very pi@$ed AND ANGRY

When you get into the realm of the "Made in the USA" strats, they are all well built guitars. It's more a matter of what non standard features you want - noiseless single coil pickups, locking tuning machines, etc. Mine is an American Standard, but it's 14 years old now. The only difference I see from it and the "Standard" now is that mine has the saddle "blocks" that are on the deluxe whereas the standard now has the bent steel saddles. Some consider the bent steel saddles more "traditional" and create a more authentic strat sound. I have no idea of how true that is - visually the block saddles are more sturdy and well build than the bent ones.

I've read that the Floyd rose can be a real pain in the arse to keep in tune.

Do a little bit of research and venture out to GC when you have a lot of time to spare. I actually hate guitar shopping - it's very stressful. I'm afraid no matter how much time I spend in the store checking it out that I'll find something I'm not happy with when I get home. Both of my electrics were bought at guitar center and in both cases I bought something different than I set out to based on my research. Same thing with my amp. That's why I will never buy and instrument or an amp sight unseen online.

Best of luck in your search. Let us know what you choose and how you make out!

Don't be afraid of a Floyd Rose. I had a couple of guitars with Floyds. The key to it is ensuring it has a proper set up and you take due care with it.

Mine did not often go out of tune (no more than the non-Floyd guitars I've had). Other things like tuning and stringing? Not a pain unless you like to complain a lot. I did not find it a pain at all.

It's a matter of preference.

Jeff65 - It's funny you mention that. A friend of mine had a Floyd rose Ibanez back in the 80's and never complained about keeping it in tune. But I've read in various places recently that it is a pain to keep in tune.

I'm sure you are right - personal preference. I can't be any worse than keeping the standard floating bridge of a strat in tune - now that was a PITA! Things are much simpler now that I have it tensioned down against the body of my guitar! If I need to use a whammy bar, I'll probably buy an Ibanez...with a Floyd rose :-).

Originally Posted by: maggior That's why I will never buy and instrument or an amp sight unseen online.

Who can argue that playing a guitar or amp prior to purchase is always best? Similarly, who can argue that beginners may not be able to hear the difference -- especially between gear of the same make and model. While differences in fit and feel might be detectable for a beginner it's not so easy when it comes to sound, IMO.

But I agree...it's important to play before pay. [U]However[/U];

Slavish adherence to the rule of thumb can be costly. From Sweetwater through an EBay listing I bought a [U]new[/U] Ovation 12-string for $1000 to $1200 under what any other retailer has the model listed. Likewise, I gained a used but unmarked Gibson 336 for several hundred dollars under what other retailers/EBay listings were selling.

The key to my 'luck' I believe is patience while in the market for such guitars and reliance on high quality models of high quality brands.

Oh...one more thing. Not everybody has access to what they're looking for. In my community there are no Guitar Centers. More to the point, there are no Ovations, there are no Gibson 336's...

John - you make some good points. I have researched guitars and stuff online and there are deals to be had. My personal experience makes me reluctant.

I've heard great things about sweetwater where they will help you over the phone and take back instruments if there are problems. I would probably deal with then. When you are looking for something specific, it makes it easier.

I've always lived where there were a number of music stores around - large and otherwise, so I'm spoiled in that regard.

what i can say about sweetwater is they are the best in online buying,yes if for any reason at all they will take it back,you have 30 days to return it for a full refund.what i like about buying from SW is they really do get to know who you are,i spent countless hours on the phone with the rep,just talking about gear playin guitar ect.when you call and make your first purchase thats the guy u will get all the time.and thats worth allot,he knows what you have ,and dont have,he will neverchase u off the phone after a purchase,and they are all very knowledgeable.the down side off SW they dont macth prices....oh and if ur buying a guitar,they do a 55 point inspection on it,so its ready too hit the stage straight out the box.i like MF cause i get much better deals,no phone support just better prices.

Hey Axe2 - I've done a bunch of business with MF, but that's been more for audio equipment, stands, strings...no instruments though. Thanks for the info on sweetwater. If the day comes that I buy another guitar, I'll keep them in mind.

My Ovation purchase was my first dealing with Sweetwater. Boy, was I impressed!!!

Multiple emails from multiple people congratulating me on the purchase, a phone call from my now personal rep assuring me about the pending shipment and answering questions or promising to call back with answers. True to her word about the call back and we had an half-hour chat about guitar, music, our backgrounds, etc. She talked about her training, past experience and her love for her job. I thought we were gonna have a relationship! ;) She also offered me discounts for referrals I send her way (listen up, y'all :D). Another SW rep sent a slew of studio-quality photos of my new guitar while I was awaiting its arrival...

Yup...Sweetwater impressed me big time!