Any VG Stratocaster owners? How do you like guitar's effects? Are there any quirks?

I am eyeing a brand new one from 2008-09 for dirt cheap... for a usa made guitar.
I read they eat up batteries up quickly & you need 2 sets of 4 of rechargeable on hand to make it feasible.
But even if the batteries die, it becomes a regular usa strat without effects.

The conversations from those of us who own them have been generally favorable since their inception. There have been searches for extra battery holders with some difficulty in obtaining same. Use rechargeable batteries and unplug the cable when not in use. It's a fun guitar and has been used seriously by one of us playing out. Have not had any experience with the new model. Mine is an '08 FSR American Deluxe Aged Cherry Burst with a V-neck.

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