I have a brand new 2010 American Deluxe HSS Strat. When I switch to the middle pickup, I hear a loud pop, like a capacitor discharging. Right after that if I move the selector switch, it is not so loud. If I leave it on the bridge pickup for a while and then move the selector to the #3 position (middle pickup), I get another loud pop.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I took my 2010 American Deluxe HSS back to the store. They talked to a Fender guitar tech over the phone, who insisted that the problem must be environmental, caused by static. The tech said we should wipe down the topside and underside of the entire pickguard area with an anti-static cloth, as well as the cavity in the body to eliminate any static. He also said we should try to reproduce the problem while standing on a concrete floor with no carpet.

Well, I did all that. No change. I still hear a loud pop when I switch to the #3 position on the pickup selector when the S1 switch is up. It does not happen when the S1 switch is down.

I would be grateful if anyone who has a 2010 American Deluxe HSS could confirm or deny experiencing the same problem.

I, too have this noise as you described. However, it is so minor, it does not anoy me. I think when I first got it, about a week ago, it was louder than it is now.

Jack