I picked up on your initial question. My venerable colleagues, possessing a wealth of knowledge and experience in their own rights have made a magnificent gesture. However, I fear that it is a bit akin to a new driver being given pointers as to how to negotiate a Ferrari around a high speed oval.

The instruments outlined are quite sophisticated in their electronics and possess the latest that Fender has to offer. You should find resources which explain as much as you can possibly digest about S-1 switching, the differences between SCN and Fender Noiseless stacked single coil pickups, conventional single coils, and the various combinations of SSS, HSS. Minus all of that study, audition the guitars and choose the one that says.."I love you...take me home." That's not a bad point to begin.

In additiona...hang out here. In a year, you'll know most of the basics and more.

Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

Sorry to pop back into this, but as another beginner (the OP said this was her first guitar), I personally wouldn't be interested in buying an expensive first guitar of which I might not like the tone until I've popped across town, paid $100 more for the pups I really liked to begin with, and soldered them in. I would want to play the thing, not admire the woodwork. I think there's a big difference between a beginner and a vet who's already got multiple guitars to play.

[quote="rjim"]e the woodwork. I think there's a big difference between a beginner and a vet who's already got multiple guitars to play.

Your point is well taken but the guitar has to be playable as well as economical. An acceptable level of expertise is concommitant with making these choices. I have watched salespeople direct the less sophisticated to merchandise which was more to the interests of the seller's percentage than the purchaser's needs or pocket.

Now the OP specifies that this is a first electric guitar but doesn't say if it is the first guitar ever. This may be a seasoned player making a move.

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"Another day in paradise!"

The full dimension of my point was that
1.) The OP is debating between two good and expensive models, differing, among other things, in the type of pickup.
2.) I had stated that for the Deluxe option, she should make sure she liked how the pickups sounded, as I hadn't.
3.) Mr. nikininja said, in essence, that even if she didn't like the SCNs, she should get the Deluxe and switch them out, because of the better wood and other features. I just think that assumes a certain level of involvement with guitars that not every poster has.

By now, she's probably bought her choice, but I just couldn't let the philosophical dog lie.

To be fair (and I shouldn't really speak for him) I think Niki is just saying there's more to choosing between the guitars than the pickups. An American Deluxe should be a very nice guitar above and beyond the electrics. If stratmomma can run to one then it will be enoyed - whether now or later (if experience is currently limited).

Most of us start on cheapo guitars - but it ain't a rule that we have to!

Cheers - C

To answer a couple of questions: Yes, this is my first electric guitar, but no, I am not new to playing. I have played acoustic for several years and play with a group. I own a Japanese made Takamine and have never regret buying a high-end guitar that sounds beautiful. I realize that I need to find my own preferences for a strat, but I respect the experience that you all have and would like to learn from those who have "gone before me".

I have ordered a nearly-new (plastic still on) 2007 american deluxe strat (SSS-tabacco burst), but have 30 days to return it for any reason. I will play around with it and see if it "sings to me". If not, I may look into the HSS model once again. I don't think I can go wrong with the deluxe, especially since they are within a couple hundred bucks from a standard (used prices), but the pickups and HSS/SSS differences are still something I need to decide on.

I will comment on the pickups for you. I find that single coils sound beatiful for clean to mid gain distortion levels. In high gain, the noise gets overwhelming and the sound sounds a bit thin to me. My Am STD sounded digital through my ADA preamp, which is all analog. Just real buzzy. The single coils will have some 60 cycle hum, but the tone can be worth it.

Now if you plan to go into some high gain stuff, which for some reason I don't think that your thing, then humbuckers are better. Humbuckers generally do not have the sparkly jangly cleans of SC's, but a darker sounding and a bit less dynamic. They lack that hum though, which is part of why they work better for distortion. They also are louder than SC's and will drive a amp into distortion quicker.

If clean playing is your thing, I don't think you can beat the SC's. A HSS strat would be a great compromise for both situations. Your playing style will dictate what is best for you.

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Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst

.....and now you know.....the rest of the story

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"Another day in paradise!"

Personally, I think you'll be very pleased with a sss strat. It's very veratile guitar. Out of the several that I own, it's the one I keep coming back to.

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-Classic 50's Strat.
-Std. Telecaster.
-Mike Dirnt P-bass.
-Custody of SE Strat.
-Peavey Predator/Dean Evo/Epiphone DR150/Gibson Slide (much older than me).

Rellik Productions Inc.