I would expect to pay about $600 for a simple, run of the mill black Stratocaster, brand new. Hell, my Firebird cost me $800 new... $1,200 is quite a bit for a Strat, even a legitimate Fender. It had to have been a custom order... I'm thinking that the original purchaser backed out on it after being built. The guitar shop that it was ordered through gets stuck with it, tries to get at least something back from it.That store got a lucky break when your dad bought it. lol Most customs don't sell if the original order falls through tho... some people have a weird taste in color choices. The tremolo bar will wear out eventually, just like any moving part. No biggie. The strings are meant to be replaced, obviously.
I have never taken any guitar to any shop, outside of ordering a custom fit case. I learned to change the strings before I learned how to play, my instructor made it a point. My first guitar was a Texarkana dreadnought, scratched all to sh!t but that thing could take one hell of a beating. lol
