on guitarcenter website, there are two "standard strat"s, one being 399.99 and another being 347.99, and the more expensive one has a "corola bay"(or something) stamp

i'm pretty sure it's not MIA, because GC is not that generous

Probaby not Fenter, but Pole Reid Schmidt!

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"Another day in paradise!"

I think the new one (2009) shows up on their site at $449. It's labeled as 'new'. They don't have model numbers to match to Fender.com, but the colors are the same.

Maybe the ones that you see are older models.

The new standard models have a new LOGO on the front of the headstock and the made in mexico is now in the back of the headstock , also they come in a few more colors for example the lake placid blue and also I think they tinted the mapple necks a little ... overall they are SWEETER

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-Stan ... 1431991.gc

On GC's website, this is the link to the new model.

You can bet Strats in the $ 350 - $ 400 range ARE NOT American made. Their probably MIM and theres nothing wrong with those guitars. I have one and their made well and my pups were upgraded to Texas Specials. I like it and play it everyday.

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So after reading this post and checking out the GC site I had to to see and play one for myself. I just got back and have to say that I'm impressed! The neck looks and feels so much better, which has always been my gripe with MIM strats. I'm not sure exactly what they did - it could just be cosmetic (tinted neck) but those new standards felt pretty good - and I own an American Series (2007.)

I played four different guitars and each felt consistant. That being said, I would replace the pickups and of course have it set up properly. But that's what so fun about Fenders - swapping out parts to make it your own.

And at $450 -$500 you can own a few.

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2007 American Series Strat (Black/Maple) SCNs
Charvel San Dimas (Polar White) SD 59 & JB
Hot Rod Deluxe
Marshall JCM 2000 50 watt
Taylor 410 CE
Epiphone Les Paul
1983 Kramer Pacer

oh, yeah, the price was wrong, the new one is in the range of ~400, so i was on the right track that they came out with a new 09 model, thanks guys!