With the original case. This is a 2006 USA strat, sparkling condition. However I am REALLY worried. I have a 03 MIM strat and the neck feels thicker! The US strat has a rosewood fretboard, the MIM a maple one.

Also, the sound of the USA strat doesn't impress me as much as I thought it would! Is there something terribly wrong here!?

The case is a black molded one with "Fender" molded into the side, but that's about it. Inside, there's a little tag that says "Made in China".

Please tell me I didn't buy a fake. Even the serial number matched up. I'm confident it's real... but I have doubts.

I bought it in person, the guy selling seemed pretty honest, but he wasn't the original owner.

EDIT: I'd like to apologize for this panicked post, I'm just really worried. I am no fool when it comes to buying genuine guitars, this one looks very real, great finish, proper pickguard and backplate, light body (lighter than the poplar MIM body), proper decal, matching serial number and 60th anniversary button. I googled "Fender molded cases", and I've seen identical ones pop up. I've always assumed they were American made or something.

When you get a chance pop the neck and pickguard off, and post pics of any stamps, writing, or other chicken scratch, as well as the stamped in info on the back of the pots. Also some pictures of the guitar in question would help too.

its probaly a mexican?

Hi guys,

Well I haven't taken any pictures as I don't have a camera, but I did pop off the neck and I'm certain this is a real USA standard. I got a great deal.

I just didn't expect the neck to be thinner than the MIM one, I thought they'd be the same width. I also thought the cases were made in the US, but I guess not. I thought someone could confirm this stuff for me. But it's alright, I'm pretty happy with my purchase, it was $680, approximately $594 US, for a sparkling new, beautiful feeling strat. It's definately different than the MIM strat, the MIM strat has its own unique feel and sound, with the poplar body and vintage trem. I think I'm going to keep both.

I'm going to my tech to heighten the action and get a proper set up tomorrow. I did one myself today and it feels brilliant, but I'm not really an expert in set ups.

Congrats on the purchace. Nice price for an American Stratocaster.

RK

_________________
RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Thank you, I'll try to get some pictures soon, it only seems fair that I share its beauty with the rest of ya!

Congrats.

Now, maybe retring with your faves or have a tech do a full setup, including pickup height adjustment.

Re different sounds...they all seem to sond a it different. An American Stratocaster is a mutha-beautiful thing and you got a great deal.