Bear with me -- I'm kinda new at this guitar thing and I'm kind of a penny pincher -- a bad combination.....

So, I went out looking at Strats tonight and revisited a local Fender dealer who had an American Strat that is, I'm pretty certain is new. It isn't the current model (they're labelled "American Standard Strat") but the American Strat I tried out is nice and looks new, though the rosewood fretboard looked a little dull.. The serial number starts with Z7.... so I'm figuring it was probably manufactured in 2007. I tried this one out and an American Deluxe. One thing I noticed was that the action on the American Standard was definitely lower than the Deluxe. I'm guessing that is just a setup issue..

Anyway, the American Deluxe I tried out is very attractively priced.... there's always a catch, though. First of all, I noticed that the strings were wound around the tuner pegs in the wrong direction (clockwise, which is wrong, isn't it?) Then, I checked the serial number and it starts with DZ5... which indicates to me that it was probably manufactured in 2005. Now the serial number plus the incorrectly wound strings has me wondering what's up..

The guitar looks new and sounds very nice. The dealer says it is new but its been in the store for awhile. It's a great looking guitar -- black with some gold flake in the black, gold pickguard (looks pretty thick but also looks like single ply), rosewood fretboard, and oh, almost forgot, it is an HSS configuration. I didn't go out looking for an HSS or even a Deluxe but I tried it out and I liked it. So, since its a Fender authorized dealer, I'm guessing they wouldn't pass off a returned or used guitar as new, right?.

I'm not sure what to think -- the price difference between the Deluxe and the American Standard is only $100... If I could be sure the Deluxe really is new, I'd consider getting it even though it might have been built in 2005...

So, any advice? Should I consider the Deluxe or not? I wouldn't be terribly disappointed if I went with the American Standard but, heck, for another $100, the Deluxe looks interesting...

One other thing or two, I also tried out a CP 50's and just didn't care for the pickups which kinda disappointed me but oh well...

Are the Strats shipped to the dealer with a case? This dealer said he didn't keep a specific case for each guitar. You get the type case you're supposed to with the guitar you choose, though. Actually, for what its worth, he said I'd get a Tolex case if I got the Deluxe... I've read about "case candy" in some threads here. This dealer said they take all the stuff out of the cases and keep it separately. It sounded like I probably wouldn't have gotten the tools that go with the guitar if I hadn't asked if that stuff comes with the guitar...

Maybe by "new" the dealer means it was purchased and quickly returned. Is there a sticker to cover the whammy bar hole?

If he is selling it as "new" and your worried about it not coming with what it should, you might want to take a printout of what it SHOULD come with. I got a Strap, Cable, cloth, etc with my '08 Am. St. Not sure what the Deluxe comes with.

Id choose the one that plays and feels better in my hands

Yeah, I kinda figured that too... The only significant difference in "feel" was the lower action on the American Strat. But I figure the action can be set to my preferences on either the American Strat or the Deluxe.

Other than "feel", the really significant difference was tha the Deluxe is an HSS while the American Strat is an SSS configuration. I already have a MIJ SSS Strat with a maple neck, so I thought it might be nice to have an HSS with a rosewood neck just for variety in my meager collection... The humbucker sounded good..

The Fender website lists the HSS American Deluxe Strat as having an S-1 switch and a molded case, produced in 2004, including cable, strap, and straplocks. The American Standard (2008) HSS also comes with a Fender/SKB® Case, Cable, Strap, Polishing Cloth.

If it comes with a good price and case I would take it. I would want the straplocks if it was the Deluxe, though. Your description is the Deluxe in black, which is an awesome guitar. I would ask the dealer to restring the guitar, and ask for a trial run.

The other stuff is optional. Also, all these things are subject to change, according to the specs, so it gives all Fender dealers wiggle room.

So ask the dealer, wheres my case candy? But know what you're asking for!

_________________
2007 Classic Player Baja Telecaster
1991 Strat Ultra
1990 Gibson ES-347
1986 Yamaha SBG2100
1980 Gibson L6-S
1971 Stratocaster
Fender Stage Lead Combo
Marshall MOSFET 100 watt Amp

You should ask for and get a free setup to your likings! Also make sure you get a receipt stating that you are the original owner. Put it in a safe place as it is very important for your warranty!

Go with the 07 American Strat.

Make sure you get straplocks........it doesn't have the normal strap lugs screwed into the guitar. Also.....I don't think Fender would string a guitar backwards. That would make me think about it being new. Ask the dealer about that.

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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

Well, I appreciate everyone's advice and I just got back from the guitar store. I put the American Deluxe on layaway; just waiting for my income tax refund to pick it up. The dealer marked on my receipt that it is a new guitar and I am the first owner so I should be okay for the warranty. He also included the strap locks, case, and accessories. He said the guitar was restrung at one point 'cause it had been there awhile and the person who did it put them on wrong. So, they're putting a new set of Fender super bullets on it, wound the correct way.

I'm really pleased -- even though it is "new old stock", I figure I couldn't go wrong getting a new American Deluxe HSS for $849...

Oh, by the way, the American Standard is still there... I'm gonna keep my eye on it... Also, for what its worth, I saw a new (not sure actual year of manufacture) black Highway One HSS on display for $499!

I'm glad you're happy with it. I have an American Deluxe (SSS) and I love it. My favorite guitar.

_________________
"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 think you made a wise decision! The Deluxe is well worth what you paid for it and you'll learn to appreciate the differences in time, believe me! Congratulations!!

Thanks! I can't wait to spend some quality time with it. After trying it out the second time, I knew it was the guitar for me... A lot of people here say that you gotta play the guitars to compare and make the best choice and, for me, that's really how it worked out.

Hello Oldguy101,

You got a great deal there,
and on top of it all sounds like
a real nice store to purchase from.
Best of luck with that new Deluxe Strat.
Oh and of course if theres any chance-photos.

Cheers.