Strats :D

scotte_za · #1 08-26-2007, 03:18 PM

okay ive decided im officially saving for a really nice HSS strat (on a student budget :P ) can anyone tell me what the differences between a Fender American series and American Deluxe series strat are? I'm not really interested in the aesthetic differences, just how they differ in tone and playability

tx ^^

**elcid** · #2 08-26-2007, 03:34 PM

Different pickups, the Deluxes have the S1 Switching, they have a more contoured neck heel, different bridges, locking tuners, strap locks come stock, necks feel different. That's just off the top of my head, there may be a few more differences. Personally Id take a Deluxe over a US Standard anyday.

scotte_za · #3 08-26-2007, 05:19 PM

thanks elcid

sounds like a way better instrument... do you have any experience with the HSS deluxe model? i'd like to know how the sound compares with a normal deluxe strat

**elcid** · #4 08-26-2007, 05:23 PM

No, I never was into Strats with HB. I'd bet its the same guitar as a Deluxe SSS, since most Strats are routed for HSH anyway.

MelodyMan · #5 08-26-2007, 05:39 PM

I've got an HH American Deluxe - I love it. It has a great feeling neck - thicker than a Wizard, but everything is.

waylay00 · #6 08-26-2007, 10:09 PM

Go for the American Deluxe. Well worth it. I LOVE my Strat. It's my favorite and best playing guitar.

David McCarroll · #7 08-26-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waylay00

Go for the American Deluxe. Well worth it. I LOVE my Strat. It's my favorite and best playing guitar.

Yeah, they are so addictive - after going around the block with PRS, Ibanez, Parkers, even Teles, I always return to some form of SSS strat - the only issue I have is that I find even the American Standard/Deluxe fretwire too small, so almost all of my guitars end up with Dunlop 6100 fretwire, which really does the trick.

The other comment I'd make is that getting a HSS Strat leaves you without some pretty classic Strat sounds if you already have a guitar with a humbucking bridge pickup, so I'd look into the traditional SSS Strats as well - you could always drop in a Strat sized humbucker later if the single coil doesn't spin your wheels.

jb4674 · #8 08-27-2007, 12:05 AM

+1 on the triple single coils. Single coils is what makes a Strat a classic guitar.

Jimmy

**elcid** · #9 08-27-2007, 12:39 AM

The American Deluxe HSS also has the LSR Roller nut. The regular American Deluxe and Standard don't.

David McCarroll · #10 08-27-2007, 01:54 AM

Well worth looking at the Thin Skin models and, ummm, Hot Rod Vintage too - interesting range of options on those models, but I have a feeling they are a bit more expensive........

Phishphood42 · #11 08-27-2007, 01:57 AM

Eric Johnson Strat > Every other production strat

Play one, its much better than the standard and deluxe models

markg5150 · #12 08-28-2007, 04:09 PM

Suhr Pro Series
http://www.suhrguitars.com/guitarsProSeries.aspx

scotte_za · #13 08-28-2007, 04:33 PM

mmm good point about the sss, i guess my ibanez will keep me happy in the hb department

scotte_za · #14 08-28-2007, 04:52 PM

just on a side note, ive been reading a lot of the reviews of the HSS American Deluxe, it seems that the humbucker is considered a bit weak and muddy. Any suggestions of a Seymour Duncan (I can't get hold of DiMarzios) bridge HB that would replcae it nicely?