Fender American Special Stratocaster (Maple with Gig Bag)
Score a USA-made Fender for a great price. With a trio of Texas Special pickups and vintage-style vibrato bridge, the American Special Stratocaster rocks.
Overall User Ratings (based on 35 ratings)
Submitted April 13, 2012 by John R in West Chester, PA
"This really is a great guitar"
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I played this guitar and a few new Strats the same day, came home and ordered from Zzounds. The one I got needed a neck adjustment but that was it. Rolled frets and a perfect setup. I could have really giged with it the first night. I just love this guitar. Zzounds made it easy and Fender made it perfect.
Sound
After playing Strat's for over a decade I love the balance. quack, and tonal range. The bridge pup with added tone control is a working man's best friend. I dial it down to about 6 and find a set of tones I have never heard before.
Features
The pickups and tone control can easily satisfy the metal players and I love that but, its the clean tone that blows me away.
Ease of Use
No guitar is for everyone. For me this is a blues machine. Wide neck, tall frets, sweet clean tone and pickups that bite when I dig in to them.
Quality
The paint is mirror like and I can FEEL the notes as the wood vibrates each note.
I don't care where it was made, it perfect in every way.
Value
Hands down this is the bets "Bang for your buck" guitar I can think of. If you want an American Stratocaster, you owe it to yourself to try this before paying more for the rest.
Manufacturer Support
Have no idea
The Wow Factor
The big sound and light weight. Everyone that see's it loves the color, even my teenagers!
Musical Background:
I play live with a hard rock and blues band
Musical Style:
I like all music. I believe in the blues.
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Submitted November 14, 2014 by Paul Cutrona in Martinsburg, WV
"American Special Stratocaster Surf Green"
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Nice guitar - smooth feel, great sound. This isn't my first strat, my first on was in 1981. In between I've had my share of American, Japanese and Mexican; this one I think might be the best so far. I did change the pickguard to a mother-of-pearl one, and I changed the bridge pickup to a dimarzio virtual solo, but I didnt really have to do that, the stock texas pickups were all fine - I just needed the humbucker pickup for some of the music I play on the worship team. Okay:
Neck: excellent - the maple neck is smooth, was well finished (no hanging tangs, etc) and a quick setup got it to where I wanted it to be.
Bridge: about the same as any american trem bridge; I prefer the more modern saddles but I am okay with the vingtage style - I wont change them since they are working and sounding fine.
Electronics: pickups all sound great, controls are smooth. The "grease-bucket" tone controls? I cant tell the difference really, maybe someone else can.
Body: finished well, good paint, average weight of a strat.
Tuners: average fender tuners. retainers: wish they were roller-type but they seem to work okay.
In all, this guitar was worth what I paid and then some - a very comfortable guitar, sounds GREAT, and as I changed the bridge pickup to a virtual solo, I can do anything with the guitar sonically. My full thought is, I've owned maybe 60-70 guitars since about 1978ish. I will say my late 70s les paul custom was my best guitar, however besides that, this is very close to that - I cant say any other guitar I've owned, including PRS's and such, are as good. Let me add, if you are thinking between this, and an american standard, go for this. To me, my last two american standards felt stiff, and didnt sound as good. neither did my fender/roland vg. Also, zZounds let me pay as I play - a fabulous tool to get a very nice guitar without having to shell out funds all at once, something I would have trouble doing. AAA+++ for fender and zZounds. By the way, I have gotten positive comments on looks as well as sound since the day I bought her - the surf green is the way to go.
Musical Background:
35 years playing. on and off semi-pro; too many gigs and guitars to list :)
Musical Style:
Rock, Christian, Blues, Metal, 80s, and more.
