American Standard vs Deluxe

BMW-KTM · **Posted:** Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:57 am

Guitar_Fiend wrote:

...

I got the 2011 Deluxe SSS because 1) I hate the hum of traditional single coils (lots of people bash the N3's but, personally, I love them);

....

I don't actually "bash" the N3s but I do think they were a step backward from the Vintage Noiseless of a previous generation. You should seriously look into the DiMarzio Area pickups. I've tried a selection of noiseless pups ever since the late 80's when the Don Lace Sensors came out. Our forum members Martian and Arjay put me on to these Dimarzios and I have to say they are without a doubt the closest thing to a true single coil without the hum that I have ever tried.

I've tried: the Lace Sensors, of course, (Red, Red Dually, Blue & Gold), Vintage Noiseless, Hot Noiseless, Samarium Cobalt, N3, Kinman Mark III, Kinman Woodstock and also the Woodstock Plus. The Mark IIIs are the second best set I've tried The best are the Dimarzios. I'm running a '61 (bridge), '58 (mid), and '67 (neck) and I could not be happier. I also bought a Virtual Solo thinking the '61 might not be hot enough for the bridge but so far I haven't felt the need to try it yet.

Quantum · **Joined:** Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:16 pm **Posts:** 43

oldguy101 wrote:

Quantum wrote:

oldguy101 wrote:

I'd email Clapton and Gilmour just to get a couple more opinions other that Gary Hoey 's.....

Gary has always been great about having a rapport with his fans - your sarcasm is duly noted.

Sorry, didn't mean to offend -- feeble attempt at humor, not sarcasm. Good luck with your guitar search.

Actually I owe you an apology, stupid Internet! :lol:

I always read things the wrong way. :wink:

Toppscore · **Joined:** Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am **Posts:** 2337

Quantum wrote:

Actually I owe you an apology, stupid Internet! :lol:

I always read things the wrong way. :wink:

In the history of my life, you are the first known forumite to mis-read anything.
Shame on you

Guitar_Fiend · **Joined:** Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:22 pm **Posts:** 169

BMW-KTM wrote:

Guitar_Fiend wrote:

...

I got the 2011 Deluxe SSS because 1) I hate the hum of traditional single coils (lots of people bash the N3's but, personally, I love them);

....

I don't actually "bash" the N3s but I do think they were a step backward from the Vintage Noiseless of a previous generation. You should seriously look into the DiMarzio Area pickups. I've tried a selection of noiseless pups ever since the late 80's when the Don Lace Sensors came out. Our forum members Martian and Arjay put me on to these Dimarzios and I have to say they are without a doubt the closest thing to a true single coil without the hum that I have ever tried.

I've tried: the Lace Sensors, of course, (Red, Red Dually, Blue & Gold), Vintage Noiseless, Hot Noiseless, Samarium Cobalt, N3, Kinman Mark III, Kinman Woodstock and also the Woodstock Plus. The Mark IIIs are the second best set I've tried The best are the Dimarzios. I'm running a '61 (bridge), '58 (mid), and '67 (neck) and I could not be happier. I also bought a Virtual Solo thinking the '61 might not be hot enough for the bridge but so far I haven't felt the need to try it yet.

I have other mods on my bucket list for this guitar that are more of a priority than the pickups. I truly am happy with the N3's. I'm not overly concerned with getting a vintage tone right now, hence my choice of the Am Dlx. First on the list would be a clapton midboost kit sometime in the next year, then i'd like to get a Fishman Powerbridge installed.

I have heard some great reviews on the Dimarzio Area series pickups, so if I ever decide I want a noiseless pickup with vintage tone I might just try them.

chromeface · **Posted:** Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:56 am

Guitar_Fiend wrote:

I have other mods on my bucket list for this guitar that are more of a priority than the pickups. I truly am happy with the N3's. I'm not overly concerned with getting a vintage tone right now, hence my choice of the Am Dlx. First on the list would be a clapton midboost kit sometime in the next year, then i'd like to get a Fishman Powerbridge installed.

