I had high hopes about the Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster after reading many reviews of the guitar. When zzounds price-matched Guitar Center's discounted price, I sprang into action and placed order. I had a hard time waiting for the delivery, and when I received it, I waited a full day before opening the box--for the guitar to acclimate. To make a long story short, I ended up returning the guitar back to zzounds. My hopes were dashed--the guitar was a dog. My 2006 MIM strat was better than this MIA Deluxe. I believe I had received a lemon. What are the chances? Probably one in a thousand. Don't let my experience dissuade you from ordering from zzounds; they were wonderful, from the ordering experience to returning the guitar, I have nothing but pleasant things to say about zzounds.

The American Deluxe Stratocaster came with lots of assessories/case candy. This is the top end strat that Fender makes, just short of their Custom Shop guitars. The guitar's noiseless pickups, N3, receive mixed reception, some people love it, others don't. I didn't have enough time with the guitar for worthy review at this time of the N3 pickups; however, they sounded good to my ears for the short time I had with them.

I could not stand the string buzz on the open strings on the guitar; the nut was jutting out of the fretboard on both ends; the frets were sharp at the ends as well. As I stated above, my 2006 Made-in-Mexico Fender Standard Stratocaster, which cost 1/4 of the American Deluxe model, was better out of the box--nut was cut professionally and filed carefully, frets were dressed professionally and filed nicely, unlike the American Deluxe.

That's the thing about this American Deluxe that bothered me; bad QC. Funny thing is, I remember looking at the QC card that came inside the box, someone at Fender factory actually stamped with his name. I wonder if he/she actually touched this guitar?

I'm not sure the American Deluxe series guitars merit the price they currently command. Fender typically charges 50% over the American Standard series. I'd like to try the Am St strat and find out for sure.

I have never had to deal with Fender directly, but I have read about other people's experience and Fender seems to have a solid reputation for honoring customer complaints.

I lusted after the American Deluxe Stratocaster for a long time. After the letdown, however, I no longer wish to own one. I'd much rather have the American Standard Stratocaster now.

Hobbyist

Rock, Blues

41yrs. Sax and guitar. I now play for enjoyment.

Rock, country and blues