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Submitted August 30, 2015 by Eric Ward in Springfield, OH
"American Standard Strat 60th Anniversary-Mystic Aztec Gold"
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Excellent Strat with awesome sound. If you are looking for a mid range priced Fender and not sure which to purchase you will not be disappointed with the American Standard. I had to make NO adjustments aside from a quick tuning and this guitar rocks right out of the box. The Mexico models are not bad sounding if you don't want to spend a grand but the crisp tones and intonation from this model is amazing. Dealing with Zzounds makes ordering a breeze and you cannot go wrong with the play as you pay plan if you don't have the money up front. This is not the first guitar i have ordered from them and they have not disappointed thus far. I ordered this one early Thursday morning and I did not expect it to arrive until early the following week and was extremely excited to see it arrive Saturday morning!!!
Sound
Wonderful rock and blues guitar it also meets the harder rock sounds with ease by adding a little overdrive to the amp or using pedals. I'm a little partial to the Texas Special pick ups myself but this is a great all around sounding guitar.
Ease of Use
Very playable and easy set up, sounds great "out of the box"
Quality
It's a Fender Strat, not much else to say.
Value
Well worth the money to me.
The Wow Factor
I have gotten many compliments on the Aztec Gold color on this guitar. It wouldn't normally have been my first color choice but something about it really grabbed my attention when I saw it and everyday I look at it I like it that much more!
Musical Style:
Rock/blues
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Submitted September 30, 2012 by Mitch P in Berryville, VA
"Excellent guitar compared to overpriced Gibsons!"
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Overall I find this guitar to be a great value. Even if I built a guitar from kit form, I would have still had to pick out specific pickups, tremolo system, tuners, etc. and had to have a luthier set up the neck/body and intonation. By buying this guitar, I get made in USA quality, fit and finish and only had to upgrade pickups and tuners.
Sound
I replaced the pickups with an HSS pickguard assembly, custom made using Seymour Duncan pickups as it's just my preference. Nothing wrong with the stock pick ups if you like Tex-Mex style music. Sadly, another reviewer chose to use rude language for no apparent reason to bash the basic sound without making any legitimate statement.
Features
The guitar is well made for the price and is a USA product. I sold a $2k Gibson Les Paul at a loss because it's features didn't live up to the hype. Fender has made a far more affordable, lighter and easily as beautiful a guitar for 1/2 the price.
Ease of Use
This Strat compares very favorable to several MIM Strats I previously owned to use with a synthesizer, albeit with less controls of course. It fits in with my pedalboard effects and amps quite well once I swapped out pickups. The neck allows me to easily fret chords and lead as well.
Quality
Good quality and great appearance. The neck feels easy to play and is finished so it's very playable.
Value
Very much so. Your average step down would be an Asian made guitar with a licensed lock down tremelo system which are very unstable from my experience. A much more affordable approach which I took was to swap to lockable tuners which made the tremolo far more stable. It's easier to change strings this was as well. The finish is great and other guitars in this range use their own brand of pickups or licensed name brands which are of a lower quality than the Fenders.
Manufacturer Support
I've never had to deal with Fender for issues. zZounds is very helpful and handles returns professionally.
The Wow Factor
Sadly, some reviewers resort to cursing, poor spelling and generally illiterate responses to grind an axe with either the guitar or Fender in general. I have never known a USA made product from Fender to be of extremely low quality; enough so to deserve such rants in a rating system. This is hopefully not typical of a musician purchasing this guitar as it a good investment for an intermediate or better musician.
Musical Background:
Journeyman guitarist, 40+ years playing guitar, bass, keys at coffee houses, churches.
Musical Style:
Contemporary Christian, rock, cutting edge hard rock.
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Submitted October 21, 2013 by Marc Gonzalo in San Diego, CA
"Just might fall in love!"
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Recently purchased the Fender American Special Stratocaster in CAR. Tone, feel, and playability are superb; really top notch! The neck is comfortable and the jumbo frets make bending effortless. I would have liked to have some tone control for the middle pick up, but overall the Texas special PUPs had the sound that's just right for what I need. The vintage tremelo and oversized headstock really help with sustain. I love the combination! It's now my go-to Strat for blues and blues-rock sets. Playing through a Fender tube amp really brings out the subtle nuances of this guitar. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is on a budget looking for a top quality stratocaster.
