These 'Blacktop' humbuckers are exceptional. They're very hot when run through a distortion setting but have a nice even sound on clean settings. To me the neck pup seems a bit dark sounding on clean settings but I think that is due in part to my being used to single coils on Strats. The middle pup is a lively single coil that blends nicely with the other pups in settings # 2 & 4.

I love the genuine coil tap. Many brands (ahem, Gibsiphone) have a coil splitter option that doesn't actually split the coil but rather changes them between 'series' & 'parallel'. This is an incredibly versatile guitar. In single coil mode it sounds exactly like my 'SSS' Strat. This model has one feature that I've NEVER seen on a Strat; a tone knob for the bridge pup. What is usually the tone knob for the middle pup is assigned to the bridge while the tone knob for the neck pup also services the middle pup. The bridge comes stock with three tension springs for the tremolo unit ('vibrato', actually). I add two more for greater tuning stabilty. (A stiffer arm also makes it easier to control the notes for subtle "flutters" in the pitch.)

Once I figured out the unique tone knob configuration, I found this guitar to be a dream to play. The rosewood fretboard is super smooth with a silky feel that is hard to beat. I've had it for a week and I'm still experimenting with the, I think, nine possible pickup settings. The only problem I've found is that when the bridge tone knob is pulled up to split the coils, the tremolo arm doesn't have enough clearance and it hits the knob (actually it's a vibrato arm but that's a whole 'nother issue all together). That's easily fixed by bending the arm slighly upward. (DO NOT try to bend the arm while mounted on the guitar lest you break the anchor/socket. Warranties don't cover Neanderthal engineering techniques.)

This is my second MiM Strat, the other being a very pretty 2013 Ocean Blue Satin Series model. The quality of both is impeccable. The frets are nicely dressed and the finishes are without flaw. The folks in Ensenada should be rightfully proud of their products.

For the price you will not find a better value than the Fenderita ('Made in Mexico') Strat. And with zZounds insanely convenient and horribly addictive payment plans, you will find no easier way to acquire such magnificent gear as this Strat.

I've not contacted Fender. If I did, it would be to compliment them for making such terrific guitars.

I bought the 'Ghost Silver' model and it is GORGEOUS. It isn't a flat silver like the 25th Anniversary model Strats from years passed. It has a flecked quality like on silver Honda automobiles. We're talking serious WOW FACTOR. The black and chrome bobbins on the humbuckers add a nice contrasting pizzazz to the rest of the guitar. (I had to "pimp my ride" by replacing the black control knobs with chrome colored knobs.)

Guitar fiend since 1979. Former semi-pro musician.

Rock with an emphasis on psychedelic styling - The Beatles, The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Jimi & The Bea

Guitar bass

Christian Country Jazz Rock

Rock, with emphasis on psychedelic like Page-Era Yardbirds, Jimi and the earliest Floyd recordings. 1967-68 was an epic time for

Sax and guitar.

Rock,jazz