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Post subject: Differentiate between different Fender Strat Models
Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 9:42 pm
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Hi all,

How can I differentiate between the different Fender models, without playing? The 50s, 60s to the latest models. Like, you just look at a Fender Strat and recognize the year model.

I just dont want to be duped by the seller, when i goto buy a particular model, and he hands me a lower spec one! :lol:

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Post subject: Re: Differentiate between different Fender Strat Models
Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 11:25 pm
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You just gotta do your homework. Ain't easy and takes time, considering Fender has about 50 Strats on the menu today - and although the menu has been shorter, the made-in-Elsewhere varieties mix things up a lot.
It's relatively easy to spot obvious fakes, gets a lot harder when someone tries to pass a Fender/Squier as a higher price class guitar.

On an individual guitar, you can check with the forum (pics...) and/or check with Fender support - they can usually provide the original specs for a serial number.

And in general, if you doubt a seller, walk away. There will be reliable alternatives.


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Post subject: Re: Differentiate between different Fender Strat Models
Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 12:53 am
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There are a great many ways to spot a fake but you are at a disadvantage not having a real one with which to compare in your first foray into Strat buying.

Knowledge is power. Go through all the "Is this a real Strat" threads you can find as pretty much every obvious fakery flag has been discussed at length.

You also need knowledge of the different types and how they are different. A 50's or 60'S or even a good 70's type could be confused as a fake as they don't have a lot of the tell tale features that fakers miss off fakes of later models.

It would take hours to list all the subtle differences in Strats over the years and people have written books on the subject. You just need to do your homework.

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Post subject: Re: Differentiate between different Fender Strat Models
Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 4:43 pm
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What replaced the American Standard, the special or professional?

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Post subject: Re: Differentiate between different Fender Strat Models
Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 11:43 pm
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oneal lane wrote:
What replaced the American Standard, the special or professional?

Simplified answer (neither change was 1:1): AmStan series was replaced with AmPro. Highway1 series was replaced with AmSpec.

BTW, nice creative way of utilizing the topic headline. The topic might gain more value from that kind of thinking.


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Post subject: Re: Differentiate between different Fender Strat Models
Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 5:39 am
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Quote:
aside of the name change what else was happened, I love a good American Standard.

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Post subject: Re: Differentiate between different Fender Strat Models
Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2017 1:08 am
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jmattis wrote:
...Highway1 series was replaced with AmSpec.


I agree that one stopped and one started but they are a good bit different aside just a name change. I would search out a MkIi Highway 1 over an Am Special any day.

I am given to wonder if the HW1 wasn't so good that it was taking sales from its more expensive big brother so that it was replaced with the lesser specification Special.

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Post subject: Re: Differentiate between different Fender Strat Models
Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2017 2:23 am
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Now, you have a special love for Highway Ones, which may partially blur your vision. Don't get me wrong; I regard HWY1's great guitars, too - I'm not calling your child ugly, if you get my drift. :wink:
But if you think about the potential customer target group & pricing, both HWY1 and AmSpec models were offered as the economy way to MIA Strats.
And a comparison between the last HWY1 and first AmSpec guitars tells the reasoning behind my opinion - there were modifications, but nothing which could not have happened on any regular model year change - and certainly smaller mods than the HWY1 revision of 2006...

Oh, and one emphasis: my opinions are just that. Piece and love and YMMV.


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