The strat is a beautifull and dependable axe. I have a custom one from the CA custom Shop. But .... I must say... If you are used to playing any other guitar, be aware of the very close proximity of the volume control knob and the strings. It is very easy to slide the side of your palm along the knob while strumming and drop your volume. Can be very embarrassing--especially if you were in the middle of show-boating to that hottie in front of the band. An easy fix is to open up the faceplate and swap positions of the treble POT and volume POT. A drop in treble is not as noticable as a drop in volume. That's just one tele-man's opinion.