That depends entirely on what you'll be using it for. I would pick the standard strat over the MM, but I would pick something else entirely if allowed a third option. A used real LP with two pickups wouldn't be too far from a new MM. Any electric made by Cort (even a couple artist models) is in your budget and they make some very fine instruments. Or check out Tradition guitars, they have one hell of a reputation for giving mucho geetar for your hard earned $$.