Well, i've tried a fender american strat, and at least the way it was set up, it wasnt that good. I liked the American Tele (natural ash), that was a cool guitar, but im getting out of the twangy fender sound, into more of an LP type sound, or even the solo-ey type SG.

Resale isn't really the key issue, but it's something to think about if you ever want that really nice custom built Alembic "Hippie Sandwhich" guitar you've always dreamed of, but was always several thousand dollars over your price limit.