I had previously ordered and received a Highway One strat. Primarily because it fit well within my budget and I like them. I returned it due to a finish flaw and now, due to circumstances, I can get a pretty stellar deal on an American Standard.

I have played both at different times, but being a lefty it is nigh impossible to find one or the other locally, much less A-B them without a pretty significant amount of time in between. Therein lies the problem. When I played either one I liked it, but without going back to back it is hard to get a feel as to which one really calls to me.

I know the tech spec differences. I like the nitro finish. Pretty indifferent on the trem differences. I like jumbo frets, but med jumbos are just fine. The rolled fretboard edges are pro. I generally prefer a maple fretboard, but again, fairly indifferent there (only mentioned because us lefties can only get rosewood on Highway Ones). Couldn't really get a feel on the pickups or greasebucket vs. delta tone due to the time between, different amps, etc (Easy enough to change at some point anyways I suppose) The wiring change to tone on the bridge is easy enough so that is virtually irrelevant. Case vs. gig bag is an easy winner, but neither makes the guitar itself any "better" so nil there.

At this point the price difference is relatively nothing (~150). So I come for some assitance. For those who own both or chose one over the other after significant A-B'ing, which do you prefer? The no-brainer in me says grab the American Standard at that small of a premium, but life is never that cut and dry. Some of the differences might not feel like much initially, but do any stand out more over time?

Other info:
-Blues, classic rock mostly, when I venture it is more towards country or alt rock than metal
-Vibro Champ XD
-also have 2 MIM Squier Series so it won't exactly be a completely "new" sound to me

The American Standard telecaster, as well as a predominantly metal humbucker equipped guitar, is also in the mix, just to make things muddy.

I win either way I think, but just not sure for maximum win. I know where alwaysstrat stands on this issue. Anyone else have a less zealous opinion or experiences?

Thanks in advance!

I love my Highway One to death, but if I had the opportunity to upgrade to an American Standard for a small price difference I would definitely do it. The Highway One is a very nice, but no frills guitar. If you like that aspect of it then stick with the Highway. I like the little extras that come with the Standard series personally.

Yes, those Mountain size feeling frets on the HWY One make the neck feel horrible to me. Thats one that stands out a lot for me because whats the most important thing for a guitar? PLAYABILITY!!!!

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

CV, you're lucky strat2004 is not reading your post! JK!
Frostymug, good luck on your choice. They are both great guitars but I'd go with the MIA Standard and maybe the Tele!

Do you think I should look out the window and see if I need to take a defensive position.

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

I'm not sure man! Where did my friend go?
Sorry for thread change frostymug!

I would bet he is reading!!!! I will get hold of you off forum fhop, right now getting ready to go out.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Agree 100% on the playability thing. Main reason I'm posting, since at first glance the American Standard is the answer on price alone.

In the past I've owned/played a few guitars with jumbos and the MIMs I have now are vintage sized. The jumbos feel natural enough to me, but... when I played the jumbos more I was playing more hard rock type stuff. So I'm not sure how they would feel long term in a more blues/classic rock environment. I do like to feel a little wood rub when I bend though. Good input. Thanks!

I think it's all what you get used to BigJay. Once you are comfortable with a particular neck it feels alien to you when trying another. The Highwayone is a great guitar from what I've read. I have no personal experience with one so I can't really comment on them.

I'd get the Tele. Since you already have a strat and you branch out into to country, I think a Tele would add variety.

I've had a Strat for 20+ years and just recently picked up a Tele. And while I shouldn't say this on the Strat Forum ...... I like the Tele better.

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2008 American Standard Tele
1987 American Series Strat
198x G&L (for slide)
Super Champ XD
Roland Cube

The Tele, and for that matter the metal type guitar, is still very much in the mix. The only reason I did not ask as much on them is because there is only one choice on those versus there being a more direct 'competition' between the two strats. Now, if someone made left handed Highway One Teles...

Pretty sure for pure versatility I'd get the most out of the humbuckers, but then I don't think it would end up getting as much play overall regardless. Plus, there are plenty of knock offs that can get roughly the same noise with a pick up change. I never really can "feel" those metal guitars for one reason or another, as cliche as that may sound.

The Tele or Strat decision is a little more difficult since they are both in the same tonal ballpark, just slid over a little each way on the spectrum.

Thanks for the input. I honestly have been leaning towards the tele a little bit more. It's almost like dating a beautiful girl then hooking up with her older sister. Decisions...

frostymug, I bought an MIA Standard Tele and love it. I've already got several Strats. Which Tele are you talking about? Mine has Alnico V pickups. The MIA Standard Strat and Tele should cost the same huh?

edit: I understand now. You are looking at 2 strats, a metal guitar?, and a tele.

Yeah, specifically the Highway One Strat, American Standard Strat, American Standard Tele, and a Schecter Hellraiser. All new so the latest models.

The Tele and Schecter kind of stand on their own so I'm trying to get thoughts on the two Strats since I'm a lefty and can't really A-B them locally at the same time. So while I am asking on the two Strats more directly here, there is a pretty good chance I won't go with either and end up with the Tele in the end. The Tele just never got as much thought previously because, again being left handed, there is the Standard then the huge price gap to the American Standard and Vintage '52 that were both more expensive than I was previously looking for. The current situation puts the American Standards within range however, particularly with the rebate offer running.