Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar (Maple, with Case)

Feature:
Features are just fine & dandy. Though I'd have preferred a hardtail, & that "de-tremoloing" it is easy, it has hardly noticable bridge give when bending. Considering this is one of Fender's best "off the rack" instruments, this babe's parts are ALL top shelf.

Quality:
Well here it is right here. Good for me (& you) that I guess Fender decided to meet the "boutique" builders head on & build this latest American Deluxe version. Folks, the build quality of this thing is as good as gtrs. costing 2 to FIVE times as much. Now sure, different strokes & all that, but for me, this is the BEST Fender I've ever played & thankfully, it's mine.

Value:
Well, if you've been around the block a time or two & can make comparisons, this instrument is an INCREDIBLE value. I'm leaving the amount as is because truthfully, EVERYONE should be able to afford a gtr. this nice vs. one in the $5-6K range that won't deliver as well as the American Deluxe.

Desirability:
I was looking to replace my main instrument, & I did. Whew! Did I ever.

Sound:
I have to base my ratings on having been a studio guitarist for a little over 30 yrs & rode the "boutique bandwagon" a lot of that time. The sound: Being used to a HSS setup, this gtr. blows EVERYTHING away I've played in the above mentioned time. The pickups are powerful, but no way dark/muddy. The humbucker is a TREAT & for my style, wound perfectly. Front p/ups though mentioned that they're wound hotter still deliver that Fender clarity without being to "glingy" or harsh. And shame on boutique builders that can't deliver what the S-1 system does. Better check 'em out, folks. Fender has seriously stepped up their game.

Ease of Use:
Playability? I'm happy as a hog in slop. Didn't think I'd care for the 9.5" radius having been used to the 12's, but I won't go back now. Love it. Took a little while to get used to a maple neck, feels like home now.

Support:
I've had issues with other builders, but none with Fender. Right now as far as I'm concerned Fender's the "belle of the ball."

Overall:
This is a KEEPER, hands down. What do I like least about it? Having to replace it if it ever came to that.

Feature:
This guitar has alot of nice features. Strap locks, locking tuners, and abalone dots on the fretboard. Looks great - I got the 3-color sunburst. I could find no flaws in the finish/workmanship.

Quality:
I took off a point here because it looks like the frets above the 12th fret were not dressed quite as well as the lower frets. It is barely noticable, and really doesn't effect the playability - but the guy at the factory must have gotten a bit lazy when he was working on the frets. But that is the only negative thing I can say about this guitar...

Value:
A bit pricey. But good value for the quality of instrument. The playability of this guitar is better than guitars I've seen for 2+ times the price.

Desirability:
I like it better than my girl friend. And that says alot because my girlfriend is pretty hot.

Sound:
The "s-1" switch (hidden in the volume knob) provides many different series/parrallel pickup combinations. I am able to dial in some GREAT tones, with lot of sustain, and great harmonics.

Support:
Not needed any!

Overall:
I gave this guitar really good ratings because it has everyting I was looking for in a guitar. But there is no substitute for going down to the local shop and seeing for yourself. If you're into the classic Fender vibe, this guitar is worth taking a look at!