The S1 switch is good, I think, but would be better with different pickups.

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Don't worry, Be happy.

You are correct. The major flaw both share is the micro-tilt neck adjustment "feature". One of the first mods/improvements I made to my deluxe was to remove that garbage.

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60th Anniversary AD Strat, Deluxe Nashville Tele, Player's P Bass. Mesa/Boogie Mk IV combo, Marshall JCM800, 1960A cab, Genz Benz El Diablo 60, Genz 2x12" cab, too many neat little practice amps and kit projects!

Well, count me as one of those who have broken an S1 switch. It is a feature that is unnecessary IMHO so I opted not to use it. I've had the guitar since March and I would occasionally use the switch just to see what the other tones would give me. I pressed the switch in, then decided to go back to the "out" position and the switch wouldn't return. In fact, the sound cut out completely. The switch could be pressed back to the "in" position which sounds normal, or halfway out with no sound at all. I made a quick trip to a local Fender authorized repair center and the tech. changed out my S1 for a standard volume pot.

Here's what we found: The S1 switch has a narrow plastic post that goes down the inside of a hollow brass volume knob. It presses against a brass post that is centered in the larger volume knob post. In my case, the brass post either bent or broke and started dragging against the inside of its channel. That way you get only partial movement.

Keep in mind that I probably used the S1 switch 10 times at most. I don't miss it...

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Custom Shop '59 Stratocaster
AV Hot Rod '52 Telecaster
AV '56 Stratocaster
'65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

I have an American Deluxe strat and you're correctomundo.......I agree with all of that.

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"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."-John Wayne

I'm curious to know which of the upgraded components in the american deluxe do people actually feel were beneficial?
)I'm pondering between the two but I like the colors in the standard series better, so I'm thinking of just getting that and upgrading some of the parts.)

I like the tuners, and I am partial to the SCN's. Also not mentioned above that they are made from select alder.

SCN's- I like the classic tone but it has slightly more bite, with volume... but I prefer lace sensors over them.

Generally, the deluxe is a more quality instrument than the am. standard and classier overall when comparing the two, and more versatile tone wise. Dont expect PAF sounds from it though, unless your looking at a HSS.

Cheers,
B

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Personally i'd go with the American standard and stick a set of Kinman noiseless pickups in it. Far superior to any of fenders noiseless range. For me, the bent steel saddles on the standard look far cooler than the block saddles on the deluxe.