These appear to be essentially the same as MIM Standard Strats save for a handful of minor details.

Again, and at the risk of being redundant, these are intrinsically MIM Standard Strats made here. Now, all the MIM slammers have a dilemma. I'd really like to hear the arguments about how this new line 'blows away' the MIMs. It should be most interesting.

FWIW: At $1,100 list, I guess that translates to 'street price' being in the high $700s range. Isn't it amazing at what a 150 mile difference can make where both factories have the identical manufacturing equipment, equally skilled line workers and the same QC procedures?

YMMV.

_________________
You dig?

Now,I think I am stopping and reading between the lines here....This is a real sticky deceptive marketing move by fender to make more money for the "made in USA" logo. MIM "quality" for MIA prices......
Now this is no insult to the MIM guitars. I own 2, a 08 Telecaster and an 02 Deluxe, and these beasts can rock out with the best of these americans.

Its just a Highway one but with Texas Specials and if HSS a Atomic Humbucker + Texas singles add on black dot makers. Just a big $100 increase(?) and change the name then move out the last of the $699. HWY Ones it even has the same tone circuts as the Highway not a MIM

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Mine does not have Tex-Mex pickups. Mine are AlNico 3 pickups (Well 2 Alnico 3 pickups and a Dimarzio SD in the bridge). To each their own, sorry you did not like the Highway 1 Strat you tested. Some are good and some are bad. Mine is great. I also like the Lone Star Deluxe too. This guitar is in contention for my next guitar purchace.

RK

Regarding the neck with the large headstock. I recently got a used 72 Tele Deluxe RI and really didn't care for the headstock until I played the neck that was attached to it!... really chunky and one of my favorites.

Now I'm wondering if the H1 with the large headstock has a chunkier neck as well?

Hi rkr, Like I said on the post above the new American Special looks to be a Hwy one and nothing like a MIM standard. The pickups I think will be the CS Texas Specials same greasebucket as Hwt One and 70's fat head stock black dots. Highway with new name!

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Can't wait to see it...really can't wait to play one in the store. If it sounds like I think it should, it may come home with me instead of the 72 Deluxe Player Telecaster or the Lone Star Stratocaster that I have been eyeing. I wish Fender would officially announce it so I can see it. I have tried to Google "American Special" and all I get is the Deluxe Players' models or the Mahogany Stratocaster.

I know an over-sized headstock turns a lot of people away from those late 60's/70's-style Stratocasters, but I grew up with them and like the looks. I also like the smaller headstocks as well. I guess you can say that I have not really seen a Stratocaster (Fender or Squier) that I did not like.

RK

I suppose I should grow up a bit and start looking at necks more like this than concerning myself with the shape of the unplayed bit.
Thanks for the reality check Strato.

_________________
No no and no

started playin' strats in the 70's, many really nice strats, but never really took to the big head stock. just as well, since I always tap the head stock off mics when I turn, or when not paying attention to what I'm doing. I've played some nice highway ones and can't wait to try the 2010 version.

_________________
2012 American Vintage Telecaster 1958
09 Fender american deluxe strat.
97 Gibson les paul special P90's double-cut
65 Princeton reverb re-issue
2010 Guild Gad-F40e

You haven't tried the link yet?

www.fender.com/americanspecial

It is glossy ... we have to wait to see if the Highway One series gets discontinued.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Who knows they may keep both for a while with this Special just being an offshoot of the HWY One for $100 more?

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Like the kid in the Pony commercial - wow that's fun! - I like the red strat.

I see they are "11" (line) series model number. I have a couple of the 11 and I think they are some of the best value production models Fender makes!

No the last time I tried to access it it did not work. It works now. Thanks for the heads up that it works.

RK

Really like that red one (SSS configuration) and the Black (HSS configuration). I can't wait until my local dealer gets one in so I can play one. This may be my new GAS item if it sounds really good.

Thanks,

RK

I didn't like the satin much. I rubbed mine out to a glossy finish.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.