Yamaha Pacifica to Fender Strat - worth it?

[hungryhungry123]

Hi
I started playing guitar about a year ago, and bought a pacifica 112 after loads of recommendations, and loved it. The thing is, ive managed to damage it and so its going to cost quite a bit to repair.

Do you guys think it would be worth getting a whole new guitar? I'd spend up to £300 if it would be noticeably better. Friends have recommended something like the Fender Stratocaster as an ideal upgrade, can anyone give any advice? I like to play a mix of rock and indie, bands such as David Bowie, Wolfmother, Bloc Party, Velvet Underground, Hendrix (well, attempted hendrix), We Are Scientists, Oasis... You get the picture. Thanks!

 

[hungryhungry123]

Hmmm... I might get in touch with the guy, is that you?

Id still like to hear opinions on whether it would be a noticeable upgrade- damn nice looking guitar tho

 

[hungryhungry123]

Thanks for the replies. I think - think - im just about settled on getting the Mexican "Fat" Standard Strat (either HSS or HH, not sure about the differences right now) for around £370 - also I've decided to increase the budget a bit to the £400 area.

I visited a couple of guitar shops today and explained my situation, one guy was adament that an Ibanez (R350 i believe, at around £300) was my best bet - the other shops confirmed what I previously thought though, that the Strat would give me the better range of sounds, especially when clean... He also recommended looking into the Epiphone range, has anyone had any experience with these?

Finally - as im still a relatively crappy guitarist and dont fancy spending long trying them out in the shop, can anyone give advice on what to look for (especially in determining a good mexican strat from a bad one)? Bigpops already mentioned looking at the neck pocket.

Thanks!