While looking at the American Standard Strat, my friend suggested that I save some money and get the American Special instead. I haven't played it yet, but was hoping that someone might be able to offer some opinions on this Strat and it's quality, etc. Is it worth the money to go with the American Standard?

Hi rapaul76,

You really should try both for yourself, there is quite a difference in feel between those two models IMO. While the Am Spcl is a fine guitar, it doesn't have as nice a feel as the Am Std. The fret ends on the Std are better finished than on the Spcl, even though the fret ends are not bad on the Spcl, they are a little better on the Std. I would also say that the pickups in the Spcl are about the best (Texas Specials), maybe better than the Std pickups. If you can afford it, I would get the Std, I did.

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

Both are great guitars. For the extra money I'd say the Standard is more than worth it, but the Special has great value for the price tag.

The Special comes loaded with Texas Specials which you'll want to compare to the Am Standard Strat pups. A lot of people have an aversion to the large 70's-style headstock, though. There are only 4 finish options currently offered with the Special. SSS's are only offered with a maple fretboard, and HSS's are only offered with a rosewood fretboard. Jumbo frets as opposed to medium Jumbo. Arguably the one of the best bang-for-your-buck Fender Strats currently offered. I once had a similar Highway One and the neck was amazing.

With the Am Standard you have a lot more flexibility in the finishes offered. They also come with a poly coat as opposed to a nitro w/poly undercoat of the Special. I personally prefer the thinner headstock. There are American Standards that are also offered with an ash body, such as ones with the desirable Sienna Sunburst finish.

Just some good for thought. I would ultimately let it come down to which guitar feels better in your hands. Be sure to try a few of each and pick the clear winner, as every guitar is different.

Toronado,

Are you sure about the nitro finish on the Spcls? The specs on the Fender site say "satin urethane" finish, but doesn't mention anything about nitro.

_________________
---> "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.

Whoops - I thought the Special was similar to HWY1 specs, with the addition of Texas Specials. My fault

I am confused on the OP's statement. The American Special is about $200 cheaper on average than the American Standard.

Regardless of the statement, both are very good guitars. I say play both and let your fingers and ears decide which one you like better. For me I liked the American Special better. I of course do not care about the larger headstock and vintage tremolo. The extra $200 dollars could be used for hard shell case. It is a game of give and take. Better pickups vs microtilt neck. I prefer the jumbo frets and Texas Special pickups.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

I've read that the Texas Special pickups are a little "hotter" than the ones in the American Standard...is this so? I've never owned a Strat before and don't know the subtleties of the different specs.

rapaul76,

I think that it may be the other way around. I know that at least for the bridge pickup in the Am Std, it is hotter than the Txs Spcl.

_________________
---> "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.

I had an American Special before, and it was a great guitar. The only thing I didn't like about it was that the frets must be higher than the American Standard frets. I kept pulling it out of tune when fretting (mostly first position chords). I also prefer a case, and the American Special only comes with a gig bag. Also the bridge and tuners are of less quality than the American Standard. Come to think of it, the rolled fretboard is much nicer on the American Standard too.

I would go with the American Standard. The $200.00 difference gets you much more in the way of quality, not to mention a hard shell case.

JMHO though...

American Special New 799 = American Standard New 999 worth the extra few bucks and you may even want to try a set of those "texas specials" in the American Standard for a really true vintage sound ,,, Good Luck and Keep Playing