Quantum · **Joined:** Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:16 pm **Posts:** 43

Thanks for all the advice guys!

After playing a Standard HSS and the Deluxe HSS - I couldn't pass up the compound radius neck. I loved the S1 - it just gives so much more option without the need for a pedal, and I actually liked the sound of the Noiseless pickups. The locking tuners have been sweet as i haven't had to tune it at all since I purchased it on Friday and I been bending the hell out of those strings playing along with Clapton and Stevie.

The Deluxe for whatever reason has so much more sustain, dunno if it's the pickups or what but the guitar is just amazing.

Once again, thanks everyone!

brannon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:59 pm **Posts:** 26

I have played both of them side by side, and I can tell you that , while they are both great guitars, the Deluxe(to me) is the best quality, the best playable, the most comfortable, and the best sounding of the two. Love the pickups, the boost button, the feel of the neck, the fingerboard, both maple and rosewood, and especially the heel contour, which basically broke the camels back in me deciding on a strat to get. I love that contoured heel. Its a little thing and not much to some people, but to me, its a big thing. Its so much more comfortable. So, I would have to go with the Deluxe strat, and also the tele is awesome, but, sorry, thats another part of the forum.

Toppscore · **Joined:** Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am **Posts:** 2337

brannon wrote:

I have played both of them side by side, and I can tell you that , while they are both great guitars, the Deluxe(to me) is the best quality, the best playable, the most comfortable, and the best sounding of the two. Love the pickups, the boost button, the feel of the neck, the fingerboard, both maple and rosewood, and especially the heel contour, which basically broke the camels back in me deciding on a strat to get. I love that contoured heel. Its a little thing and not much to some people, but to me, its a big thing. Its so much more comfortable. So, I would have to go with the Deluxe strat, and also the tele is awesome, but, sorry, thats another part of the forum.

+100
It is why Fender calls them "Deluxe"

Guitar_Fiend · **Joined:** Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:22 pm **Posts:** 169

chromeface wrote:

Guitar_Fiend wrote:

I have other mods on my bucket list for this guitar that are more of a priority than the pickups. I truly am happy with the N3's. I'm not overly concerned with getting a vintage tone right now, hence my choice of the Am Dlx. First on the list would be a clapton midboost kit sometime in the next year, then i'd like to get a Fishman Powerbridge installed.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about. Funny he's never been given his own signature model but since it's really a Clapton strat with the powerbridge added, I guess they don't feel the need to do it.

Nevermind... just noticed the knob added behind the bridge. He's got a rotary switch or blend control there obviously.

Never really looked up the specs on Townsend's strats. Does he modify the wiring of the boost kit to give more control over the piezo, have it wired so the piezo is always on, or have some switching options to go between Piezo only/magnetic pups/both?

Guitar_Fiend · **Joined:** Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:22 pm **Posts:** 169

Quantum wrote:

Thanks for all the advice guys!

After playing a Standard HSS and the Deluxe HSS - I couldn't pass up the compound radius neck. I loved the S1 - it just gives so much more option without the need for a pedal, and I actually liked the sound of the Noiseless pickups. The locking tuners have been sweet as i haven't had to tune it at all since I purchased it on Friday and I been bending the hell out of those strings playing along with Clapton and Stevie.

The Deluxe for whatever reason has so much more sustain, dunno if it's the pickups or what but the guitar is just amazing.

Once again, thanks everyone!

aside from some of the more expensive USA made Artist series production guitars, the Am Dlx is probably the closest thing to a custom shop guitar without actually getting a custom shop guitar. Main difference being that the custom shop gets first pick of all the wood at the factory and therefore has the best of the best.

The standard is still a good guitar and if you are after a more traditional look, feel and sound it is the one to go with. But the Am Dlx IMHO has better hardware and slightly better build quality. The main difference though is that the Am Dlx is more of a modern strat.

