Good HSS strat that won´t break the bank?

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amp maniac

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I´m looking for a good HSS strat. I´m looking for something light, resonant, and most importantly not too plastic feeling (like a squier classic vibe strat I played recently that sounded ok, but felt horrible).
I will be using it for 80s session tones like Landau, Huff, Luke, so no modern metal.

What comes to mind? I don´t care at all which name is on the headstock, used is fine too.
 
Fender modern players strat. 326.00 dollars HSS config. yes its made in china but it is a very solid strat I have had one for a year and it feels great and looks good and sound surprisingly strong. see through charcoal on the ground in the picture.
 

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Run the rack at a Guitar Center and pick the best Strat in you price range. Sometimes it might be MIM or even Squier. It's kinda hit or miss.
 
cardinal":f4ixkuk1 said:
Run the rack at a Guitar Center and pick the best Strat in you price range. Sometimes it might be MIM or even Squier. It's kinda hit or miss.
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Great advice.

The Musicman Luke model is nice as well, but it does have active pickups (which isnt bad, just different) and im not sure about its price.

Id just get a American Std or Deluxe.
 
Suhr Pro series, or a Schecter USA (saw a candy apple on TGP for $1400) both are killer
 
I have a Suhr S-4 HSH splitable pickups flame maple cap mahogany body and neck I would consider parting with if that floats your boat..SS frets too. Was a special run of Mahogany bodies guitar with mahogany necks. I have 2 only reason I would consider parting with this one. Its red with White PG and pickups. PM me if interested. Special guitar. Has balls for a Super strat, Mahognay adds something for sure. Or Suhr...
 
If you want to keep around $500 or so and have basic setup/tech skills, I'd recommend the Carvin Bolt Plus kit or even maybe find a used Carvin Bolt or similar on ebay/craigslist.
 
Thanks for the input!
I read that both MIM strats and Squier strats can be good sometimes, you just have to find the right one. I prefer to keep it under 500, so that may be the route I have to go.
What do you guys think about the LTD series? There´s the ST-213 series wich also comes with HSS configuration and without a FR. It´s neck is not painted which is also a plus for me.
 
If you look on GC used website there's a thousand used Strats, you can get a used HSS Mexican Strat for $250-300 all day. I would go with a Fender over the LTD. LTD is not a direct swap with the millions of Fender parts out there if you want to make changes. The LTD screams budget guitar IMO. Look at some 90s to early 2000's if you don't want the dipped in poly neck.
 
look for an early 90's fender HRR (hot rod reissue) start. They had a 50's and a 60's (basically maple or rosewood). Floyd rose, HSS, dimarzio in the bridge, great value and terrific guitar. Made in Japan. You should be able to find one for about $500.
 
Find a used G&L Legacy HB. They're a steal at what they go for used. $6-700 for something that feels better than any USA made strat I've ever played.
 
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