Musical Background:
20+ years playing guitar. Acoustic, electric, bass guitar.
Musical Style:
Blues, blues rock, funk, jazz, hard rock.
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Submitted July 16, 2015 by andrew stephenson in gibsonia, PA
"former gibson guru convert"
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Simply put this is the best guitar I've ever owned and I've owned gibsons and epiphones and even an american standard strats. This guitar hands down is the biggest bang for your buck on zzounds. This guitar is the quintessential stratocaster. The sound is extremely family if youv ever listen to hendrix or srv then that's the sound you get from this.
Musical Background:
blues player
Musical Style:
Blues blues and more jazzy blues
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Submitted January 10, 2015 by Keith C in Star City, AR
"Fender American Special (Tobacco Burst)"
This guitar is everything I wanted and more. The American-made guitars look, feel, and play with better quality. The pickups are amazing! I love their slightly harsh "bite" they add to anything you play. This is an awesome guitar, especially if you're into Blues / Rock music. Highly recommend!
Musical Background:
Been playing for almost 3 years now, still learning- I jam at home in my free time.
Musical Style:
I like to play a little bit of everything. Mainly, I like the blues. (SRV, Clapton, John Mayer, B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Gu
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Submitted January 26, 2018 by Fred T in Orlando, FL
"An Exceptional American Strat"
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Every detail on this Stratocaster will not disappoint! From the fit and finish, hardware, playability and tone this guitar exceeds expectations. The tone for jazz is full, clean and clear. Make some adjustments on your amp and blues tones are phenomenal. Whether your new to the Stratocaster or have been playing them for years this model will not leave you wanting. It's an easy decision - treat yourself to the best value out there.
Musical Background:
Been playing all genre's of music for over 30 years - piano, Alto & Tenor Sax
Musical Style:
Christian, Blues & Jazz
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Submitted April 23, 2015 by Mike Phares in Vanceburg, KY
"Fender American Special Stratocaster (Maple with Gig Bag) Surf Green"
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This is one awesome guitar. I love the color of it and it plays so smooth. The sound of the pick ups is incredible and best of all at this price,you can own a American made strat.
Musical Background:
Guitar,bass and Drums
Musical Style:
Love all types of music but my favoerite is anything from Buddy Holly or Jimi Hendrix
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Submitted February 21, 2018 by Steven V in Wilmington, NC
"The Perfect Strat"
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My opinion, prior to owning this guitar, was that most Stratocasters can be great, but you have to change something to make them perfect. You need a new bridge or saddles, a new nut, a new neck even.
This is by far the best, most comfortable Strat I've ever played. Needs nothing, and the walnut finish lends it a classic look that reminds me of the bullet truss rod hardtail mochas from the 70s.
Don't hesitate purchasing this.
Musical Background:
12 years, semi-professional
Musical Style:
Rock.
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Submitted October 18, 2015 by Mark F in San Francisco, CA
"American Strat"
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Beautiful guitar, Ive been using a Les Paul Studio, but this Strat is alot lighter and more comfortable for practicing. I'm a beginner learning to play.
Musical Background:
I am learning, just started in August this year
Musical Style:
Rock, country, gospel
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Submitted March 10, 2013 by Ravi C
"Fender American Special Gorgeous guitar"
I just purchased this guitar in CAR color and am absolutely amazed at the build quality and sound...The neck does take a bit of getting used to but is delightful once you get into it...Thanks Fender...
Musical Background:
30 years of playing mostly all genres of music...
Musical Style:
Rock, Light Jazz Pop and folk, blues and rock N roll...
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Submitted March 23, 2015 by randall cardenas in escondio, CA
"Fender All American Strart"
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WOW!!!!! The best guitar I've ever owned or played. The sound is incredible!!
Musical Background:
Been playing for 45+ years.
Musical Style:
I've played top 40, classic rock, blues, R&B, classic country, and hard rock
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Submitted September 22, 2018 by Dave G in Elizabethtown, PA
"How a Strat should be.."
