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Post subject: American Pro Changes
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 7:02 pm
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Hi all, I'm looking to buy my first Strat soon!

I tried out the 2018 American Pro recently and loved it, unlike a 1994 American Std and a 60th Anniversary--both sounded flat and dull (maybe the pickups or the guitars were beaten up). My question is, when did the Pro series come out? I thought it was 2017, but I'm seeing some used ones labeled as 2013. And if that's true, did the specs/features change throughout the years?

I can only afford used Strats so am looking at the older American Pros, or 2010/2011 American Stds. Unless anyone has any other good suggestions. Thanks!


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Post subject: Re: American Pro Changes
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 2:13 pm
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The American Professional replaced the American Standard in 2017.
The American Special replaced the Highway-One in 2010 (which was replaced by the American Performer for 2019)

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Post subject: Re: American Pro Changes
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 6:07 pm
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CB91710 wrote:
The American Professional replaced the American Standard in 2017.
The American Special replaced the Highway-One in 2010 (which was replaced by the American Performer for 2019)

Yes, Fender spends so much money on years of drumming these model names into our heads, only to totally change them out and confuse the user base. Someone at Fender may want to check the credentials of their marketing department. Just saying ... I am only recently just getting used to these new names. Please correct me as needed...

MIM Standard >>> Player
Hwy 1/American Special >>> American Performer
American Standard >>> American Professional (it is a big mistake to drop the Am Std nameplate, IMO)
American Deluxe >>> American Elite

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Post subject: Re: American Pro Changes
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 6:52 pm
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I think you're pretty much correct on the transitions.
Though there have been changes to the models, so perhaps it is more appropriate that the names were changed as well. The Player, Performer, and Elite are not identical to models that they replaced.
Fender may be looking at it from a perspective of future clarity... All AmSpec SSS Strats have the Greasebucket and Texas Specials. Of course, it actually ends up creating confusion when someone mistakenly lists for sale a "2019 Standard" or "2013 Performer"

OTOH, I honestly have no idea what Gibson is doing with the Les Paul line either.
I would like to add the equivalent of a late-90s LP Standard to the collection. With pricing running from $2k to $4k and no obvious differences other than mini-humbuckers and some colors I don't care for.
I should probably just look on Reverb for a late 90s standard.

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Post subject: Re: American Pro Changes
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 10:02 pm
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Marketing strategies to make profit and sell.


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Post subject: Re: American Pro Changes
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:15 pm
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Thanks for the replies. I finally decided to pool my Christmas cash and trade in a couple old Epiphones to join the Fender ranks. Here's my new American Pro!

The pickups sounds great but I'm getting some fret buzz on the E & A strings...might have to take it in for a setup. Also, I wish the top had better texture. I've seen ones with amazing grain patterns, but I don't think I can return it based on that...or wait weeks for another one :(

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Post subject: Re: American Pro Changes
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:52 pm
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CB91710 wrote:
The American Professional replaced the American Standard in 2017.
The American Special replaced the Highway-One in 2010 (which was replaced by the American Performer for 2019)
Back in the day, it was called a Fender Stratocaster. It was either that or a Gibson SG or LP. This was after you stepped up from a Sears Silvertone.


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Post subject: Re: American Pro Changes
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 9:29 pm
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fenderbenderz wrote:
... I wish the top had better texture. I've seen ones with amazing grain patterns, but I don't think I can return it based on that...or wait weeks for another one

Funny, before I even read your post, I thought to myself how much I thought your guitar looked so nice as it kinda reminded me of a plain-top heritage cherry Les Paul. I think you got a very pretty guitar to me.

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Post subject: Re: American Pro Changes
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 9:55 pm
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Nice sienna sunburst but I agree have seen a better grain on some still if it plays well.
Congrats on the new guitar. Have yet to try the vmod pickups. :D


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Post subject: Re: American Pro Changes
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 2:23 am
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jimmy_james wrote:
Nice sienna sunburst ....


I agree, that is a very sweet looking axe.

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