I have the 50th Anniversary Deluxe.

Apart from the specs already mentioned above, it also has the SCN pickups with aged covers, S-1 switch, locking tuners, satin neck and abalone marker dots - all fitted as standard. There was only one colour available - 2 tone burst. Also, the pickguard is 1 ply white which really adds to the look.

There is a misconception that these were only produced in 2004, but in fact thir production continued well into 2005.

All I can say is that this is the most comfortable guitar I have ever held - hands down. I recently tried a bunch of PRS and signature Strats at the London Music Show and nothing came even close to the comfort and feel of the 50th Anniversary Deluxe satin neck.

You are correct. As long as an order came in 2004 and they were not able to build it in 2004 they continued on to the next year.

Same thing for the Custom Shops as well. I know there are 2005 built CS 54s.

I have the Deluxe and love it but really want a 54 CS and I know they've come down in price. Anywhere from 2500 to 3000

I love mine. #164/1954. Both cases are really nice. The 50th CS they just give you a regular Fender molded case that comes with the regular American Standards at the time.

The 40th also has only a 3 way (to be period correct) but has a 5 way kit included.

Mine is the lightest strat I own. The only thing I can compare it to is the Eric Johnson strat and even then, this strat has the fattest neck I've ever felt on a strat.

By the way I really do feel the Eric Johnson is as great as any CS or even Master Builts if you find a good one. It's just one helluva guitar.

Hey don't forget the 2004 L/E AMSE (American Standard) also came with CS 54 PUPs.

The two tone burst, the special tweed case with custom embroidered patch, single ply guard, all maple neck.

I bought the AMSE and the Deluxe in 2004 (should say my lovely wife bought them as a B-day gift to me)
Kept the AMSE as my #1 guitar (still is) and sold the deluxe.

Still the very best production guitar Fender ever made !!!!! I'll stand by that statement to the end.

There was a thread on another forum with over 3000 replies about the 50th AMSE alone.

_________________
Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive

hey, some guy is trying to sell me, to what he says, an USA STRAT DLX 50th ANNIV, but is hasn't got the gold hardware nor the 2-tone sunburst, but is in natural amber, but it got a chrome 50th anniv neckplate



is this a true 50th anniversary guitar or not?

Every strat made in 2004 has the neck plate.

The limeted editions have the two tone, single ply guard ect......

Great guitar most likely, however if you looking for the real 50th anniversary models, That is not one of them.

_________________
Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive

The latest Fender 50th was in 2004. I have two of the four models on offer that were only produced in 2004.

At the top of the food chain was a custom shop 54 that had an MSRP of $5400 - I've seen them lately for around $3,300

Next was an American Deluxe with S1, alder body, 2-color sunburst (only!)gold hardware, locking tuners, laser etched pickguard and neckplate, custom 50th anniversary case, etc.

Next was an American with chrome hardware, an ash body (I got lucky and got a one-piece!), 2-color sunburst, basically an American Standard with some nice tweaks.

Lastly was the MIM gold strat with a gold alder body, gold hardware and a gold anodized pickguard. One is currently selling on ebay a $599... wish I had $599!!!!!!!!!!

Hope that helps..

so this ain't one, thx, i guess i'll then just go for a brand new american deluxe HSS 3-tone sunburst with mapleneck, since that is my dream guitar and costs only 1200 euro at my place, wich is only 100 euro more than what this guy is asking ....

You'll love the American Deluxe!

Here's one on ebay about to end. Someone should really jump on this. Mine is a fantastic player:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

^^^ The nick on that puppy looks sweet!