I had that $600 Martin DM-1 Dreadnought. The one in satin finish... it was one of my favorite acoustics ever, I liked it better than the early 90s Taylor 614 I had.

While you're clearly a good son, i can't get behind that strat purchase.

Then again, it's what he wants.... I'm glad I don't have to spend my money on a strat, even as a gift.

you dont like strats or you wouldnt buy a new one (or both)?

Pat, I hold PoD's opinion in high regard on this subject but I think you'll find that he likes what he likes.

He likes vintage stuff and new gear that is super high end.

well that was sort of my point.

I like vintage gear, and vintage inspired newer gear that has a classic aesthetic. Strats just aren't my jam. Teles rule though. And I love hollows and semi hollows and I vastly prefer single coils to hums, especially p 90s and soapbars. I think its awesome that you love your dad and you can share something like that. I share nothing with my family.

im really torn, i should just ask him but he would never let me buy him something nice

Patrick ask him nothing more. Don't spoil it... your guts are correct.

So he likes strats, and he likes classic guitars that hold value. Of the 2 you listed, the ivory guitar is a dreamboat and the grey highway 1 is kinda meh. I like strats too - I have 3. I PREFER teles, but not for everything. SO I get where he's coming from. So if you're going to shoot for something that's a classic even though it may happen to be new, that ivory strat is right up there. Why?

1. It's unique enough without being gaudy. The matching headstock and silver logo are very nice touches.
2. It's got the most sensible modern fender tech stuff (delta tone, micro tilt neck adjust, rolled fret edges) without being too modern for the sake of modern.
3. It's in great shape (new, right? or close to it?) and is fairly priced.

If he digs strats he should get a boner for that one.

Also I can dig for others, but only if you'd like help.

any help you guys can offer is appreciated. i looked for the deluxe plus teles and they are all around 1700 used. i went and played a few martins today that i think he would like, but he is really fond of his seagull and is pretty meh about the two electrics he has - seems like thats the logical choice.

my dad and i are barely 16 years apart. we grew up together so we have many similar interests.

anyone ever played a vintage Fender Starcaster?

I've only seen Leo Nocentelli (Meters) and Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead) play one.

Holy fucking shit really?! I swear I got this one, what, 8 years ago? And it was $750 I think, maybe 8.

almost bought one from a pawn shop, I went with the jaguar instead...BIGGEST FUCKING MISTAKE EVER!

I need you guitar geeks to pick me out a guitar

yeah those starcasters arent cheap neither

Electric or acoustic?

electric

I'd go for a either a Mexican Strat or Tele. (Fender's "standard" models are made in Mexico)

I have a 2006 Mexican Strat and the quality is really really good. The pickups are the only thing that I don't love and that's all personal preference.

Plus it's easy to upgrade pickups.

I should disclose that I only have an acoustic guitar and I really can't play. But I've always wanted to really learn and I decided that I need to make it happen sooner rather than later.

Do you have a price range?

I've always encouraged anyone who has ever thought about picking it up to do so immediately. Even if you don't have any natural inclination towards it you can still learn enough that it'll give you enjoyment the rest of your life. There is something infinitely satisfying about learning a song you like from start to finish.

I know I'll never be great at it but I still fucking love playing.

thats a great outlook. ive been playing for 20 years and will never be great, but i love being competent enough to pick it up, play a chord progression and sing a song at the drop of a hat. no skill at solos or anything advanced but its still great fun.

Do I have a price range? No. Does my wife have a price range? Yes. I'd like to stay under a $1,000. The closer to 500 the better. That said, I'd probably pay whatever necessary if it meant that I'd be happy with it for 10yrs. I only want to play for my own self enjoyment.

Nothing to add to this except:
Patrick? Will you be my son for a little while?

Wes Freed (DBT cover artist) just completed artwork for a new used guitar site and posted it to his FB page. Looks like a relatively new site, so not a lot to offer just yet.

May be worth monitoring...

http://www.usedguitar.com/