Turns out that sounding good takes a lot of work. And you sound like ass. The trick is to keep at it until you don't sound like ass, which takes longer than most people have patience for. It's rewarding if you manage it, though.
Hey, a quintessential not-Fender Stratocaster! When I got into shredding (like every kid did back then), I always wanted one just like Malmsteen or Blackmore.
A USA-made one as well. Bet that cost a pretty penny. I'm not a Fender guy but I've always heard Japanese Fenders were good quality, so it's an unusual choice (unless Fender didn't make them in the right time period or something).