u/Gold-Secretary-8963

guys, i know what i want in a guitar but i dont know a lot about all the different models of strats as ive never been a fender guy. im having a lot of trouble navigating the 50 different options in model/origin/used value while shopping.
lets assume i DO care about the word "fender" on the headstock and am ok with the word "mexico" BUT dont want a bottom of the line MIM like the shitty one my buddy had as a kid that turned me off of strats for 25 years.
comfortable spending up to $$750 or so and would begrudgingly spend up to $1000. totally fine with used to save money.
would prefer
-hss or sss
-7.5-9.5inch radius NOT 12
-c or modern c neck NOT U

ive been eyeing older MIJ strats cause i love my 89 japanese tele. for $600 should i just nab one of those??

OR whats the best bang for your buck fender strat that fits those parameters?

I think i budgeted way too much time. Im gonna add in mt elbert and or massive. but i still think i have 1-2 too many days. plane tickets already purchased and no offense but i do not want to spend my extra time in denver.
give me your best rec on a zero day both east and west side. could be but doesn't have to be town or a resort. ill pack extra food and zero at a lake if you convince me its a good idea.
also i cant find any info on it but does mt princeton hot springs have camping or is it only rooms? id 100% just zero there but i dont wanna pay for a legit room.

thanks guys!

im putting together a partscaster (Sort of). is one of those necks with no machine heads, a ding on the fretboard at the 4th (doesnt bother me personally) and a nut that needs replacing or deep cleaning at best worth $160 plus 25 shipping? i bet i could get it down to 130 or so but is it even worth it or should i spend $250 on the 90s Mij one in great condition with locking fender machine heads? for reference i do not care about the words "mexico" or "Japan" or whether or not it has a maple or rosewood board or whatever. just overall build quality for the money. sorry if i sound dumb. im not a fender guy but i love my tele and i love david gilmour so its about time to get me a strat! i dont know why but i want to piece one together rather than buying turn key

Hey guys! I'm gonna go clockwise from twin lakes starting july 2ndish. im from oregon and used to Cascade and Sierra snow patterns but just curious what ya'all think july might look like this year. should i bring my spikes and or axe or is it as dry out there as it is here?

more importantly
How the hell do i resupply after Monarch spur (mi 68ish i think)? monarch mountain lodge didnt answer my calls or return and email??? do i need to carry 90 miles food from monarch spur or hitch way into town? or am i missing a nearish to trail resupply point on the west side? thanks!