It's been a few years since Fender has offered an American Standard Hardtail... I'd like to see a comeback, especially now the bridge unit is using the bent saddles instead of the hideous (IMO) blocks. Wonder if there will be be enough customer demand to have it offered again in the future.

I'm well aware that the trem can be disabled by blocking it/adding extra springs but I've always liked the look and feel of the hardtails.

I've heard those solid blokes affect the sound - how would discribe the difference, I havn't had a chance to compare?

I'm not really sure how much they effect the sound but was never a fan of how they looked. Guess I'm kind of a vintage junky.

I have a hardtail, it is an '82 MIJ '57 Reissue. I have several other regular strats also so I can compare the two. The hardtail has more sustain, because the strings go through the body and anchor to the wood like a Tele. It has a stiffer feel when bending strings, since there is no give from the springs in the trem.

I dont play it real often, because I do like to use the trem on a Strat. But when I do play it, I enjoy it a lot. Great blues guitar.

i like the looks of the hardtail. i hope they come back also.