Fender Deluxe Players Stratocaster Electric Guitar (Maple, with Gig Bag)

Feature:
It may not have S-1, but Fender gave it a switch that is like Mexican S-1. The tremelo is nice and the tuners are locking (or at least the trem doesnt cause them to go out of tune).

Quality:
This guitar is of amazing quality esp. when you consider the price of it.

Value:
It's a great deal for the money. Buy it now.

Sound:
THe guitar's sound is very versital and has a huge tonal range. I gave it a 9 because if you sit there for a while you can hear a SMALL difference between it and the one thousand plus dollar Fender.

Overall:
It's an amzing guitar.

Feature:
The 5-way Pup switch goes without mention ... pretty typical for Strat's, as are the 3 dials (1 vol, 2 tone.) The push-combo button is a nice added feature, as it allows the player to include the bridge Pup in the mix for toggle positions 4 & 5, thus adding to the guitar's versatility in getting distinct sounds. This guitar comes with a "gig" bag, not a case ... but that's okay with me, as the bag is useful, and padded. The vibrato stick screws into position, and is easily adjusted or removed by simply un-screwing it. The Pups are good, and pretty much noiseless, as they're advertised.

Quality:
The finish was beautiful. No flaws that i detected in any component - electronics, machine heads, bridge machinery, etc. After i had it adjusted for intonation and tuning issues, it's been playing pretty good. I'm currently experiencing repeated out-of-tune problems with the higher strings, as they seem to be getting stuck on the nut sometimes, and then "click" when re-tuning. I'll have to just work this out, but basically, this model is great.

Value:
At $600, this model is a great buy, especially with the Pup-switching option and noiseless Pups. It plays great, looks great, feels great. Unless you're into "signature" versions for namesake, i'd skip over higher-priced models that can run up to and over $3000. This model is pure Strat all the way.

Desirability:
I own it.

Sound:
The sound is, in a word, perfect. For Stratocaster lovers, it's right-on. The Stratocaster by nature is one of THE most beautiful electric guitars in the world, and this model totally lives up to anyone's expectation. For best results, most players already know to fit a Strat with at LEAST 10-gauge strings, and possibly up to 12-gauge, depending on one's style.

Ease of Use:
VERY EASY to get great Strat sounds. Just flip the toggle Pup switch, push the combo button in to add the bridge Pup to the 4/5 position settings. Classic Stratocaster beautiful sound all the way. Great neck action ... smooth and sexy, though i had to have my action fine-tuned at the shop, as it was too high when i got it. Also, Strat's are known for being a bit tricky to tune and intonate correctly, so you'll probably have to have it adjusted at your shop (or yourself if you're able to) - but once you do, guitar heaven is waiting. Strat players know about the string thing - changing strings is a bit more "rigorous", since they thread from the back side. Also - this guitar is fitted with Fender "bullit" strings on arrival; i don't like these strings, as they can be difficult to un-seat when you change them, and i don't derive any sound benefit from them either - any good set of strings will play and sound fine.

Support:
No opinion on Fender....haven't had to contact them.

Overall:
This is my first Strat, as i've been an LP / Gibson guy, but i'm totally pleased with this guitar, and now play it exclusively. I love the "feel", unlike Gibsons, to me it has a much more "discernable" character about it as you fret....i don't know quite how to describe it ... more "direct" in the way the strings feel under your fingers .... every motion has a unique, more physical - "organic" - touch. I've become much more "emotional" in my play with this baby ... i guess that's why it's the #1 blues axe. Not so much just raw power as with a humbucking Gibson ... a lovely mix of subdued power with more personality - "character".