For over 3 years i've been a proud owner of a Jimmy Vaughan Signature strat. I still love that guitar but lately i've found the fretwear is becoming worse and worse. (i play daily, a bit SRV style so i'm kind of hard on my frets)

So because i don't want a refret or another neck i'm kind of thinking buying a new guitar. (great excuse right )

But this time i want to go to the next step, since a month or two i've traded in my Fender Blues Deluxe for a Fender Deluxe Reverb 65 RI amp and i want my other gear to grow along with it.

This means i want to spend around 1500 euro's this time (maybe a bit more if i can get really more value for a few 100 extra). Knowing this price range i can afford the following series:

American Standard
American Deluxe
Artist
Vintage Reissue


I have a problem making a pre selection because i don't know which series is better than the other. Like is an Artist better than an American Deluxe or do you just pay more since it's an Artist model and it's more wanted because there's a signature on it?

Basically i want to know what is the best non CS strat quality wise, i know the sound differs:

An american Deluxe
Artist: Stevie Ray Vaughan
Artist: John Mayer
Artist: Eric Johnson
A 57 Vintage Reissue
A 62 Vintage Reissue

I play Texas Blues, but also love Larry Carlton, Robben Ford and other Jazz influences in blues. So i guess that also has impact on my choices

The deluxe series doesnt give me any GAS at all.
But those two...

Artist: John Mayer
A 62 Vintage Reissue

Between those 2 I cannot decide myself either!
Good luck on that mate!

what you say about the deluxe...i have the same problem. That's why i'm wondering if their pricing is based on the fact that they don't generate GAS, or that they're actually inferior quality wise compared to the artist series.

Another option is looking for a great American Standard 2010 and just throw some texas specials in there

That would be an excellent axe!! Of all the choices that you listed before, an Am Std would be my choice for a playing guitar. The American Special series already has Texas Specials stock, for a little less than the Am Std. The main differences being the 6 screw trem, big headstock, pickups and a gig bag instead of a case.

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

Then you´d be pleased to buy the same guitar I have. Texas Specials comes stock.

http://www.fender.com/community/forums/viewtopic.php?t=44771

What about quality control? I would think that a American Standard would be better in that department?

You might be right, the Am Std might have a little more hand finishing of the fret ends. I can't find a reference to the "Hand Rolled Fret Ends" for the Spcl, like the Std has. But as far as quality, they are both American Strats, I would expect both to be very good.

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

There is nothing wrong with the American or the Deluxe guitars. If fact I have had both and now own a new Deluxe. Have had bothe American and Deluxes' (HSS) all are great guitars.

Go out and play them and you will be the judge.