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".

Feature:
Although the button switch gives you some additional pickup tones, I wouldn't buy it for that. It's a nice feature though.

Quality:
I looked the strat over and found not a single flaw. Everything was nice and tight.

Value:
For the price, this is almost a steal.

Desirability:
The gold hardware really stands out. It's a beautiful guitar!

Sound:
The sound from this is just fantastic... great resonance! After a month after I bought it, I'm still stoned from the sound it gives.

Support:
Considering the quality, I can't imagine calling support for anything.

Overall:
I was so pleased that this is the first time I've taken the time to rate anything! The local stores did carry the Player's model and so I couldn't try one out. I almost spent the bucks for an American strat because I thought for the price on the Player's strat I would get much less quality. Now I'm really glad I didn't.

Feature:
There's a push-button for adding the bridge pup to a couple of the blade settings, which is nice. The brige hardware is cheap. There's a vibrato stick that screws into the base of the bridge. The typical three-dial layout ... master vol, 2 tone dials.

Quality:
The build seems okay. The finish is nice and i haven't noticed any structural defects. PROBLEMS: (1) watch out for the jack .... mine constantly comes loose, and if you re-tighten the external nut, you can loose your ability to plug in. (2) The fret work is....well, cheap. The ends are rough; and the frets don't wear very well.

Value:
Well, for $600, you start out with a base, standard Fender production Strat. Decent build & finish; poor quality materials and workmanship. If you're serious about having a Strat in your life, you'd better find a good professional tech and get some UPGRADES. I'd forget about the run-of-the-mill pup's (Seymore Duncan, DiMarzio and such), and focus on top-of-the-line products like Joe Barden's or Lindy Fralin's. Then, get some decent fretwork done. Set up the H/W with your favorite string, and stick to them. Finally, get any defects fixed. Then, you'll have a Strat that'll work for you, and will satisfy your ears and your listener's ears. And, the guitar plus upgrades will still be lower-cost than one of those "signature" models that are basically just the std American Fender Strat model (which is over-priced BTW.)

Desirability:
It's a cheap, middle-of-the-road Fender production model. "Sexy" .... well, visually, Yes; but in your hands, it don't put out on the first date; or the second; or the third; or the ....

Sound:
It's possible to get a few decent "Strat-y" sounds, but overall, the tone is flat and lifeless. Esp. the neck pup .... screechy, not smooth. I originally replaced the bridge pup with a DiMarzio HB which helped add some push to the blended pup settings. The extra pup combinations help to an extent, but overall, this Strat is a cheap Fender production model, and it sounds like it.

Ease of Use:
"Ease of Use" .... well, it 'feels' like a strat. But it's a battle to really SOUND good, because the pup's are just junk, plain & simple. You can a couple of decent "Strat-y" tones within the blade's sweep, with proper amp EQ'ing. Overall, the pup's have gotta GO. Your intonation will be on the fritze too with this axe, because the bridge H/W is cheap, and is very sensitive to the strings you use. Suggestion: decide on the type & gauge string, then get it set up by a professional and never vary after that.

Support:
No opinion. (This is a stock Fender production Strat .... beyond std "support" ... i wouldn't count on ANYthing.)

Overall:
Not satisfied with the stock version. See "value" section. I guess you could consider this a reasonable 1st-Strat kind of thing, if you're like me & never had owned a Strat before. The base price plus all the needed upgrades will result in a more useable instrument. If you've got some bucks and want either a replacement for an old Strat that you own, or want to begin your Strat life in the driver's seat, i'd look at G&L or Suhr guitars. Otherwise, just bite the bullet and settle for less.