Best Buy lowered MIA Strat prices

Lobotomy Boy · July 4th, 2009, 10:02 PM

Right now Best Buy is selling American Standard Strats from between $899 and $1,199, with most running between $899-$919. They have Eric Johnson models for $1,499. I went in looking for a Gibson Les Paul Studio. I don't really need another Strat--I already have one--but it's damned tempting.

Boris Bubbanov · July 4th, 2009, 10:33 PM

I played the heck out of, but did not buy, a chrome red NOS Eric Johnson over New Years'.

At the Tucson Guitar Center. $ 999.00 . I haven't seen any bargains at Best Buy, but I suppose the home office stores (Minneapolis) would be the place to look. I am not sure, but I hear Best Buy does not even own that stuff; the manufacturer or an agent does.

illinoisboy · July 4th, 2009, 11:03 PM

Doesn't Fender still have a $100 mail in rebate on all american standards as well?? If so, an American Standard for $799 is awfuly tempting.

*Edit*
Yeah, they still do. (Should have looked that up before I posted, sorry, got excited) As long as it is bought before September 15th, from any authorized retailer. Here is the link:

.:: Fender®.com ::.

StratmanNick · July 5th, 2009, 02:12 AM

You've only one Strat Lobotomy Boy?

Sounds like its definatly time to buy another and forget all this Gibo LP nonsense

Strat-Man-Do · July 5th, 2009, 05:07 AM

I have NEVER even been into Best Buy. I have to check it out. Where I am its directly across the highway from Guitar Center.

Is that a Nationwide thing with all Targets selling Fenders and Gibsons now?

Lobotomy Boy · July 5th, 2009, 01:01 PM

Not all Best Buys have music departments, but those that do give GC a run for their money when it comes to inventory.

Stratman Nick, I think you may be correct. There's a Candy Cola/Rosewood version hanging on the wall with an $899 price tag on it. With the $100 rebate, that's $800 for a brand new American Standard. And it's freaking beautiful. The color glows. When I went to bed last night I must have laid there thinking about it for half an hour.

StratmanNick · July 5th, 2009, 05:09 PM

Get It Get It Get It Get It....you know it makes sense.

Seriously though, thats an excellent price.

Is it the very latest spec Strat with bent steel saddles,neck treatment and thinner undercoat etc?? or maybe the outgoing older model?

Lobotomy Boy · July 5th, 2009, 05:16 PM

Yep, it's either 2008 or 2009. Best Buy really didn't get into the musical instrument business to this degree until right around the time the updated American Standard series came out for 2008.

Poseidon9447 · July 5th, 2009, 05:35 PM

The best buy closest to me (about 45 minutes away) does not have a music department any better then Target or Walmart, all they sell is First Act. I wish there was a GC or similar store would open around here. Closest one is at least an hour and a half away, and the closest music store is an hour away(with terrible hours). It is a good thing, if there was a store closer I would be buying new stuff all the time.