I am starting to play the guitar again after many years of absence. Have always wanted a Strat and am looking at an American made one. I love blues and jazz guitar along with classic rock and am looking for a guitar I will be happy with for a while and one that will give me the sounds I remember from growing up in 60s and 70s.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

American Standard. Great guitar - great tone, middle price point.

any thoughts on SSS vs HSS?

Have a LP Studio with humbuckers.

My 1st would be an SSS - classic!!
#2 I would likely go for an HSS. (looking at those just now when thinking about this post...problem is they're not available in all the same colors (I'm digging the billzzard pearl, already have a sienna burst).

I would likely go the Am DLx HSS for #2.

Let the Gibby handle the HB tone in the mean time!

+1
Then you would have a humbucker guitar and a single coil guitar. Variety is the spice of life.

As for which American Strat is best for a beginner....any of them. Every guitar is different, even of the same model. Some guitars have heavy wood and a dull tone, others are light and resonant. Go out and try many and find one that speaks to you. Don't be afraid of the plethora of Mexican made Fender models and variations also.

But if you must narrow it down to one American, why not a '62 American Reissue? Since you like classic rock, it's the closest thing to the guitars heard on 60's classics without spending a fortune on Custom Shop or a original vintage Strat from the 60's.

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