I'm looking at a 2002 Strat listed as an American Standard and it has a good looking natural finish with a rosewood freboard. Serial # is Z2052103

What's concerning me is that this guitar has 2 string trees and the neck plate is plain, lacking the Fender Corona California. Could this be a Highway One? The guitar is in nice shape, no case and less than $600. Is it a bad buy even if it is an HO?

Any expert advice would be greatly appreciated.

If it has two string tress I bet its a Highway .Does it have the two pin for the bridge? If it was me I would pass on it for $600.00 and no case . Thats what I think

My 1999 Natural American Standard Strat has 2 string trees, but has the Made in Carona neckplate.

Without photos best guess would be a first generation Highway 1. As goodinbed says, the bridge will be a 2-post if it's an American Series, it will be a six-screw if it's a Highway 1.

Highway 1s should have come with a gig bag; with the bag I would go about $500-$500 for one of them. You can get an American Series or American Standard with a hardshell around here for $625-$700 depending on color/condition/etc.