That's a shame. Sucks to be excited about something and then be disappointed. I pay d'addario 10's on my Gretsch. I like the tone a lot, but it plays sort of cheap (but it's a $500 guitar, so...). As for the Strat, I don't want to be over dramatic, but it's changed my life. I'm more excited about music right now than I have been in probably 15 years. Even learning to record, but I'm, uh, not even close to being a novice yet. If you've never played a Strat before, this one will spoil you. It's beautiful, perfectly set up, and the satin finish on the neck makes it as playable as any guitar I've ever used. I don't have a hint of buyer's remorse. I've never played a Jazzmaster, but I have played a Jag, which I'm still not entirely sure of the difference. Definitely looking forward to the day we can get together.