Originally Posted by: hunter1801Guitar Center is ALWAYS having some sort of sale. You can find a Strat there for around $500-$600 during some of their big sales. Thats what I paid for mine.

As far as model goes, I've never heard of a Deluxe MiM, but thats probably just because I don't read up on stuff like that. All you need is a Standard American Strat.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-American-Standard-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar-515748-i1385900.gc

I know. GC is having a big sale on the 18th. I test drove the model you linked above, and compared to the deluxe MiM, I found the MiM more playable.

I just lost a bid on Ebay for a 40th anniversary model, near mint. The winning bid was $687.77- I lost by a few bucks. Here
s the link- a real beauty, and the finish I wanted it in: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120218317765

But I won a bid on a MiM Strat last night for $307.07: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=350021806219&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=022

Something just drew me to this guitar- not exactly the finish I wanted, but I'll see how it is when I get it. Worse come to worse, I'll mod it, or resell it. Sorry to break your heart :D