Hi, guys. Wondering if there are any better/worse years for used Strats? I'm thinking of picking up an AM Standard, figure that I may be able to get a used one for a good price. Example - GC.com has a 91 AM standard at a shop near me. Price is $640. I may run up and check it out.

Thanks.

For the American Standards, I prefer the later models. Had a couple of early '90's models I bought new, never warmed up to them that much.The finish was really thick and in theory anyway, choked the resonance of the body to some degree. The blockish bridge saddles and inferior metal of the trem block didn't help matters there any. And I didn't care for the TBX at the time (though I will get more out of it on the Clapton model I just picked up).

I'd try to get one from after the updates if possible. They've thinned the finish down somewhat, have switched the bridge saddles to something much more vintage-like and are using better/more dense metal for the trem block. I picked up a 2007/2008 model on eBay a few months back for about $725, and like it WAY better than I liked those two earlier versions.

Just one persons take on it, let's see who else offers some insight.

Oh, and before I saw it was an American Standard you were looking at, I was prepared to say 1960. Handled two 1960 Strats in my life (along with many other vintages) and wish I'd bought one of those two, the best players I've ever handled. And I've owned a (genuine 100% original) '62 Stratocaster. 1960 is still my favorite year for them.

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"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

Thanks T Bone. You say 'after the updates.' So, when would that be? Thanks.

Sorry, but I'm not sure when they did the changes. I think it was around '04 or '05. But the easiest way to tell is look at the bridge saddles if they're original The big blocky ones are easy to spot, and what I'd avoid. If you check a bunch on eBay and check their years, you should be able to spot the year of the change fairly quickly (or maybe someone here knows and will volunteer the info!).

Then again, they may refute what I'm saying altogether and tell you to buy the one at Guitar Center. Keep in mind they often have coupons for $50 off for anything more than $350. Just ran that last weekend (it was emailed to me, I used it to pick up an effects pedal and a stand out of their Albany store). If you're not on their list, I'd suggest you sign up. Lots of coupons and specials I don't hear about on the radio. Good savings if you're shopping there anyway.

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"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

I believe the time line for modern US Strats is something like this:
1st Generation American Standards: 1988? - 2000
American Series: 2000 - 2007
2nd Generation American Standards: 2008 - current

I'm partial to the American Series and newer American Standards becuase I consider the changes Fender made to them "upgrades" over the older Standards. Although 1954 was a good year for Strats if you can afford one

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

I have 91 AM Standards, and yes u really need to upgrade it a bit, change the pickup, electronics, etc.but nothing major...u will have a good decent strat

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Jingle Maker / Music Composer http://www.adryans.multiply.com