(Image credit: Fender)GOLD AWARDFender may be on their eleven-billionth Stratocaster model, but there’s actually a method to their model madness.This Deluxe Roadhouse Stratocaster is a perfect example.
Fender Hss American Strat
Hi everyone,I'm new to this forum and will soon be buying my first Strat. I tried out an American Standard at my local shop and fell in love with it.
I also wanted to try the American Deluxe model but the shop didn't have any in stock. Since then, I've been doing a lot of reading on Strats and the different models and the American Deluxe looks really nice/has great specs. I understand the need to pick the guitar that feels the best etc, but I wanted to get some advice on which I should get?
Is the American Deluxe really worth the extra money? Are there any drawbacks to the N3 pickups for the S1 switch system?Ryan. I had the same dilemma, and managed to play both in a shop. You really should have a play of both, first hand experience is invaluable when it comes to guitars.I didn't really care much for the N3 pickups, compared to the pups in the standard they just didn't have the same mojo (for me anyway). The neck is very nice on the deluxe, very smooth and it has the compound radius fretboard. That was the main thing I liked about the deluxe.The pop in tremolo arm and locking tuners would be handy, but they're not dealbreakers in my opinion.
You could always upgrade the standard. Also the S1 switch, although nifty, didn't matter to me. I'm sure given more time with it i would find some pickup combinations that really worked for me, but strat players have managed with a five way for years, I'm sure I can too.Ultimately I went for the American Standard. It sounded better to me, and the features of the deluxe were give or take with me, and not worth the extra cash.That's just my opinion though, it doesn't actually mean much. If you like the deluxe not a while lot can change your mind, so if I were you I would hold out to get a play of a deluxe.