Are these rebates a precursor to new versions of stratocasters and teles(2012)?

I think so. Apparently there is a new American Deluxe Strat to be launched in January 2012.
I cant wait to see what the specs are

good to know, I hope there will be new standards, and mim's too. Saving my monies now!

I'd imagine with Gibson having rosewood fretboard issues and switching to a torred maple fretboard (looks like a cross between rosewood and ebony). Perhaps Fender is doing something different too?

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I think it would be an HSS "LT" with a mini-floyd trem.

really that's it? Is that a joke? No new standard line? What's LT?

"LT" stands for Locking Tremolo.

I called that bridge "mini-floyd" because of its size and similarity to a normal Fender 2-point trem.

Essentially it's a Deluxe 2-point tremolo with locking bridge saddles on it.



The whole assembly includes also an LSR nut and locking tuners for optimal tuning stability.

and supposedly the only version being released is a HSS Deluxe? I hope this does not require a locking nut.

Fender has used this tremolo before (Fender/Floyd Rose trem) on previous Deluxe Strats several years ago. There is no locking nut required but the system seems to work best with the LSR nut. It seems to me, though, that this trem could work with with a graphite (or similar material) or even a well made regular bone nut.

but that is the only thing new being released? No new pu config? No SSS guitar or american standard? I hope there is at least new colors coming out.

Not only the Deluxes.

Many Custom Shop creations were also available with the deluxe locking bridge.

USA Contemporary, Carved Top, Set Neck Stratocasters and certain Showmaster models such as the Set Neck FMT are fine examples to name a few.

The deluxe locking bridge first appeared on the Deluxe Plus with the Blue/Silver/Red Lace Sensor combo and the Ultra with the Gold Lace Sensor in the middle.

I think Fender has not discontinued this product but stopped using it on their guitars as of 2007; the assembly is actually available as a separate accessory (p/n 1996510100), though not listed on the products page.