Hi, just joined to forum after buying a second hand Stratocaster from our local music shop. It was sold to me as an American Special, but now wondering if is actually a Highway One model. How can I tell and should I be concerned? The serial number starts Z9.
Many thanks, sorry if posted on the wrong board.
Regards
John

Show us some photos

+1 on the photos - they are a must to tell the two models apart.

The first runs of the American Specials did have "Z9xxxxxx" serial numbers on them - Fender introduced these at the NAMM trade show in January 2010 so they did the first production runs in late 2009 in order to have instruments to fulfill orders for the new model.

I can say that if your Strat is candy apple red and has a maple fingerboard and 3 single coils then it definitely is an American Special - Highway 1s didn't come in candy apple red.

Highway 1's have matte finish nitro bodies. Specials have "conventional" shiny poly.

If you can't tell visually and pictures don't help and you REALLY want to know, and you happen to have some lacquer thinner in the garage, you can dab a little in an inconspicuous location - like under the trem cover. If the finish dissolves - it's nitro and therefore a Highway 1.

you can also email the serial the Fender - they can tell you the model.

Many thanks for your replies. With regards the finish it is a high gloss two tone sunburst with a maple neck. It also has two American string trees, not the butterfly style. If the gloss finish is the decider then I guess it will be a Special. I will also email Fender with the serial number and see if they will confirm, didn't cross my mind to do that first.

Regards
John

Recieved an almost immediate reply to my email to Fender, confirming my serial number as a Special. Excellent service.

Many thanks for you input. I see I shall be spending some time here!

Regards
John

I have a 2010 Fender frontline catalog page 66
There are a picture of your American Special Stratocaster in Candy apple red part # 011-5602-309

Description;

" Fender introduce the American Special Series Stratocaster. Everything you want in affordableUS made guitar is within your reach,. feature include an alder body with gloss urethane finish , 9.5 radius maple neck, jumbo frets , Texas Special pickups and vintage style synchronized tremolo. The American Special series-guitars for the time. "
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It just a cheaper serie than the American Standard series, Better than than Highway one.