Buying my first USED guitar...need some advice

[semi-hollowbody]

Ive been in the market for a fender stratocaster...looked at players series, the deluxe, and the classic 60's...also considered Highway one...

I just found two used American Standard strats...$700 RANGE...am going to look at/play them tonight...is there anything to look out for as far as serial numbers that might indicate a bad run? basically other than the obvious (playabiity, fret work, neck and action, electronics) I was hoping for some tips to help make sure I dont pick a dud...

any tips?? Thanx in advance! :)

[mysticaxe]

I don't think you'll be able to tell much from serial numbers. Play them, if they sound and play good, then go for it! Generally, acoustic tone and vibration correlates well with good plugged in tone. If the strings are worn to crap, then it may be hard to separate gunky strings from the guitar.

[5E3]

Looks like you have it covered to me. I'm not aware of any "bad run" you might ID by serial; there are likely a few lemons in every run based on wood variations.

If you find one that meets your "obvious" criteria, you should be good to go!

Enjoy the hunt and don't forget to post pics when you get it :)

Cheers!

[c_mac]

Wow! Your first used guitar? How many guitars do you/have you owned?

[semi-hollowbody]

3 new guitars (epiphone)
I am ready for my first higher end axe but will let someone else pay the new price...

thanks for the advice so far! :)

[straightblues]

Check prices and make sure you don't overpay. Check both new and used prices. If you don't overpay, you can always sell it and get you money back if you don't like it.

[semi-hollowbody]

arent there japanese and american made american standards??
Any significant difference between the two??

[semi-hollowbody]

I looked at 2 used 2007 american standard strats...liked them both
a black one for $625
and a sun burst for $700...I offered him $650 out the door for the sun burst strat...waiting for the call...

they both sounded excellent plugged into a twin and unplugged...plenty of resonance, no noticable damage or bad frets...

[BluesForDan]

3 new guitars (epiphone)
I am ready for my first higher end axe but will let someone else pay the new price...

thanks for the advice so far! :)

If only I stopped buying new after my third :jo

but will let someone else pay the new price...

worth repeating

[treeofpain]

No, there are not any American Standards that were made in Japan.

For the record, I have played dozens of American Standard Strats and have never run across a lemon. Just chreck them out as you would any guitar, and you'll probably be fine.

[semi-hollowbody]

I got the call...$675 for guitar and case...nice plush lined hardshell, looks road worthy...my DRRI is salivating, awaiting the new strat...my peavey classic not so much ;)