as far as I know, Z = american standard, DZ = deluxe on 2000-2009 models. My deluxe has abalone/pearl like fret markers, as opposed to white or black markers on standards. still, both models are great guitars.

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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

Here are some picts of mine. It is a 2000 Fat Strat DX and has the DZxxx serial number. It was not until recently that I found out that some of these transitional Strat in 1999-2000 came with only a Zxxx serial number. As you can see, many features found on a Strat Plus. In fact in late 1998 to 1999, some of these were marketed as a "Plus".



By the way, I am not a big fan of these noiseless pickups. They are too glassy and brittle sounding for my ears. I tried adjusting my amp different ways. I do like a lot of types of pickups depending on the guitar and genre. What are your thoughts?

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Xhefri's Guitars
www.xhefriguitars.com