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I’ve been wanting one of these ever since they came out.. I’ve gotten more than a few guitars from zZounds and have never been disappointed,so when I saw this one I was super interested,but always kept putting it off. Well,last night I said hell with it and ordered one. She just came in this morning (its nice living close by) and after restringing her and adding another spring to the tremolo,she sounds like pure Strat magic. Action was great,and the pickups sound just fine once you adjust them to where you want them. Embrace your inner Stevie Ray Vaughn and get one for yourself!
Musical Background:
Playing 45+ years
Musical Style:
Literally everything
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Submitted July 3, 2018 by Scott L in Cocoa, FL
"Great guitar, stays in tune forever"
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Already rated this guitar, but owed it one more extremely positive review. I have owned many Gibson and Gretch style guitars that always require tuning, graduate granuals and warming up to keep in tune.
This Strat is always in tune, I play entire sets without tuning it after a set up. I am astonished, probably could play and entire night and be ok. I am the only guitarist and play a lot of leads, bends and it’s hold up.
Great guitar and worth the extra to get the American, Texas specials are great, and the humbucker is great to give u a lead boost without pedals.
Musical Background:
35 yrs exp
Musical Style:
Rock and Country
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Submitted July 17, 2018 by Joseph M in North Tonawanda, NY
"AMERICAN SPECIAL BEAUTY"
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This guitar is Great.The sound is exactly what I was looking for and my first American guitar.The only thing it needs is the action lowered,besides that,this is a Ausome strat!!!!!
Musical Background:
I have been playing guitar for over 2 years.I have 2 strats,Ltd m1000e and a ibanez bass.I jam at home.
Musical Style:
Hard rock,metal,classic rock.
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Submitted November 30, 2017 by Kirk B in Castro Valley, CA
"American Special Strat - Best Strat I've ever owned."
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I bought a Black HSS with Rosewood neck, from zZounds.
Set it up to my liking, and have been playing the hell out of it for 5 years.
Absolutely the best Strat I've ever had, and I've has many: Deluxes, Plus, Ultra,
Hot Rod, Jeff Beck, etc., 20 or so.
I own a 2013 Gibson '61 Spec SG Standard, a 2010 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro, and a 2014 Fender American Standard Tele, and I rarely plan any of those guitars, because the American Special Strat just kills every time I play it.
I added fender locking tuners and duplop straplocks, and bought a Deluxe Fender case for it. Never considered changing the pickups -- they're perfect.
My singer is a die-hard Gibson chick -- I let her play my Strat one night and she was blown away - used it for the entire night. She commented on how great it played and sounded, and how heavy it is - and it it, and I like that. I got a good one.
Try it - if you don't like it, you can return it. zZounds is the best. I've bought several guitars from them.
Musical Background:
Been playing semi-professionally for 40 years. I'm in 2 bands right now.
Musical Style:
Alt-rock, post-punk, hard rock, grunge, etc.
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Submitted July 16, 2010 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Great value for a great guitar. Please fast and effortlessly and has a wide range of tone options."
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This guitar will probably stay with me as long as I keep playing. The only thing I may do is add some Big Dippers to get a different sound. I won't get rid of the Texas Specials though, I love them.
Sound
I absolutely love the Texas Specials in this thing. You can get a very Blues type bark out of them and plenty of rock sound if you want. With some tweaking they are also great for softer stuff. I love the sustain that the larger headstock provides. This bad boy will also cut right through a mix providing its very own distinct sound.
Features
Not a great deal in this department. No locking tuners which aren't that big of a deal since it stays in tune incredibly well.
Ease of Use
This thing plays so fast and easy and is so versatile that you shouldn't have trouble getting it to adapt to your playing style.
Quality
Well, here is one area that I was incredibly pleased with. After one week the strings were cutting into the fretwire. I spoke with Fender and they said that this is not common and isn't considered normal wear and tear. Beyond that, the guitar is built like a tank and is as lite as a feather, absolutely beautiful finish (2TSB). Neck has a smooth back that makes sliding up and down the fretboard effortless.
