[Diablotin978]

I've been wanting to upgrade guitar for a while now but can't really decided what to pick. I currently have a really cheap copy of a Strat and like a few about it that I would like to have in my next axe. Non-locking trem is a must for me since I change tunings relatively often from E Standart to D Drop C passing by Eb Drop Db so Floyd Rose isn't a good idea. I would like to either have HSS or HH (with coil tapping or splitting of some sort). And S-style body would be prefered but not obligated (but no Flying V, Explorer or weird shape body). I'm playing classic rock, metal and bits of blues. From Green Day to Disturbed including Pink Floyd and Rush are some bands that I regularly play. I have a budget of max 800-850 CAN$ and don't mind picking up packages in the US. I had the new Chapman ML-1 Modern Standart in mind but don't have any other idea. Can somebody please guide me?

 

[Budda]

Buy a used fender standard HSS strat with hard case for $450. Check pauls boutique in toronto often.

 

[Roryfan]

The big headstock Highway 1 & the American Special Strat that it morphed into should have an H-S-H rout. FWIW I snagged a very clean '06 S-S-S Hwy 1 for <$600 & am having it redone as an HSS.

 

[Cups]

Godin - ibanez-
There are a ton of choices. Go out there and play a few: see what sticks

 

[cboutilier]

Something out of the Yamaha RGX line might treat you well. I quite like my HSH RGX121S. Only thing I'm missing from your list is coil spitting, but that's an easy fix

 

[cboutilier]

Buy a used fender standard HSS strat with hard case for $450. Check pauls boutique in toronto often.

I believe the classic vibe Squires are also HSH routed.

 

[1SweetRide]

I have the MIM HSS Stratocaster and it's my go-to guitar in candy apple red. Upgraded it with locking Schaller tuners and ordered a brass bridge block (so I can use standard trem arms). I think I paid under $700.00 Canadian new. Was a deal from GC and I picked it up in New York.