John C · **Posted:** Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:42 pm

Guitar_Fiend wrote:

chromeface wrote:

Guitar_Fiend wrote:

I have other mods on my bucket list for this guitar that are more of a priority than the pickups. I truly am happy with the N3's. I'm not overly concerned with getting a vintage tone right now, hence my choice of the Am Dlx. First on the list would be a clapton midboost kit sometime in the next year, then i'd like to get a Fishman Powerbridge installed.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about. Funny he's never been given his own signature model but since it's really a Clapton strat with the powerbridge added, I guess they don't feel the need to do it.

Nevermind... just noticed the knob added behind the bridge. He's got a rotary switch or blend control there obviously.

Never really looked up the specs on Townsend's strats. Does he modify the wiring of the boost kit to give more control over the piezo, have it wired so the piezo is always on, or have some switching options to go between Piezo only/magnetic pups/both?

Per that really comprehensive Who gear site - that extra knob you see behind the bridge is the volume control for the piezo. Check out the info and a video with Alan Rogan (Pete's tech) here:

http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/gear/guitar/fenderecstrat.html

Toppscore · **Joined:** Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am **Posts:** 2337

John C wrote:

Guitar_Fiend wrote:

I have other mods on my bucket list for this guitar that are more of a priority than the pickups. I truly am happy with the N3's. I'm not overly concerned with getting a vintage tone right now, hence my choice of the Am Dlx. First on the list would be a clapton midboost kit sometime in the next year, then i'd like to get a Fishman Powerbridge installed.
=====
Yes, that's what I'm talking about. Funny he's never been given his own signature model but since it's really a Clapton strat with the powerbridge added, I guess they don't feel the need to do it.

Nevermind... just noticed the knob added behind the bridge. He's got a rotary switch or blend control there obviously.

Never really looked up the specs on Townsend's strats. Does he modify the wiring of the boost kit to give more control over the piezo, have it wired so the piezo is always on, or have some switching options to go between Piezo only/magnetic pups/both?

Per that really comprehensive Who gear site - that extra knob you see behind the bridge is the volume control for the piezo. Check out the info and a video with Alan Rogan (Pete's tech) here: http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/gear/guitar/fenderecstrat.html

John. Do you believe Pete Townshend played his electric guitar with the piezo installed
for the "Pinball Wizard" accoustic sound? Or, which Who songs would have the piezo
pickup installed, for example.

Thanks, Toppscore

John C · **Posted:** Fri Jul 27, 2012 6:22 am

Toppscore wrote:

John C wrote:

Guitar_Fiend wrote:

I have other mods on my bucket list for this guitar that are more of a priority than the pickups. I truly am happy with the N3's. I'm not overly concerned with getting a vintage tone right now, hence my choice of the Am Dlx. First on the list would be a clapton midboost kit sometime in the next year, then i'd like to get a Fishman Powerbridge installed.
=====
Yes, that's what I'm talking about. Funny he's never been given his own signature model but since it's really a Clapton strat with the powerbridge added, I guess they don't feel the need to do it.

Nevermind... just noticed the knob added behind the bridge. He's got a rotary switch or blend control there obviously.

Never really looked up the specs on Townsend's strats. Does he modify the wiring of the boost kit to give more control over the piezo, have it wired so the piezo is always on, or have some switching options to go between Piezo only/magnetic pups/both?

Per that really comprehensive Who gear site - that extra knob you see behind the bridge is the volume control for the piezo. Check out the info and a video with Alan Rogan (Pete's tech) here: http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/gear/guitar/fenderecstrat.html

John. Do you believe Pete Townshend played his electric guitar with the piezo installed
for the "Pinball Wizard" accoustic sound? Or, which Who songs would have the piezo
pickup installed, for example.

Thanks, Toppscore

From the Super Bowl halftime show a few years back it would appear that he used piezo for "Pinball Wizard"; regarding other tunes I don't know. I was only fortunate enough to see The Who once, and that was on the "It's Hard"/Farewell Tour back in 1982. Pete was in his Schecter Tele-style phase back then and only played electrics on stage. He did have a really nice looking Lake Placid Blue Schecter with a white pickguard he used for "Baba O'Reilly", other than that it was the black ones with white binding (and one had a white pickguard) for that show as it was fairly early on that tour. The goldtop ones he used for the final show that was filmed as "Who's Last" came later.

