(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Am I able to take a new HD, and install 3.55 onto it or will i be fourced into 3.56?

nope you will be prompted to update to 3.56 or you can just say no

You should be able to say no, then recovery menu and put on 3.55
I'm not certain, but that's what I reckon.
You need to decide whether it's worth the risk of losing your CFW or not.
If it's not that big a deal then wait until a 3.56 CFW is released and do it then.

only when you go online will you be prompted with the update.