This is my first post, so please be kind. I have done the due diligent forum search thing prior to posting, but was unable to find a clear answer to my question: How to tell a Highway 1 strat from a Standard American? I have seen a fairly good deal on a 2005 strat that is claimed to be a MIA, but the deal is so good that I am questioning whether it is a Highway 1 or not. I don't intend to start a flameup about which is better I would just like to know how tell the difference. I have a few high-res pics. I can tell from the Z5xxxxxx serial number that is an american-made, but the Fender site doesn't tell me much more. Can you tell from the bridge/headstock/pot knobs/etc?

Thanks, I appreciate the crowdsource!

and lets not forget the highway one sss strat has better tone
and feel

I think the pre-2006 Hwy1 necks had 22 frets.

So far this is what I got for easily distinguishing 2005s:
Highway 1 / American Standard
6 screw bridge / 2 screw bridge
2 string trees / 1 string tree
plain neckplate / engraved neck plate
F on peg back / no F on peg back

the finishes are different, but that can be changed easily through refinishing. Hwy1 doesn't come with a case, but you can always buy one.

thanks everyone for the help. i have an American Standard to buy....

and lets not forget the highway one sss strat has better tone
and feel

Oh and don't forget that your HW1 will appreciate in value so quickly that by the time they complete your transaction, you can walk out to the car , and then walk right back into the store and sell it back to them for four or five times what you paid for it!!!!!


all kidding aside, great guitar, definitely a distinctly different feel than an Am Std that certainly some people will like better.

I think the pre-2006 Hwy1 necks had 22 frets.

the headstock. i'm not a fan of the oversized headstock and thats the one thing that kept me from buying a Hwy 1.

and lets not forget the highway one sss strat has better tone
and feel