Hey guys, wanted ur opinion.

I got $500 working at my new job (high schooler), and i want a new guitar.

My Carvin is fine, but i want more of a Strat Shape kinda guitar.

Maybe a Floyd, but not a routed one, so its not a pain in the but to restring

I've been thinking about

Gary Kramer Crusader Deluxe Crusader Deluxe

Schecter Damien Elite
Damien Elite Musicians Friend

Fender Strat HSS

But I'll take reccomendations

Best guitars for that kind of money mate are the early Japanese made Ibanez RG's, ala RG550, RG560, RG570, RG750, RG760, RG770DX etc. Those models probably represent the best pound for pound guitars that Ibanez ever made and they'll easily stand up to Jems etc.

Out of those ones you listed I would choose the Crusader Deluxe for sure.

I dont know about buying used guitars.

A guitar thats 15 years old would have used up frets, no?

Depends on the individual guitar but you can pick up early 90's guitars that still have plenty of life left in the frets no probs.

Yea and its worth it to have one of those older ibanez's. i played one once and now im saving pennies to buy one. also i heard some dude in new york bought a near perfect condition RG770 for like 170 bucks or something at a pawn shop.:wacko: You never know what you can find there! :)

My buddy got an RG550 for $250 on ebay.

That's one lucky buddy. i can't believe i spent $400 on my 350ex <_<

$170 for an RG770, damn that is an absolute steal. Wish there were pawn shops like that near me.

ImitationShredder: You're looking to buy an Ibanez?? Anything catch your eye yet. Which model are you hoping to buy?? Cheers!!

I'm sure i metioned it in some other post but i think i will reply to this one as well. I'm currently looking for any of the late 80's early 90's RG's. The color dosent really matter to me, as long it dosent have the word "FAG" or "Jessie Wuz Hur" scratched into the paint. I really want one with a maplefret board. I've heard some good things about the 770 reissue but that's out my price range and I've heard bad things about the 550 reissue. If any one sees anything online( that they don't want for themselves) tell me. Alhough i wont have enough for it till some time next year.

Those guitars you mentioned pop up for sale on ebay all the time and the original models are just as good, in fact a lot of guys prefer the old late 80's/early 90's models anyway.