Should I buy a Fender Stratocaster on eBay?

Edward, there is nothing wrong with buying on eBay, despite those that will tell you that you must play a guitar before making a purchase. The key is to ask as many questions as it takes to make you feel comfortable about the guitar, no matter how trivial they may seem regarding its condition and originality. Further, do your research to know what you will be receiving in terms of component quality, playability, and workmanship.

Unfortunately, there are those that claim excellence in condition and complete originality, and then deliver something quite different. The good part is that if the guitar arrives in a condition significantly different than described, you have the option of returning it for a refund; this holds true whether or not the seller "allows" returns, just make sure to pay for it via PayPal for extra insurance against fraud. Best regards, Dana

P.S. If it is the guitar at http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-1996-Fender-Strat... , it appears to be a Fender Special Run because of the color, but still seems way overpriced to me for a pre-owned 1996 MIA Stratocaster.

Dana gave you a great answer.

Most veteran guitarists will tell you to play a guitar before you buy it, but it is mostly in the case of a brand new guitar. If you want a brand new guitar, there is no reason not to go someplace where you can play it. If you play a brand new one you like, buy THAT guitar. Not another one they get from the back room. Couldn't even tell you how many sales people I've confused over the years by insisting that I wanted the floor model when they offered to get me an unplayed one from the back. The floor model was the one I liked, not the one still in the box back there.

A used guitar that is no longer made is a different story. You are unlikely to find a 90's Stratocaster that you can actually play. I generally avoid eBay when looking for a brand new guitar, but if I want a vintage or discontinued one there is nothing wrong with buying it there.

If you want that PARTICULAR Sonic Blue 90s American Standard Stratocaster, buy it. If you don't especially care what year or color it is, go to Guitar Center and play all the Strats they have in your price range until you find one you like the feel of.

I'm sorry but if you can't make time to make a trip to GC when you're planning to buy a fairly expensive guitar I just don't know how to respond to that. Every guitarist I know looks for any reason to visit the guitar store. Saying you don't have time when making a purcahse like this doesn't make you sound like much of a guitar enthusist. That being said, my guess is it won't matter too much where you buy it...and I'll just leave it at that.