I have seen the light!!!

I have to say, from every angle of this purchase I am more than satisfied, Dustin K is the man, his service is #1, he is probably the only person who calls from a business that I actually want to return his calls, if not for anything just respect, he's always polite and informative... and it's nice to know his name is actually Dustin who's actually in Indiana. Every business in the world needs to be doing what Sweetwater is doing as far as service and customer care and support. Anyways, enough brown-nosing, but you guys have a customer for life here.

Having considered myself a Gibson man for a while now, I really didn't expect to like this guitar much. I bought it for some Strat Tones that I couldn't get with my Gibson... With the Fenders on sale and all I figured at this good of a price I'm just going to go for it, also feels good to buy American as well. I had played some Mex Strats before and didn't like them, but I remember playing an American Standard years ago and not being able to put it down, I was low on dough then so THAT guitar didn't come home with me that day, but I think it's spirit some how found it's way back to me through this one here.

First off, the case, I've heard a few complaints, but I have no idea why? It opens and closes easy, feels super secure and is very balanced. Popped it open and waddya know, you get a NICE strap, a cloth (which I've got to have for the tops of ALL of my guitars and and a free cable, way cool. The color of the guitar is gorgeous, but, picking up the guitar, with it being so much lighter than I'm used to, I have to admit it felt like a toy compared to my LP, it wouldn't take me long to get over that though.

I immediately did a thorough inspection, for piece of mind, solid as a rock. Checking the intonation it just needed a couple touch ups with that, but everything else was perfect to me. The first couple of strums felt and sounded awesome... in fact, this guitar has such a great acoustic tone I played it for a full two days before plugging it into my rig... and that's when I was officially blown away!

First off, there are no "dead spots" ANYWHERE, this guitar has so many awesome overtones and nuances it's overwhelming... it looks Rock and Roll, it's feels Rock and Roll and most of all, this guitar SOUNDS ROCK AND ROLL!! It's so versatile, every note is articulate, open chords are ALIVE and breathing fire... this neck feels like it was made for my hands, it's super fast. Many of the blues tones commonly associated with Fender are right there now, however, this Diamondback humbucker is not to be taken lightly, it screams. I'm pretty certain as is you can cover just about any style of music with this instrument; Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country even Metal. I also want to note that this guitar stays in tune better than any guitar I have ever owned, even after two or three hours, mildly using the tremolo, still in tune...

The ergonomics and weight are another thing I'm loving about this guitar, it frees me up so I can play more and worry less. I used to think I liked heavy guitars... I don't anymore. I can play this guitar all night and not notice it, my shoulder is grateful. Also, it stays right on the strap, the way it's supposed to, no need for strap-locks here. My LP feels like it wants to jump out of the strap and get banged up. So, obviously, worrying about that was hindering my playing as well.

I hate to say it, but I've fallen under this guitars magical spell... it's making me rethink a few things about my playing and tone... It's even got me thinking bad thoughts about my LP... thoughts I never thought I would have, thoughts like selling my LP to get that Mesa Boogie I've always wanted... I don't know yet. But I DO know that this guitar is a keeper. Highly recommended, and if you were ever thinking about getting a Fender, now's the time if you can, they are dirt cheap, they are awesome and Sweetwater is the place to buy.

Great guitar with quality craftsmanship

Everything I have ever heard or read about these guitars is absolutley true! I have had people tell me that only vintage gear is worth having. You need to take a second look. Out of the box the intonation was perfect. The finish emmaculate. I am playing through a Fender Mustang II amp, and the sound is incredible. The sustain carries with or with out feed back. This is a much better guitar than I am a guitar player. This insturment inspires me to play. The neck feals great, Anyone who is thinking of purchasing a guitar needs to check out an American Standard HSS Fender Strat!

a very classy and beautiful sounding strat

I saved up for this bad boy with some of my own money and some scholarship money i had left over! let me tell you though it was definitely worth it. It is very easy to make this guitar sound good, i play on a fender deville tube and the sound is breathtaking, if your looking for a stat, this is the one to get.

number 1 guitar

I own 2 other strats and a les paul deluxe.Ever since I pulled this bad boy out of the case I havnt been able to put it down.Awesome guitar!!I was worried about giving up the pure strat sound by buying one with a humbucker but this thing has the strat sound and then some.This is now my main guitar.

Comfort,sound,hey its an american strat!!!

Loved it right out of the box
Versitility of humbucker added with all of the great classic strat tones was the deal breaker for me. Didnt care for the floating trem though but added a spring and all is well with the tuning when dropping down
Maple neck is superb and i have fallen in love with the color
Definite difference between buying American and mexican

As good as its reputation

Really nice to play - makes you want to pick it up all the time.
Wish I could have afforded one years ago in my 20's and 30's - still time to make the most of it. Great action, sound general feeling.
Pity about the new Fender moulded case though. Feels a bit junky with the inside feeling like covered foam. Could almost be make in China.
Anyway, its the guitar that counts - a real beauty.

American Strat HSS

I'd have to agree with the man above. I play this gat through a deville and the humbucker pickups on the drive channel are quite awesome. Just changing from the middle pickup position to the bridge gives you a huge gain and warmth boost. It's a big sound....be careful, you might melt faces!

Fantastic

Words do not do justice to this extraordinary guitar. I've played them all and this is the one. EVERYONE is blown away by it's gorgeous good looks but when you crank it up, they're awe stricken. Buy it. Play it. Love it forever. It's the hottest Strat ever at any price.