That's a great deal for an American Standard (left mine stock, except aged pup covers/knobs to match the Olympic White paint).

If they're selling that low, what is their standard price for the American Vintage Reissue? GC and MF sell around 1599 IIRC, if Sam Ash equals that normally, 20% would put you into the $1280 range (yeah, it's higher than you spec'd, plus tax too, but the Sea Foam Green you were interested in is available in those models, they can probably order you one- and that gives you a few weeks or more to save up a bit more). Just a thought.

The American Standard these days is a fine guitar though, and that's a great price (I recently got a good deal on mine used, 2 years old for $725 and it's got a ding in it).

Sounds like your fine with amps, that Deluxe Reverb reissue is what I bought too. Had a lot of genuine vintage Fenders over the years, and this reissue hangs with many of them (close, not equal or better). If you need a really low volume practice amp, you might want to look at the Champion 600 reissue too. 5 watts, has a high gain input (one of two) and sounds really good for a cheapo. Has that ultra cool vintage look too. Use mine a lot (still hear housemates asking to turn it down lol....).

Are you thinking maple, or rosewood?

_________________
"If you don't know the blues... there's no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music".
Keith Richards

These Stratocasters are the best damn guitars!

As far as modifying a guitar as long as it is something that can be reveresed and is not permanent I say knock yourself out. But once you route or drill holes you can kiss the resale value goodbye. In 30 plus years and after owning over 30 guitars I have only done this twice and one of them is one of my most precious guitars, maybe not value wise but playing and tone wise it is a beast. I buy a guitar because of what it sounds like and plays like so there should be no reasons to modify unless it is certain tweaks or things that can be undone if I want to sell it. I really bug out on these kids on Harmony Central who are waiting for there 3K+ guitar to come and say they have 3 or 4 mods waiting for it already. If you spend that much on an ax the only thing you should do is plug it in.