Just wondering why Fender has dropped the lsr nut from their American Strat Deluxe in 2010.
That was one of the great features.... at least, I though so.
Now the only major things that make the Amer deluxe different from the other models is basically the pickup sys, locking tuners and a paint job. ( aside from small details like the bridge/carved neck joint) but c'mon, whats going on?

Also, what has happend to the Amer Delux HSS model? Is it gone too?

Perhaps this is a web site error, but your photos of the aformentioned guitars don't show the lsr nut. I noticed that the page with the amps is totally messed up. ( e.g. go to amps and try to display only the tube amps)

Only the HSS had the LSR nut. The HSS LT with the locking bridge saddles was discontinued 3 years ago. The regular HSS has now been dropped.

Regular Deluxe Strats use the EasyGlider string tree, still retaining the locking tuners, pop-out trem and S1 system.


Seems that Fender decided to stop making the American Deluxes and replacing the series with something better.

Hmm... maybe it was just the HSS with the rolling nut. Either way thats too bad. The HSS was nice. The lsr was a really nice touch to the model.
Re: string tree... do you mean the nut? I haven't heard that term before.

Lastly, you said:

Seems that Fender decided to stop making the American Deluxes and replacing the series with something better.

Are you speculating that Fender IS replacing the Amer Deluxe HSS with something better, or did you forget to put "is" before replacing in your sentance, and you know this for fact. If so, please share

Yes, I'm certain about that. But it's just a mere scenario.

Another thing I'm deeply thinking about seems obvious, though it's not clear: Fender is going to completely redesign the whole American Deluxe series and add an active/passive switch on bass guitars, for example. It's a very good point, because American Deluxe basses lack of a bypass switch, making bassists unable to continue gigging when the batteries die during a session!

I think the Reggie Hamilton Jazz has the active/passive bypass switch.

PS: A string tree are a small piece of metal which holds the D and G strings. The LSR nut eliminates the need of a string tree.

Don't confuse the string retainer with the nut.

I agree that something is stirring with the am. deluxe line. Thay have purged a few colour options, and QMT and FMT are now gone aswell.

I love my Deluxe, but MHO is that they just lack something that I just cant put my finger on... dont ask me what it is- but you may agree.

I remember the plus/deluxe line had an array of insane colours at the time, and I would love to see a broad range of them back. The custom colours of the 50's and the 60's would be awesome. Desirable colour options are a straight away sell.

The old pluses had something that the deluxe hasnt, and the deluxe has something the plus/deluxe didnt have...

apples for apples.

One thing is for certain, I love SCN's but I think they have done their dash, time for something new.

I know it sounds silly, but Id like Fender to start using Lace pick-ups again. Argument is that they arent that sought & asked after- but then again, they arent really being offered on many models for people to know what they are lol

I have my fingers crossed that something good will come

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String Tree... Got it. Thx. I actually had no idea what that was called or what it did. Makes sense.

.... I would love something big happen to the line.
I agree about the colours. They need way colour more options than have been available lately.
I too had a '92 strat plus deluxe that was "crimson burst" - A colour that I think is the nicest on the strat.
And the lace sensors were sweet. Silver.
However, I must say that the new cobalt magnet S1 switching on the strats now is better. It has been a while since I remember the sound of the Lace' though.
Just before Christmas I too heard from a dealer that they were changing the line and that something new was coming out in 2010. Thats why I've been watching the Fender site closely, especially with the NAMM happening.
But when I saw this new Strat Special line, my hopes faultered.
You don't think they'll wait for the summer NAMM to unvail something do ya?
Fingers crossed.
Peace.

I want em to drop the line. After all I've already got mine.

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No no and no

nice to see they have kept my model(Amber with rosewood fretboard)! Wouldnt trade it for anything.

Ok so Ive been trying to get sleep- it's soo hot still at night time lol

Anyway- here's also something Ive thought about.

Fender have just launched Am Special, and they have just gotten rid of a few Deluxe models and colour options. Given that its the new year, winter namm has just gone, and a new line of strats and teles, dont you think they may have launched them by now?

Just something to ponder I guess, this has really got my curiousity

Personally, with regard to the S1 switch... I cant remember the last time I touched it- its something I wouldnt miss. I think the real benefit would be in a HSS where you can easily coil-tap. or as a switch for a dually if you had lace sensors.

As much as I love SCN, Id take laces anyday over them - they dont have tone 'drop-off' when you dial the volume down, and much less string pull over most pick-ups avail= more sustain. They also look cool and they have more chimey tones to them

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I didn't care so much for the new American Special Strats. They are essentially Highway-1 models dressed into an American Series suit.

They were good points, though - the gloss urethane finish, the super-sized frets and the gritty TX Specials.

The worst? Large headstocks, two string trees, cheaper vintage trems and a horrible-sounding Atomic humbucker pickup in the bridge. No, it's definitely an unsuccessful attempt into offering affordable guitars for a modest budget.

Personally, I'd like the recently upgraded Standard Series models (the Mexican ones) and their American cousins. I find them better than the cheaply-made Highway-1 and American Special guitars.

Ever asked yourself why those 'cheaper' vintage trems appear on the most expensive guitars in the catalogue?

The simple fact is that their not at all cheaper.
Vintage
http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/4549-fender_american_vintage_stratocaster_bridge_tremolo_assembly

Modern 2 point
http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/4298-fender_genuine_contemporary_american_standard_tremolo_system_chrome

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No no and no

String Tees: I have two holding 4 strings. Those things help the intonantion.