I'm a fan of hardtail Strats. In fact, I'd take a hardtail Strat over one with tremolo in a heartbeat. They just have something to them - a certain attack, dynamic that gets a bit lost with a trem.
 
Check out this really cool Stratocaster style partscaster we put together from top notch components.
 
Kent Armstrong WPU900C P90 bridge pickup - this pickup is a great (!) choice for the bridge position, as it retains the typical singlecoil dynamics, but adds just the right amount of dirt while slightly taming the often piercing highs
Fender Classic 60s middle and neck pickups
Fender 5-way switch, CTS 250k pots
WD Music Custom pickguard and plastics
WD Music hardtail bridge, vintage style tuners - super stable tuning
XGP alder body in Seafoam Green
Unmarked maple neck with rosewood fretboard, medium jumbo frets that we leveled/crowned/polished in our shop for ideal playability, nice medium C profile, double action truss rod, hand cut bone nut - the neck feels and plays really well
Lightweight at barely 7 lbs
Gig bag
 
I really enjoy playing this guitar! It's super versatile and can do everything from funk to punk. I'd definitely take this one on stage.
This guitar is in excellent condition, aside from a little lacquer crack right at the neck pocket and comes in a quality gig bag.

Like with all guitars, you may have to adjust the setup to your liking and/or to adjust it to different climates. As of now, it is set up with GHS 10s and plays effortlessly with low action.