Here’s the next thing that’s going to destroy my left wrist, apart from the drums and the keyboard (the computer variety… although… if I found a piano somewhere…).

I stepped into Samuel Music, with the intention of try out some Fender Stratocasters. That’s it. Just try them out. I went straight for the electronic guitar section.

There it was. The Fender Stratocaster Standard, as well as the HHS version, with the hot humbuckler action. The manager of the store was super nice to me, demoing me the guitar with his crazy finger work. I got to hear the difference between the rosewood and the maple, as well as the Standard and the HHS. Also, I got to hear what a tube amp sounded like, and how much I’ve been missing out with my 15W practice amps.

The deal was 10% off, and this was still cheaper than Internet prices. I would have to deal with shipping and handling with the Tubes, and returns would be a hassle. Plus, the fact that they do two yearly checkups for phree… made me quite happy. Fender has a lifetime warranty on their stuff (minus Squires)? Sign me up.

In the end, I bought the Standard (this model), with the biting sound with that 3rd single-coil pickup that makes the Strat so unique. The maple neck only makes the classic even more classic-er. Sweet.

At this point, I’m still a little confused at the dials and the 5-position blade switch, as well as how I’m going to get as much juice as I can out of the 15W speakers… without going crazy and buying tube amps.

So is this the next big thing? (I haven’t said “world’s”.) The next hobby? I have another post on what’s been flawed with the ways I’ve been setting my goals, and how I let the things out of my control get the best of me, and not how the things out of my control have gotten the best of me.

Regardless, I ended up with a guitar that looks extremely close to… the Rock Band guitar. I really wanted a red one, but they didn’t have the maple neck. I totally did not mean for this to happen. Is there some kind of subconscious process that got me to this point?

As with a lot of things, Rock Band and the whole music genre of video games have affected me greatly. It’s almost akin to how I believe violent people tend to play violent video games; From the beginning, I wanted to play the guitar and the drums better. This game only furthered my appreciation for music.

But enough about this blogging business, and let me go rock. For realz.

When’s that Ion Drum Rocker review? Um… worth the $300. Done. Oh, for pictures, go to:

I also have a quick tour of the apartment. Enjoy.