Thanks for the advice guys.

I have no issues with second hand amps, but I feel a bit like a second hand guitar is up there with second hand underwear. In theory it should clean up just fine, but I'd be a bit icked out knowing that there was more than just Leo Fender's DNA in my guitar. I realise I'm the odd man out in thinking like that, but best to state my position on second hand guitars so we're all on the same page.

I've heard a few horror stories about Fender's quality control in recent years, and that you're pretty much paying for the brand name alone.
  • Is this an exaggeration?
  • Is G&L QC much better?
  • Are there other guitar manufacturers producing professional quality strats without charging "brand reputation" prices?