New American Deluxe Ash Strat

[AlexL]

Thanks, all.

I believe it's a poly finish, not nitro.

I requested the asynchronous trem, but I pretty sure it's the synchronized model.

Heck of a nice instrument for what I paid. Was 1349.00, but I had a 15% coupon from GC they let me apply to it, even though it was a special order.

- E.

[Chasbo]

Gorgeous guitar Alex. Truely a drool-worthy finish!

[John C]

Yes, if it was made in this decade. The D stands for Deluxe, the Z stands for the years from 00-09.

Nice Strat.

Just to add that the American Deluxe model was introduced in 1998 so you could only have DN8***** or DN9***** serial numbers outside of the current run of DZ numbers. The old Strat Plus/Plus Deluxe/Ultras just used regular USA Fender serial numbers.

Curiosity question on the molded case - I take it that American Deluxes are still coming with the fitted case instead of the new rectangular case with TSA-approved locks that come with the 2008 American Standards. I would have thought that by now Fender would be shipping the American Deluxes in the new-style cases.

[shreddermon]

Very cool. Thought about pulling the trigger on one of those many times. Congrats.

How well does the trem hold tune with bar use?

[AlexL]

To answer a couple questions:

Yes, the case is the form-fitted molded hardshell, not the new ATA case that the standards come with. I hate the form-fitted case with every fiber of my being. I am in the process of ordering a brown tolex with yellow plush interior case for it.

Regarding the trem, it hold tune much better now that I applied some graphite to the G, B, and E nut slots. I could hear the strings binding before, now it has nearly eliminated it. For a nice bibrato effect, it holds tune very well. Excessive dive bombing is a bit more than it can take, though. I am considering looking into locking saddles and seeing if that improves things even more, but right now it is certainly satisfactory.

Still loving that guitar. I didn't want to put it down last night.

- E.

[charvelguy]

hmm, you're North metro are you not? .. I might have to check that out one of these days.

[AlexL]

Yes, I am. I am up in Rogers. Let me know if you want to get together!

BTW, your PM box is full.


- E.

[Disturbing Manor]

Can't they just sell me an unsynchronized trem, and I'll synchronize the damn thing myself?!? I have absolutely no idea what that means.

It means when you use the trem, all the strings go out of tune at the same time. This way you don't have to waste time wondering which one it is. I have a 40th anniversary American Standard that works that way. It's "Classic!"

[khabibissell]

Congrats! My current favorite guitar is an American Deluxe FMT strat. They are fantastic guitars.

[charvelguy]

I noticed..apologies, I see you tried a couple times. I'm not good at housekeeping sometimes. I live not to far from Rogers though, my GF folks live up in Rogers and I used to work in the area. I'm in Blaine... so still on that side of Anoka county. I cleared a message or two out of the box. Again, nice axe.

[sonicsamurai]

To answer a couple questions:

Yes, the case is the form-fitted molded hardshell, not the new ATA case that the standards come with. I hate the form-fitted case with every fiber of my being. I am in the process of ordering a brown tolex with yellow plush interior case for it.

Regarding the trem, it hold tune much better now that I applied some graphite to the G, B, and E nut slots. I could hear the strings binding before, now it has nearly eliminated it. For a nice bibrato effect, it holds tune very well. Excessive dive bombing is a bit more than it can take, though. I am considering looking into locking saddles and seeing if that improves things even more, but right now it is certainly satisfactory.

Still loving that guitar. I didn't want to put it down last night.

- E.

My07 standard came with the molded case. I quite like it . It reminds me of carrying my violin around as a kid. Only without the bruised knees.

I have no idea what sort of trem mine has other than 2 point but mine also holds tune very well with a little graphite applied occasionally. In fact mine holds tune very well even with diving tho you'll never be doing it on a strat to the same extent as on an ibanez for example. But its good for scoops and the whole randy rhoads / early eddie style abuse

The main thing my strat usually inspires in me is more intricate and varied chord work and a funky bluesy feel. I still wish i had a tele tho....

[LastInLine]

Very nice. Love the combo of the guitar finish with the black pickguard. I assume you are happy with the pickups? I had a '99 Am. Deluxe and sold it a while ago. 2 things that bothered me were the Vintage Noiseless Pickups (just couldn't get a sound I liked) and the clearcoat on the neck (very sticky feeling - not a "fast" neck at all).

[AlexL]

I'm quite happy with the pickups. I wanted a Strat because I needed that sound for some of the songs I play, and this definitely sounds like a Strat.

The neck has a satin finish on it which is not sticky in the least. I loved the raw finish on the PC1 I used to have, and this isn't far off.

- E.

[quiksilver]

Nice axe. I think the Am Strat Deluxe is a GREAT guitar and a great bargain for a killer USA-made guitar, at around $1200. I love the way Fender subtly incorporated advances into the classic Strat design. The improved access neck joint, the S1 switching system, rolled neck edges, etc. I have had 3 of them (1 at a time) and still miss the first 2. I can't say enough good things about this guitar.