I've been playing for over 20 years. Owned a lot of electric guitars in that time...plenty of squires, a USA strat plus, a Jap strat, a Rickenbacker 330, A classic player 50's, a Fender roadworn 60's....

I sold my roadworn because I had done my homework on this guitar.

It has the classic country/twangy/blues strat sound. Think Buddy Holly. It's a 50's strat replica...not meant for hard rock or metal...

All of the detailing is consistent with a late 50's era strat. Including the single ply pickguard, warps and all. That's why Fender changed to 3 ply later on. But it's period accurate.

The neck is the big seller on this guitar. It's possibly an aquired taste, but once you get into it it feels and plays great. A solid piece of maple, soft V shape - certainly softer than the more expensive (but not better) classic player series neck. The finish on the neck is excellent, a dark toned vintage laquer which sets the whole look - and feel - off nicely.

The finish on the body (mine is 2 tone sunburst) is flawless, excellent - it looks fantastic and is very dirable thanks to the poly finish. In an ideal world, these would be offered in a vintage correct nitro finish, but you cant have everything...especially for this price. Besides, the poly is harder wearing. Clapton's strats are all poly after years of blaying nitro finished "Blackie", so I would summise it doesn't affect the tone as much as some may say.

The "aged" knobs, trem knob, PU covers and pickup switch look odd coupled with the white pleckguard and trem cover. Either age it all Fender, or make it all white. Do or do not, there is no try...;)

Still, that's an easy fix with a relic'd single ply 50's cover from the net.

Overall, the guitar is solidly built, looks beautiful, sounds great - I do like the stock PU's...I may consider switching them to Fender fat 50's, but for now am more than happy with the very vintage tone they produce coupled with my hotrod deluxe amp.

Excellent guitar for the price, it's very roadworthy and loveable.

Hard to pick up without playing "Peggy Sue"...

As an 'old school' afectionado, I wouldn't consider purchasing a new American standard. Leo's original design is what I wish for.

So, depending on your musical tastes, style of playing and budget, possibly the prefect strat.

But TRY IT OUT FIRST.

I went through a few models in store until I settled on the one. Some had less nice necks, small flaws in workmanship and so on. You have to hold it in your hands, look it over, listen and feel how it plays then decide.

It might just be 'the one'.

Just snagged a 98' 50's Stratocaster Reissue in Daphne Blue. Wow! If I told you the price I paid, I'd have to kiil ya! I recorded some clash type beater tracks with a touch of new age punk last night. She delivered the goods. Not quiet the tone of my 68 tele.... but plays great! Holds a solid tune. The machine heads are a big improvement over the standard mim. The small radius neck is a little different... but I play em all. This unit will look great on the wall against the white background. If the standard mexican pick ups are a 7.... I'd give the classic 50's an 8.3. The standard American gets the cigar and a 10. Good Day, KId Ritalin

I was looking for a Strat to start playing again since I put my other one in storage. I have the Delphine blue. I love the feel of the strat. I also have a powerhouse strat and this one feels better. I bought it because I like the look of the old Fenders. The Neck feels good I wish it didn't have the gloss finish on it. It would be better if it was a little more destressed. I am planning on changing the pickups to fat 50s or Texas Specials. The ones are a little dull but still sounds ok. If you are planning on MIM strat look at this one!

I bought this guitar in sunburst/maple neck. I couldn't quite afford the American strat, but fortunately for me, this guitar gives the American strat a run for its money.

It plays well, sounds great, feels great, and its so well built. I use it for blues, rock, and I've even whailed on some great shred solos. In conjunction with the right tube amp, you're lookin good.

Though the pickups aren't the hottest pickups, and I may change them, "as is" this guitar really does give you the most bang for your buck.

I'd buy another or move onto the Classic 60's strat too. These MIM instruments are fantastic.

It's a great guitar, but not for everyone. I played one of these while "babysitting" for a weekend. Let me say right off that I own a Jeff Beck Strat. The "V" neck with the smaller radius did not work for me. Every other detail is totally Fender worthy, though I would still put new pickups in. The construction and attention to detail make this a great mid-level guitar. And I would not be surprised if it outplayed some "American Standard" strats. If you get the chance, play it next to a Classic Player Strat, with the 9.5 radius (vs the 7.25). Then you will know if this is right for you.