What would you suggest and why?

I have a circa '80s G&L SC-3 with maple neck.

Looking for a Strat with signature tone, but also versatility.

Thanks, Bob

For me, the '09 Am Standard Strat had much better tone then the '10 Deluxe. My vote is the Standard. Not as many bells and whistles, but man it sounds great!

It depends on what you want. If you plan to use enough drive or distortion you might prefer the noiseless pickups in the Deluxe. Then again you could always buy a pedal to silence the 60cycle hum of a standard.

Personally, I love the American Standard strats. I own one & my 15 year old son has one also. We keep it clean & sometimes slightly gritty so we don't need the noiseless pickups. We like to hear as much of that "Strat" tone coming through as possible.

Also, I prefer the regular/traditional tuners of a Standard over the Locking tuners of a Deluxe.

Hope that helps.

guys, for me, it's better to have deluxe if you want to have more impulse for high output, but if you prefer vintage sound , forget about it, and choose standard series... thanks

I have an 09 American Std, and I love it. I eventually replaced the pickups with Hot Noiseless, and she just sings

I've not owned or played a Deluxe, but you cant go wrong with the American Std.

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2008 American Standard w/ Hot Noiseless
2009 Hwy One Tele
2010 Vox AC15 w/Greenback and Top Boost
Fulltone Fulldrive II Mosfet
TC Nova Delay
Hardwire RV 7
EB Jr Volume Pedal
BOSS TU3 Tuner
Digidesign Eleven Rack

I just turned down the American Standard that I waited 6 months for because in the long wait I tried out the Am. Deluxe and was swayed to go that route.

If I end up not liking the tone I can always swap out the pickups.

That Deluxe neck is a work of art and feels way better than the Standard, IMO.

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Support your local guitar shop.

Both are great guitars. Both are acceptable with the stock, or aftermarket pickups. Both are incredibly playable with a little bit of setup to customize to your style. Both are American made Stratocasters and both are well worth owning. I say one of each, minimum!

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60th Anniversary AD Strat, Deluxe Nashville Tele, Player's P Bass. Mesa/Boogie Mk IV combo, Marshall JCM800, 1960A cab, Genz Benz El Diablo 60, Genz 2x12" cab, too many neat little practice amps and kit projects!

Thanks for all the input!

I think I'll save up for an American Standard.

Bob