a used 550 is cheaper, it closes the gap a lot). Anyways that part is probably off topic, but just wanted to let you know there is SOME ibanez relation in this

[Demiurge]

The only American Strat I've seen around $600 is their highway one series, which has that flat finish, which IMHO doesn't really look good. Some guitars in their MIM line flirt with that price point, too, so I don't think you'll be able to find one new for that little. Would it bother you to get one used?

[Gresh]

Yeah, the only way you're getting a US strat for $600 is if it's used. Chains will usually go to 40% off list as their "take it or leave it" for the common customer. If you happen to know the manager personally or are a repeat customer that spends lots of money in the store, they will wiggle more for you, but only to a limit. Their systems will only let them go so low, and before they get near that limit they usually need some sort of approval.

I actually highly recommend the mexican strats if you replace the pups, they are a good value.

[lloop9]

Will $950 get you a Japanese strat from Ishibashi or Ikebe? Maybe that will be worth a shot...

[jim777]

950 buys a whole lot of Strat! I personally like the Highway 1 series guitars a lot, especially the Teles. A Japanese Strat would be worth checking out though, certainly.
The necks on 550's and Strats are very different as are the pickups. What is it you're looking for exactly, besides a bolt on? 600 or so buys a lot of guitar; I just got a Carvin DC400 for less than that.

[King Knall]

IMHO the higher-end Mex series are certainly awesome. My Classic 50's Strat is hands down the best Strat I've played yet (okay, I might be slightly biased here but I simply love my Strat.

[frankfalbo]

Also in the $950 range I'd be seriously looking at G&L's if I were you. If you're having trouble deciding between a 550 and a strat, the G&L trem is more stable during "floyd-style" trem work than the strat's. You will always be able to get a Fender cheaper than a G&L, but it's not really about that. If you thought you might be spending $700-$950 then a new or used G&L is worth researching.

A Japanese strat is a wonderful compromise too. In fact, I'd much rather have a Japanese strat than a USA one. (but I'd rather have the G&L than either)

[dragsternj]

I just got one on evilbay for 810HSS new and the one before from my local store was 850 SSS.

Both best investments ever made.

[toddw7]

If you check out Harmony Central's gear review database (http://www.harmony-central.com/Guita...caster-01.html) you can see some people bought american standards new for like $650.
Yeah I know the RG550 and the strat differ. I think I'd be happy with either one, but if the price of a new american strat is $600-650 then the difference (in price) between the Strat and a used RG550 isn't as large as I thought. Although I seem to remember I time when RG550s on everybody's favorite auction site were cheaper then they are now. They seem to be going for around $400 used these days...
Just to clarify: I definitely don't want to spend in the $950 range.

[jim777]

You could get an RG550, a pickguard with SSS, and a set of noiseless lace pickups or something, then you'd have the sound, the 24 frets, and the killer trem...

[Rotti]

Am I the only one who doesn't really like the Japan Strats? They just have a certain look and the few I've played haven't impressed me. I'd rather have one of the newer mexican ones.