I need to buy a used Strat with a Humbucker in the bridge position. I know it comes in the American Standard Deluxe model. I want one with a S1 switch as well.

What models and years should I be looking for? If they come in non-US models, do they still operate as well as US models?

Thanx
Deelight

Right now the only new Strats you can get with both HSS pickups and the S1 switch are the American Deluxe HSS models. However, the American Series Strat HSS that was made from about July 2003 until the end of 2007 had both the HSS and the S1 switch. When Fender updated the guitars and renamed them "American Standards" in January 2008 they removed the S1 switch from the HSS version.

You could just look for one of the older ones. You would have to look closely at the 2003s; those made from January through June (or so) were called the "American Fat Strat Texas Special" and they had different pickups (Texas Special single coils and a Duncan Pearly Gates Plus humbucker) and no S1 switch. Those made after June would have Tex-Mex single coils, a Fender humbucker and the S1. The colors of the two models are different; the earlier models had special colors and either pearloid or tortoise shell pickguar while the later models have the same finishes as the regular American Series Strats (like silver, chrome red, chrome blue, etc.) and black pickguards/knobs/etc.

John C,

thanks for that information. I have just 1 follow-up issue. I was told that there was some concern about the S1 switch because it was more of a pull switch instead of what is one the deluxe now, which is a push switch.

Thanx
Darryl

No, it was exactly the same push/push switch as used on the American Deluxes. I remember reading about some issues with the early ones (say in 2003) but I suspect that by now any of them that were going to fail have done so and been replaced.

John C

If unable to locate the strat you want you can have it retrofitted.
After acquiring an HB pup Seymour Duncan or ? ( must be 4 leads) it will allow you to fully use the options of an S1 switch.
Try http://www.partsisparts.net they carry the S1 switch as well as the compatible knob in black or white (sold separately ) it should still be cheaper than thru a GC special order.
The Fender support/ schematic has all the info needed to wire it up.
You can also go to Seymour Duncan's site for wiring diagrams

_________________
"C'est parti mon Kiki "

see if they still have the fender mahogony american special stratocaster, it is crimson ,
black pickguard and black headstock, with lsr nut.
has 2 tex mex and a humbucker with an s1 switch.
dont let the tex mex selections discourage you, it is a extremely versatile strat.
my best friend has one, the neck is like butta smooth playability, and can get nice fat cleans, srv snarl to evh eruption tone. during some sets i swear hes playing a les paul.

if my bud didnt have one, i would have gotten one a long time ago.

HEY FENDER , make it in black.

_________________
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."

oogway, kungfu panda 2008

I have a 2004 American standard HSS and i have it ... it only change slightly the sound with the neck pickup .. theres no difference in the humbucker if its push or not .

you shouldnt worry about having it or not .. its not very useful .

thats weird, the crimson red changes the tone when the s1 switch is on, as it does on my american deluxe

_________________
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."

oogway, kungfu panda 2008