In the first week of December I ordered an American Standard Strat in Olympic White with a rosewood board. Delivery was supposed to be within the week, no guitar. Then Fender said it would be in by the end of the month, still, no guitar. When my music store called Fender they were told that they could expect delivery by the middle of January. That didn't happen. Then, supposedly by the end of January, still nothing. Now I find out that it won't be until the end of March.

I can't believe that Fender Musical Instruments ran out of guitars. I am just curious as to what the hold up might be. I don't mind waiting but this is getting old. I could understand if it was a custom shop piece but it is an American Standard. I don't really see why they are so backed up on an item that should be normally in stock. Like I said, it's not a custom shop piece.

If anyone can shed some light on this I would appreciate it.

This has been discussed quite a bit. Fender is really behind even on standard item guitars
and basses. See:
http://www.fender.com/community/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=39641&sid=1a44c120023f1726152c69e6160512a6

I feel for you! Although I haven't been waiting nearly as long as some guys here, I keep waiting for the phone to ring to tell me my Squier Telecaster Custom II is here. Its only been about 4 weeks, but I want it now! Are the Squiers on crazy back order like Fenders?

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I have the same problem. I ordered a American Standard Strat with Sienna Sunburst finish from local dealer on Nov. 7 . He called and found out it would be 90 days wait. I just called to check on it and dealer they now tell him another 30 days. I would almost bet it won"t be in then either. Poor way to run a company.

I ordered a blacktop tele (silver / maple) 3 weeks before Christmas.
First E.T.A.= 12/23/10
Second = end of Jan.
Third= any day now
Anticipation is kill'n me.

I hate to burst your bubble. I ordered my Amer Deluxe the first week of Aug. 2010. Think there is a few guys waiting longer. My dates of availability has changed every 4-8 weeks in a delaying tactic. Factory last said early Feb. then late Feb. If you have been checking the big chain stores availability you will see the same type of explaination and time changes. Business ploy to keep you from buying from a different manufacturer. Could be or maybe they don't know how to run a business anymore. The tactics have not endeared anyone to Fender. However, sometimes good things take time. Once we get them we will forget most of the angst.

*gulp*, i hope this dont apply to australia. i just ordered a blacktop telecaster today from a guitar store near by.

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riley

This is starting to sound more and more like a case of the company getting behind on payments to vendors. Raw materials are running out and new orders for more are being held pending payment. Production falls behind, stock levels are low, and common items end up on backorder. There is a lot of that going around these days. Some companies recover and forge on while others, well, they're not around anymore. I hope that's not the case, but I've seen quite a bit of it in the automotive supply industry since the recession started.

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Don't worry, Be happy.

I feel your pain, man. I've been waiting for my 2010 Strat for 2 months now, but it's supposed to come any day now. Fender operates strictly on first come, first serve, so you must have gotten stuck behind a large order.

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1988 Kramer Striker 200
1941 Gibson Hollowbody
2010 Fender American Standard Stratocaster
2010 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III