I'm looking at used strats. I found one that is an American Standard but apparently has a "custom gloss over on the face of the maple neck to make it extra smooth." He says it was done by fender custom shop and that it's not a standard feature on the American Standard. Oh..it's a 2008. I thought all the 2008s had a high gloss finish on the maple fretboards anyway? Does anyone have any idea what this guy is talking about. I cant find any info on it and what to make sure it's on the up and up before I decide to purchase it. Thanks!

You are correct that all 2008 American Standard Stratocasters with maple neck/ fingerboard feature a gloss finish. Likewise all 2008 American Standard Stratocasters including rosewood fingerboard type have a gloss finish on the headstock. Sounds like the seller is taking you for a ride. Best bet is to check serial number.

http://www.guitardaterproject.org/default.aspx

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I have an 08 Am Standard Strat with a maple fretboard and the gloss is standard. Either he dosn`t know what he`s talking about or he`s trying to scam you. I would find someone else to deal with cause he does not sound reputabale. Sometimes the serial numbers are from the previous year even though its a new model so going by that alone is not the best thing either. It could be NOS if the number is from 07.

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I thought fender finished necks with a gloss or satin coat as standard. Its why the fret ends look gold. Much like how gibson paint the binding over the top of the frets. Its so you can tell if the guitar has been re-fretted.

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One of the new features for the 08 Standard Strats with the maple fretboard was the highly polished finish. I`m not sure about the rosewood fretboards. I`ve seen NOS Strats with maple necks in the music store and the weren`t polished like the necks on the 08 model.

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I think the high gloss finish on a maple 'board is regarded as a "vintage vibe" type of thing, isn't it? Click on the "more pictures" box on this page for the Eric Johnson maple Strat for an example:

http://www.fender.com/products//search. ... 0117702803

The 2008 Am Standard reverted to bent steel bridge saddles and I guess this gloss lacquer is another feature that is meant to hint at a retro feel.

ScooterT: if the guitar you are looking at is a 2008 after the "upgrades" were introduced then it has that gloss as standard. The Custom Shop ain't been anywhere near it. Maybe the guy's rooking you - but there's a lot of daft kids out there too. Is it a nice guitar for the right price, is all ya gotta worry about...

Cheers - C

Thanks for all the replies folks. I'm going to go look at it soon. Sounds like maybe he just doesn't know much about what he has. Appreciate all the feedback. $750 for it...2008 American Standard 3 tone sunburst "excellent" condition...not a bad price if it all checks out? He did say it had bright white pickguard/knobs/etc. I thought I saw where starting in 08 they went to the parchment instead of bright white. Maybe it was just an alternative option they added, not a straight up change from white to parchment? Thanks again!!

My 08 Strat has the bright white pick guard, I`m pretty sure thats standard. I paid about the same price for mine at the time. It was mismarked at $799 so I grabbed it. But you say its in excellent condition, is it used or new ?

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Make sure he throws in the outstanding case that comes with an '08 MIA.

Good point. Some dealers sell those cases seperately and give you a gig bag. GC is known for that.

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