Toppscore · **Joined:** Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am **Posts:** 2337

ckfoley wrote:

I tend to agree with Manjha - you need to play them both. I had a Deluxe (SSS) that I never quite bonded with and ended up selling. I purchased an American Std. and never looked back. Toppscore listed some differences and asserted the Deluxe was better appointed but let me give my perspective:

Toppscore wrote:

How can you say they are the same????
They are completely different in critical areas. The Deluxe is worth $400-$600 more, easy.

All three HSS pickups are incredibly better on the Deluxe.
The pickups are different, not necessarily better. My Deluxe had SCN pickups which were good but I don't really like the N3 pickups on the current version

The Deluxe has the great S-1 Switching.
My S1 switch failed after several weeks of playing. I was never happy with the additional sounds I could get - they just seemed muddy with my SCN pickups. I had the switch replaced with a standard volume pot under warranty and liked the result much better.

The roller nut, the bridge and saddles are all much more desirable on the Deluxe.
Not to me. My guitar didn't have a roller nut but I wasn't impressed with the one on the HSS guitar I tried. Seemed like a solution looking for a problem. On the SSS, the bridge is the same 2-point bridge as on the Am. Std. Only the saddles and pop-in tremolo arm were different and I prefer the bent steel saddles on the Std.

The Deluxe has Locking Tuners.
Seemed like a bonus at first but I wish they came with the vintage tuners instead.

The Deluxe has a Shalller Strap Lock System.
It's a nice feature. But I could put strap locks on my Std. without the extra cost of the Deluxe.

Deluxe has twice the "mo-betta" hard shell case.
Not necessarily. My Deluxe came with a molded case that wasn't as nice as the TSA approved case that my Std. came in. This was one place where I thought the Deluxe had a much inferior feature.

The Deluxe has the unique custom wired "Passing Lane" booster switch.
I can't comment on this because it wasn't a feature when I was looking for a Deluxe. I can say that if the passing lane switch is as cheap as the S1 I'd give it a pass...

I'd also mention the Deluxe has a contoured heel that allows you to reach the higher frets on the neck easier. It is a comfortable feature but I don't play much that high up the neck so I don't miss it. Give them both a try and see what you think.

Maybe I'm off base and incorrect or wrong . . . .
but doesn't the Standard come with a gig bag?

Anyway, all of the features you mentioned but did not care for generally cost more
on the Deluxe than on the Standard. But, the Standard is a better buy for you
because you did your homework well and didn't purchase undesired features.

If some one likes those features and/or wants sells later,
they could be worth the price. Who knows?

I just purchased a (pictured below) 2011 LEFT-Handed Fender
AMERICAN Standard Stratocaster Guitar * USA Corona Built

And, I enjoy the Fender Standard features.
Don't have a 2011 Fender Deluxe to compare with.

Take care and thanks for the share.
Toppscore

Toppscore · **Joined:** Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am **Posts:** 2337

xxx duplicate

	Page 3 of 4	[ 50 posts ]	Go to page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4 Next
Go to page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4 Next

	Page 3 of 4	[ 50 posts ]	Go to page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4 Next
Go to page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4 Next

Andorra	EN	ES	FR
Belgium	EN	DE	FR
Croatia	EN
Czech Republic	EN
Estonia	EN
France	EN	FR
Germany	EN	DE
Italy	EN	IT
Latvia	EN
Lithuania	EN
Malta	EN
Netherlands	EN
Poland	EN
Romania	EN
Slovakia	EN
Sweden	EN
United Kingdom	EN

Austria	EN	DE
Bulgaria	EN
Cyprus	EN
Denmark	EN
Finland	EN
Greece	EN
Hungary	EN
Ireland	EN
Liechtenstein	EN	DE
Luxembourg	EN	DE	FR
Monaco	EN	FR
Norway	EN
Portugal	EN
Slovenia	EN
Spain	EN	ES
Switzerland	EN	DE	FR	IT

Mod Shop

Custom Shop

American Standard vs Deluxe

Who is online