Save me from myself...

I am wavering, and need strength. Please, gods of gear help me in my moment of need

On my birthday, I spoilt myself with a trip to the local Guitar Center, and there I saw a used (but in mint condition) Fender American Professional II Strat in Miami Blue with the rosewood fretboard. It is priced at a bit less than $1,400, almost $300 off a new one.

Not a bad deal, and it is a guitar that I really crave.

I have the money, and it is a beautiful instrument. The electronics are clean and clear, the pickups are punchy for single coil pickups, and frankly, I love the Miami Blue color.

But, I do not need a new guitar. I have two perfectly amazing electrics, and two kick ass acoustics, and I can’t play more than one at a time.

No, I really do not need it. But I want it.

Now, the reality.

I had played one once, and I have to admit that I absolutely hated the neck. It just felt like a baseball bat in my hand (ok, that is a tad bit extreme, but it really felt not comfortable to play).

Also, I am a hard rock person at heart, and while I can appreciate the growl of good single coil pickups, I just prefer a humbucker in the bridge position. Hey, it’s gotta go ‘chunk’ when I am palm muting, and I have never felt good with that via a single coil.

Lastly, it is a lot of money on a whim. Sure, I can afford it, but I don’t need it.

So, I will avoid the impulse purchase – for now. But one day, I will add a true Fender Stratocaster to my collection, one that I will enjoy playing. Today is not that day though.