Just wondering if there's enough difference between a CP 50's Strat and a Strat Deluxe HSS (rosewood fretboard) to justify buying a CP 50's to complement the Am Deluxe. I already have the American Deluxe, almost (1 layaway payment to go).

There's the obvious difference in the pickup configurations (SSS vs. HSS) and the type of pickups, and the difference in maple vs. rosewood fretboards. I'm guessing the CP 50's might be better for the traditional Strat sounds since its an SSS configuration with those specially-designed pickups.

Yeah, I know -- I'll try out the CP 50's first but, actually, I kinda bonded with it when I originally tried it out. I ended up choosing the Am Deluxe because it was such a good deal and, well, it was just NICE! So, now, the CP 50s is still available and I'm considering adding it to the stash....

Anyone have an idea how these two guitars compare sound-wise? I tried them out in the store but I didn't have much time to really get a feel for how different they might be...

I would say "yes, get the CP 50s". First off, HSS is different enough from SSS to warrant the purchase alone. But the CP 50s is an old-school configuration compared to the Am Deluxe. Further, the CP series are amazing guitars in their own right. All in all, it will really complete the circle in your Strat ownership. I say, "Get it".

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

Well, I took your advice– the CP 50’s is mine! It was just too nice a guitar to pass up. Plus, the price was reduced since I last looked at it. So now I figure I’ve got a good start to my collection… The Shoreline Gold CP 50’s is gonna look nice next to the Montego Black Am Deluxe. And, after taking a 3-year break, I resume lessons tomorrow.

Congrats!!! I've always liked the Shoreline Gold finish.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Oh, we need a pic, dude. Congrats!

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

I'll post pictures as soon as I pick them up from layaway... maybe sooner if I can take a couple pictures in the store.. Man, I am excited about the CP 50's -- what a nice guitar. I couldn't turn it down when I saw it was marked down for a "Clearance Sale" -- $549!

It didn't happen if we don't see pictures.

Okay, I understand your skepticism... pictures to follow as soon as I can get over there to take 'em. I'm hoping the sale tag is still on it too.. I'm gonna have to put on blinders when I go in there, though. It's pretty overwhelming, so many guitars.. two on layaway at a time is my limit.