My 2c. I've sold a few things second hand and although I've never ignored the super low offers outright, I haven't entered negotiation with them either, just thanked them for their interest and told them that my price was firm.
If I were desperate for the sale I might have made a counter offer but as it was, I had a good idea of what the items were worth and was happy to hold onto them so didn't really bother. I suppose that lowballing is often worth a shot, particularly if you aren't in a hurry to buy, but I wouldn't expect many sellers to bite.

True, but the ad does state negotiable, so trying to see how negotiable xD

So I almost bought the Samick, but then the shop let me know my guitar is done and I pulled out of the deal, I will still be looking around for a strat-type, but at least I don't have to be impulsive now.

I saw a cheapie at a pawnshop which looked horrible for R450 and then at another I saw a Cruiser by Crafter for R650.

If you are going to take your time, maybe save up a bit for a few months and get something decentish.. also will also open your options up quite a bit.

I'm always weary of cheap pawnshop guitars.. seen some firewood disguised as guitars there.. the time and effort to get them semi decent playable machine is just not worth it..

My sentiments exactly, but I also do want to get something which is a bit of a beater at the same time, the R450 one had project alpha on the headstock and a pickup, they didn't want me to open her to check the pickups either, but she had speed knobs, seemed very out of place on a body which felt like polystyrene.

bluefinllama let me know my guitar is done

Did you find out why it wasn't playing nicely?

Well, it was a combination of a the frets needing a level, fretboard, saddles and the action it seems, so all round almost everything, better now though which is all that matter, but if I had more experience I'd probably have been able to sort it out myself.

We need pics of course. This is the interweb.. there are rules bud

Can't argue with such logic... It's actually quite difficult to get the colour of the guitar, but too lazy to get my camera, so took with the phone.

Thats bloody gorgeous.. nice one.

For future reference. I see it has an angled neck due to the bridge. Fyi.. if that angle is off even a bit.. it will cause choking on the strings.. kinda like what you described.

Great looker

Nice Stunner.. really cool Guitar..

bluefinllama Wait, due to the bridge?

Basically the bridge is set high, so the neck has been angled back, and shimmed to suit..

not an issue generally once set up.

bluefinllama yeh. Dont stress. thats how it is supposed to be. That bridge is high when you compare it to a hipshot or other hardtail bridge. So that bridge design together with a flat top means the neck must angle backward a bit to get good action. Ala.. gibsons and other guitars with this design. You will prob find the neck pocket is routed like that as opposed to a shim.
Was just pointing out that the angle is one more thing to check during a setup as it is a critical point for a setup. Shims help adjust angles when needed.

Thanks guys, all the help & info is much appreciated!

bluefinllama
For interest sake, here is a relatively good guide for setup, it will give you a better understanding of your guitar and setup, even if you never use it, i think its atleast good to know.
Guitar Setup 101

So, I've got my eyes set on a Hamer Slammer Series strat, what do you guys think?

https://www.olx.co.za/item/hamer-strat-electric-guitar-with-soft-case-iid-1058762866

bluefinllama The one i've played was quite nice - did have a upgraded set of tonerider city limit pups in it though.

But the neck and body were sweet. Try a lowball (like I even need to suggest it ?)
Bear in mind, you can get a new SX strat for around under R2k!

Just saw this in FB
A squire Strat for R1300