I'm about to buy a 1996 American Standard. Can someone tell me the difference in specs/quality of a pre 2000's american standard and the most recent versions(2007,2008, and 2009, american standard) of this strat?

The biggest difference is probably the case. In '08 they switched to those new super-nice hardshell cases.

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

thats it? ok.. thanks sir

Er, no that's not it.

Daleywan, I don't have a 2000 so I was waiting for someone who does to reply. But in the meantime take a look at the bridge block, the saddles, the finish of the neck, the color of the plastic parts...

Cheers - C

My 2001 American came with a hard shell case.

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James Burton Upgrade Telecaster
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I'm pretty sure the neck is better and the tuners are staggard too.

The current American Standard Strat was introduced in 1/2008.
I don't remember where but I thought I read somthing about the Truss Rod being better in the newer Amer standard strat.
Also there is "Micro-Tilt™ Adjustment", A thinner finish undercoat that supposedly lets the body breathe better and improves resonance, and the new SKB molded case (which is awesome in my opinion).
I am not sure about the 2000ish model but the newer ones are routed for H-S-H unlike my 94 amer std strat which is S-S-S.

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explorationx

Ceri -- Of course there are differences ... but is there anything really that is a MAJOR difference? I would bet most people here could get handed one of each, and could not readily tell the difference based solely on how well they play, sound, or are made. What do you think?

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I could tell blindfolded without even plugging the guitars in (the necks are a radical improvement).

That is really not my recollection ... HOWEVER I admit it's been a little while since I have played a 10-year-old MIA Std. So, I will retract my previous post in favor of those with more readily available expert knowledge. Thanks, SlapChop.

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

Hi 01GT: little confusion there, which is my fault. When I said, "no that's not it", I was replying to daleywan saying, "that's it?". Not addressing what you had previously said to him.

I am well aware that you know the case is not the only difference! My apologies: no disrespect intended.

Also, I agree with you that the differences over the years are little tweaks, not major changes. Like last year's "upgrades": a new trem block, reversion to bent steel saddles, moderate tint to the neck.

Nothing very important - but details that may or may not be of interest to the OP.

What I don't recall is what pickups were in the 2000 model...?

Cheers - C

Ceri - Absolutely none perceived, dear sir. On hindsight, Slapchop put me in the right ... the necks are noticably better. It is true that Fender has really been stepping up their game with attention to necks since '06 for both MIA & MIMs. Thank you (and Slapchop) for your keen input as always.

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