So, I was in a local G.C. today checking out amps and I grabbed an American Deluxe Strat off of the wall to play on a Hot Rod Deluxe. The guitar/amp combo sounds great but I noticed one thing. The fretwires on the Deluxe stick out from the edge of the fretboard unlike my American Standard that has flush fretwire and a very smooth edge. I thought "this can't be right" so I looked for another Deluxe to compare. It was the same as the first one. Has anyone else noticed this? I was really bummed that what in many other ways is a better guitar than my Standard has such a lousy fret job on the neck. Even my MIM is smoother than the deluxe. I've been saving to get the Deluxe but now I think I'll either get another Standard and change pickups or just build my own with Warmoth's neck and body.

I have an American Deluxe and the fret wires are perfect. Sometimes with dry humidity, the wood will shrink and cause the fret wires to stick out a bit, because metal will not shrink along with the wood. You probably just picked up a couple of bad Deluxes. I love my American Deluxe.

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"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."-John Wayne

I've been comparing several American Deluxe Stratocasters at G.C. lately and have found the same thing. At least two standards, one HSS and two v-neck Deluxes have had sharp edges on the frets. I couldn't believe it.

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Custom Shop '59 Stratocaster
AV Hot Rod '52 Telecaster
AV '56 Stratocaster
'65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

I would say it is most definitely not from drying of the wood. These things stuck way out from the edge.

I'm confused too! I have a MIA Deluxe ash strat and have no such problems with the neck at all. I guess it could be humidity problems or something else but the dealer will make it right for you at no charge! If not contact Fender customer relations.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the sound, the action on the fretboard, and the S-1 switching system but the fretwires need to be redone.

If you buy it they will fix it to your satisfaction!

I'm still saving so hopefully by the time I'm ready to buy they have one that doesn't need to be re-done.

Now that's a good idea. Hope so.