I've been trying a few American Deluxe and American Standard Strats locally, trying to decide which to go for. I like some of the features of the Deluxe better but the Standard is available here in the colors w/ maple fretboard that I like. It seems strange that the case that comes with the Standard is better than the Deluxe case. I've got a Deluxe Telecaster and the SKB case is very nice. Why don't the Deluxe Strats come with a better quality case?

hi ckfoley,

wich guitar feels better to you from sound, handling and so on?
Take this one that open up your heard more as the other one.

Good luck

I'm agreeing pick the guitar that seem to feel & play the best to you.

You can always get another case if you don't like the one it comes with,

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Keep on Truckin, Going full speed ahead down the highway to hades.

You guys are right of course! I'll keep messing with them to see which feels and sounds the best. I just can't figure why the cheaper guitar comes with a better case.

The important thing is: Do I want to stick with an American Standard, Olympic white with maple fret board, or go with a Deluxe Standard Strat in 3 color sunburst or a Deluxe HSS in Olympic Pearl? They're all so nice!

They switched to nicer cases in '08. Are you comparing a pre-08 Deluxe to an 08+ Std?

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

Actually, I was going by the written description. I suppose I'll only see the case on the day I make a purchase...

If you're leaning toward the HSS, just pay the $40 difference and get the TSA case when you buy the guitar. It is a better case with more storage capacity for junk like cable, tuner, etc..

the skb cases are very nice. the latches are a big step up from the old tackle box latches. they are also stackable, which is handy if you plan on having more than one.

Great idea! That way I'd get the guitar I want with the case I like. As sapphire_strat said, they stack too - I have an American Deluxe Tele with the SKB case so they'd nest together nicely.

Thanks for the advice.

Here's an '07 American Deluxe in Olympic White Pearl. If you've not seen the color in person, I'd describe it as a cream with very fine pearlesence. Very Classy.

The whole guitar is splendid. The neck...different p/n than on the Standard, is a work of art. Carved by Angels. The Schaller lockers are an extreme plus. This trem is a little more refined. Amazed at how well this guitar holds tune. I do love these SCN's, but am not all that fond of the aded tones with the S-1. To me w/o it engaged, neck pup clean with lots of volume is a dream and bridge pup with a little tone roll off, quality OD and lots of volume is killer. Position 4, bridge/mid is nice, and this is what pos. 3 w/S-1 engaged reminds me of, only the S-1's is boosted. Little too dark for me.

Choosing between the Standard and Deluxe almost came down to color for me, as I preferred 2 or three of the Standards to anything in the Deluxe. But I'd not seen them all in person. Then I stumbled on a steal of a deal and havn't looked back.The Olyimpic White Pearl is beautiful. Just didn't care for the tortous shell.

I've had it for 6 months now and am extreemely pleased with both my choice and this, my first Fender. (was always a Les Paul lover). If it disappeared I'd get another, just like it.

I've seen some pics in the 'show your Strat' thread of the Montego black with gold picguard and they're the best I've seen of that color combo. Just beautiful. Very rich looking.

Good luck and have a ball deciding.

dafreeze: that's an awesome pic! Lovin the classic look of the axe and the amp together. I bet it sounds like heaven! I saw your comment on the montego black and just couldn't resist indulging, The first pic is my standard rig these days, I haven't even walked past that amp with a stompbox yet:



Next is a great shot of the black showing the gold highlights with the new Callaham saddles installed:



Cheers!

Just a comment, but the new American Standard cases are amazing!

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http://www.myspace.com/808stratdemon

joelski, dafreeze - BEAUTIFUL Strats! I love the maple finger boards but I can't seem to find them around here. I've looked at an Olympic Pearl HSS with rosewood fret board and wish I could get the maple. Also, I'd change out the shell pickguard eventually. I haven't seen a black one locally but that one looks sweet too!

Thank's Joel, I'm loving yours, too!

Hard to describe the level of awesomeness of these guitars without using the mother of all expletives as a preface, ain't it?

ck, I know what many will think with this but if you can't find what you want, either have your local shop order it for you or just order the S.O.a B. from Musiciansfriend. They'll take anything back within a month.

I know we all want to go in and play everything, several of the same to find 'that one' but that's not always realistic. I think, at least in the case of this particular model, the QC is phenominal.