After years of playing Ibanez RG's and Schecters, I have finally obtained a 1998 Roadhouse Strat, MIM. Most Strats I've played just didn't feel right, buy this one reallly fits. Question: Is the 12db boost on the 1st tone knob? It clicks into place at 10, and has a dramatic affect on the tone, but not when it clicks. Also I noticed that none of the poles are elevated on the pickups, is that typical of Texas Specials? If they are not Texas Specials, they certainly are very hot. If anyone would like to give me some details on the guitar, that would be great. It is Lake Placid Blue (or Teal, I can't really tell the diff.) with a rosewood fretboard.

Thanks, and it's great to be a part of such a rich history.

SR

First off,if its a 98 roadhouse strat, it is made in the USA.Also to my recollection,the roadhouse didnt have the indent on the tone pot that you speak of.That sounds like the delta tone circuitry .

Thank you for the reply, I used Fender's serial number info page, and it came back as either 97-98 or 98-99 manufactured at the plant in Mexico, and is says mim on the headstock, as well as "deluxe series." Hmm. wonder what I've got here. No worries, I love it, and traded an old shotgun for it.

SR

Its not a Roadhouse for sure.Sounds like a Deluxe Player Strat.

yeah, I think it's not a Roadhouse, maybe a Deluxe Powerhouse? A harmony central review closely matches the description.

SR

Check this out- does this sound like your guitar?

Powerhouse Strat® Specifications

Model Numbers 013-9500 (Rosewood)
013-9502 (Maple)

Body Poplar

Neck One Piece Maple

Fingerboard Rosewood or Maple ( 9.5" Radius/241mm)

Scale Length 25.5" (648mm)

No. of Frets 21 Medium Jumbo Frets

Width @ Nut 1.6875" (43 mm)

Machine Heads Vintage Style

Pickups 3 Powerhouse Single Coils

Pickup Switching 5-Way

Controls Master Volume, Master Tone (With No Load Feature), 12 db Active Mid Boost

Pickguard White Shell

Bridge Vintage Style Tremolo

Unique Features Ultra-Quiet Single-Coil Pickups w/ 12db Mid-Boost

Strings Fender Super Bullet 3250L’s (.009 to .042)

Accessories Deluxe Gig Bag

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Thanks, that's it. I appreciate your help. Best guitar I've ever owned.

sr

Its awesome value- what colour?

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It's Lake Placid Blue, with a rosewood fretboard, ala Jimmy Pages' strat. I freaking love this guitar, hardly pick up the Schecter anymore. Got it for song writing, and it looks like my shredding days are over. Traded a .20 gauge shotgun and $200 for it. Funny thing, I've played dozens of Strats before and this is a totally different animal. Amazing, finally I know what all you stratmongers have been talking about.