I bought a Fender Standard Fat-Strat a few years ago. A great value at only $450 (now I believe it's been reduced to only $400.)

One of the cheapest (as in "inexpensive") Fender Stratocasters you can buy. And it sounds fantastic.

"Growing up my dad was like 'You have a great last name, Galifianakis. Galifianakis...begins with a gal...and ends with a kiss...' I'm like that's great dad, can we get it changed to 'Galifianafuck' please?" -- Zach Galifianakis