Could you please tell me how to ID the limited number 50th Aniv, American Std, sunburst Stratocaster? It's confusing because I see some with the anniversary case, but some have a square neck plate, others have the curved neck plate with offset screws. I know all strats in 2004 had the aniv. neck plate, but how do you tell the limited numbered ones? I am looking at one (I think) and want to know for sure what it is. Thanks

Weren't the LE models marked with a special serial-number run?

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

The ones with the curved neckplate were the American Deluxe 50th Anniversary models- they came with gold hardware, all were sunburst, all had the SCN pickups with S1.

The ones that were numbered were the Custom Shop ones I think... I have the Guitarist review of all three somewhere...

_________________
'01 American Deluxe HSS Strat.
'87 Japan HSS Strat.
'11 Custom Shop FMT HSS Strat.

"Without music, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines and dates by which bills must be paid."

Vlad is correct. As for the '04 American Series 50th Anniversary Strat here are the stats from my own baught brand new in '04.

2-color-sunburst body
Maple neck
Staggerd tuning keys
single ply parchment pick guard and parts.
Bone nut
50th Anniversary neck etched neck plate stating so.
CS '54 Strat Pickups
Gold lined tweed case with 50th Anniversary patch.

I think that covers everything. These great guitars. Fener really out of their way to make an affordable ($1,000) anniversary guitar.

Fender also made a gold 50th anniversary Strat with much of the same touches only it was produce in Mexico, I think. It came with a tweed gig bag.

These guitars only came in about three colors: 3-color sunburst, 2-color sunburst, and gold (Not American).

If someone tries to sell you anything other than whan Vlad and I have told you, then you're getting robbed.

Thanks guys! I can always depend on knowledgeable, friendly people to help. Appreciate this forum.

If I get the chance in the near future I can upload my magazine reviews for the three 2004 special edition models...

_________________
'01 American Deluxe HSS Strat.
'87 Japan HSS Strat.
'11 Custom Shop FMT HSS Strat.

"Without music, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines and dates by which bills must be paid."

50th Anniversary American Deluxe Series Stratocaster,. Deluxe edition is equiped with all gold hardware.Serial number will start with DZ,MADE IN THE USA!
This 2-Color Sunburst, maple necked beauty comes complete with a deluxe tweed case with embroided 50th Anniversary Logo and a beautifully etched neck plate for this once in a lifetime event. It has a deluxe 2-point synchronized tremolo bridge with pop-in arm, 3-ply parchment pickguard with commemorative logo and aged plastic parts, abalone dot inlays, deluxe staggered tuning machines, and a special engraved neck plate that celebrates the anniversary.

The 50th Anniversary American Series Stratocaster was available only from January 15th through December 31st, 2004