Value
A price like this for an American Fender with upgraded pickups is a steal. I know some people recommend buying the cheaper H1 and upgrading it but this was a much better deal to me as I love the finish on these things more.
Manufacturer Support
Fender was right on top of things when I talked to them about the fret issue. I confirmed with an authorized Fender repair center and sent the guitar back to zzounds.com. I would also like to add that zzounds was right on top of things as well. They were happy to either refund my money or get me a replacement ASAP. I have bought several guitars and other equipment from zzounds and will continue to do so as they always are easy to work with.
The Wow Factor
It is absolutely gorgeous and is made like a Fender Strat should be made.
Musical Background:
Active Musician, Worship Leader
Musical Style:
Alternative
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Submitted March 29, 2017 by james a in monmouth junction, NJ
"very happy"
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well I've had my american special strat for a few days now...WOW..it sounds fantastic..plays fantastic...looks fantastic...I have a few strats...and let me tell you..I can't put this thing down..I'm pretty much a gibson man..but this guitar is very nice...very happy with it...better than I could have thought it would be...
Musical Background:
for fun
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Submitted August 28, 2013 by Mitch P in Berryville, VA
"American Special - Mexican parts..."
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Sadly, American means nothing anymore. Great concept, poor execution. I immediately replaced the stock tuners with locking ones to improve the trem action and I don't even dive bomb! Then I purchased a brass aftermarket weight block, trem locker, HD springs and new brass spring tree. All these mods still kept the price lower than the standard., Eventually I dumped the tex-mex pups (no Rainbow in there), but this isn't about the pups. After I got the brass block, it wouldn't fit. Turns out it's a Mexi-Strat piece! So now pretty everything is coming northward from south of the border. Fender, you should be ashamed. Otherwise, fit and finish were o.k., but be honest with your marketing. Heck, I had a couple of Roland ready 'Strats a while back and they were great. At least you knew what you were getting...
Musical Background:
40 year musician, guitar, bass, recording equip
Musical Style:
Christian rock
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Submitted August 10, 2013 by Steven G in Rochester, NY
"worse guitar I ever played"
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I wouldn't give this guitar to someone I didn't like, it's that bad. I owned it for one day, I restrung it with Elixirs as soon as I got it (my favorite strings) and started playing it, I have never been more disappointed in my life. I repacked it immediately and sent it back 2 days later. While it looked nice in green it played horrible. The neck was horrible, the pickups lifeless and for the money there are so many other great guitars, (Reverend for one) for the same money the come out of the box gig-ready. I have owned at least 20 fenders in my 30 plus years of playing and this one makes a Squire sound good. The worst pickups I ever played. I have 2 other guitars with Texas special pickups in them and this sounded NOTHING like them. It was dead and lifeless. I suggest a mexican with factory Texas specials they out play this guitar all day....Nothing against Zzounds the are a fantastic company with the best sales people on the internet but you can dop much much better than this guitar
Musical Background:
been playing over 30 years and played in many bands now I just get together with friends
Musical Style:
classic rock, Santana, blues, some country/bluegrass, anything but hip-hop or soul music
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Submitted March 17, 2010 by a customer from yahoo.com
"its a worthless strat!"
its nothing more but a half assed version of the Brilliant highway one sss strat period end of story.
Sound
it's simply a half assed version of the legendary highway one sss strat.
doesnt have the tone versatilty or sustain the highway one sss strat has.personaly theres nothing classic when it comes to tone with the
american special strat. its a waste of wood and money.
Features
nothing special for the simple reason it copies the Brilliant highway one strat. doesnt have its own features other than the texas special pick ups and they suck! they are not in the same leage at all as the Brilliant Alnico III pu's that are in the highway one sss strats.
Quality
i ranke it low because it just doesnt have its own voice its mostly
a copy of another strat.
Value
its not worth a damm to me
Musical Background:
Active Muusician
Musical Style:
heavy blues/hard rock/classic rock
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