I think my next guitar will be either the American Special Strat or the Standard Strat MIM. Opinions, recommendations, warnings, much appreciated as well as any comparison to the ADStrat.

Thanks!
BM

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This is the Blues. Are you listening?

Love my American Special
just sayin'

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Play it from your soul!
2011 Fender American Special Stratocaster Candy Apple Red
1995 Fender J.A.M. Amp

Both are good guitars. I thing the American Special is a bit better due to the different frets and pickups. Might I recommend a 2012 American Standard. Play one, it may be worth buying if you like it. I love the Fat 50 pickups in them.

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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

Hi rkreisher. Thanks for your comments and recommendation. I agree that both are good guitars and the reason I was leaning towards the American Special is mainly because of the pups. I wasn't aware of the fret difference, thanks for pointing that out.

In the end I pulled the trigger on a Candy Apple Red Standard Strat. I've played the American Standard and I do like it but since I recently bought an ADStrat as well as a Hot Rod Deluxe, I thought I should take it easy on the wallet for a while.

Cheers!
BM

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This is the Blues. Are you listening?

Hi! I have them both and like them both. MIM's have a good reputation now.
To me MIM & Standard MIA are the same. Of course the higher priced "custom"
"ultra" "deluxe" MIA Strats' hardware will increase the MIAs pricing
(with better hardware, paint and stain, etc.).

So, if you're ever going to hot-rod your Strat,
get the MIM as they are well known to be perfect for upgrades
or keep the MIM as is. I have three upgraded MIM Strats and
will be able to get my money value easily.

If you change and mod the MIAs be careful for resale, MIA enthusiasts will nick you.

Also, similar MIA & MIM are only $100-$200 apart.
Check the 1990s MIA Standard Strats that are not modified
and you'll see most are in the low pricing range, anyway.


One of my favorites is a MIM HSS Fat Strat with upgraded pickups to Seymour Duncans.
Plus some other minor mods. Total hardward and case = $1000 and I bought it for $485.

Have fun choosing. Toppscore

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I love CAR color. Nothing wrong with the Standard models. I see you are much like me in regards to pocketbook. Over the last few years I have bought a lot of Stratocasters. I am at a standstill when it comes to new guitars. I am quite happy with my current collection. I have done all the modifications on the ones I planned on modifying.

My next goal is a decent tube amp for playing around the house. I have not quite decided on brand or wattage just yet, however I am leaning towards a Blues JR.

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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