Feature:
nothing new to report, pretty regular strat features.

Quality:
if the electronics are substandard, the guitar is substandard. gets a five for bad pickups, pretty much a typical mim strat tone.

Value:
no, it isn't a bargain. i would compare it to squier, although squier has better pickups.

Sound:
i would replace the pickups on this guitar. japanese guitars have very nice finishes and necks, but the electronics are no better than a made in mexico strat.

Ease of Use:
a fender strat is pretty easy to operate.

Overall:
i bought this guitar 2 months ago and i have too many fenders, as it is. i have too many guitars (along with being out of town for 5 weeks)and i didn't play it seriously until two weeks ago. i will probably trade this guitar for something else, but lefty guitars aren't always a good barter item. so, i am going to take my time.