Originally Posted by: eransh10Hi all,
I'm a newbie and currently I play a 99$ squite strat. I'm looking for a 2nd guitar (something a bit better) and I noticed this guitar: Peavey AT-200.
Anyone has any input about that guitar? I like the auto tuning for that guitar but I wonder how it plays and do any of you have experience with it ?
If not - what guitar would you get if you were me ?

Thanks,
Eran.

Hey Eran,

Here's my $0.02. If you want to stay in the Strat family, I believe you will be hard pressed to find a better value than a Fender Std. Strat MiM. Here's what I am currently doing.

After watching these three videos, Squier vs Fender,
Fender made in Mexico vs made in American made Stratocaster and then finally Mods anyone can do to their Fender Strat * by Phillip "The Guitar Professor" McKnight* you will understand to a very high level the entire Strat market.

My nearly mint MiM Strat, is receiving locking tuners, an input jack upgrade, a bone nut upgrade, locking strap buttons, and a set of Custom Shop '69 pickups. Just to make the package complete, lets throw in $70 for for the new style bridge found on the $1500 and up Deluxes. For $378 for the guitar, plus about $308 in parts, I am now in at about $686 and I have an axe that is not only virtually indistinguishable from the $1500+ Deluxe in both look feel and performance, but I also have THE consummate full time gigging Strat at better than a two for one price.

Finally. Regarding that "lowly" Squire currently residing in your hot little hand. If you have paid the $50 or so plus strings for a professional setup of the guitar, the following scene could just as easily happen to you at the next "Youtube Orphan Guitars for Orphans Telethon":

Me: Mr. Knopfler sir, I have some good news and some bad news sir.

Knof: Right! Let´s have it.

Me: Sir, your Diamond Encrusted One Of a Kind Custom Shop Super Strat has been detained by Customs. Something about unregistered South African blood diamonds. Extra bloody. I don't know what that means but it sounds pretty bad.

Knof: Bloody hell! What's the good news?

Me: Sir, your pedals all made it through OK. They are all on stage, setup and ready to go. sir, I hooked my own Squier up for you.

Knof: Squier??? Are you frickin' kidding me??

Me: Sir. I am NOT kidding. Stiff upper lip and all that sir. I need you to get out there right now and burn the house down! Give her a try sir she handles pretty nicely. The orphans are counting on it!



Knof: Not as good as my guitar. But that was pretty damn good!



It COULD happen to you 8-^) How much do you want to spend? And do you like the Strat? Has it been setup by a good guitar tech?

* I just coined that name "The Guitar Professor" a la Chris Berman 8-)