Fender 50th Anniversary American Deluxe Stratocaster user reviews ( 9/10) - 11 user reviews

• 12/07/11

  King Loudness's review "Very cool..."

  Characteristics

  The Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster 50th anniversary was made for only one year in 2004 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the famous Fender Stratocaster guitar. It was built in the USA and based off the platform of their top of the line USA model, the American Deluxe. To that end, it features an ash body, a maple neck with maple fretboard, 22 frets, Fender locking tuners, two point standard tremolo bridge, Fender Noisless pickups with S-1 switching, and the standard Strat control layout of dual volumes/one tone and a 5 way selector switch. It definitely screams classic Strat when you see it... the vintage style 2-tone sunburst finish and maple neck are pure '50s Fender, and the gold hardware adds a really classy touch that really makes the guitar seem special even before you pick it up.

  Utilization

  The design of this Strat has a few improvements that set it apart from the standard American model. One of those improvements that really helps with the design is the contoured neck heel that is found on some newer Strats. This is critical for gaining great upper fret access, and makes this Strat much easier to play than some of its more vintage style counterparts. The guitar is a little bit on the heavier side due to the ash/maple construction but it's still quite easy to hold and play for longer periods of time. The upper fret access is quite good because of not only the contoured neck heel but also the very nice neck finish, which isn't so glossy as to inhibit hand movement up and down the neck. Awesome!

  Sounds

  This Strat may look like a meek vintage piece, but rest assured it has some serious grind underneath its hood. The pickups are Fender Noiseless models and seem a bit hotter to me than the standard models. That being said, they don't seem to sacrifice that wonderful Strat clarity or sparkle that really makes a good Strat stand out. Using a clean sound, the pickups range from offering that great Hendrix esque clean tone (very bright and funky but with a certain body to it that lends itself well to both chord and lead work) to some classic country chicken pickin' type tones using the middle pickup, to some Dire Straits type sounds or even some surf rock. Switching over to a drive tone brought in some seriously thick and punchy tone that was great for everything from '70s arena rock to modern day shred. Kicking in the S-1 circuit thickened the tone up significantly and made the single coils sound more like humbuckers... great for even heavier tones a-la Black Sabbath or Kyuss.

  Overall Opinion

  All in all I think this Strat is a great guitar that has both collector appeal and great playability/tone. It's based off the American Deluxe Strat which is a tried and true design, but it has that nice classy/vintage vibe that so many players these days really like. They can be had for about $1,200 used which is a decent deal considering the features and tone quality that you're getting. If you're after a great Strat that can do many different styles for not a ridiculous amount of cash, give the 50th Anniversary Strat a whirl.
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• 08/16/11

  Hatsubai's review "One of my favorite looking strats"

  Characteristics

  This was a limited production guitar released for a short period of time to celebrate Fender's 50th anniversary. The guitar features an ash body with a maple neck, a maple fretboard, 22 frets, dot inlays, SSS configuration, locking tuners, special neck heel, two point tremolo system, one volume, two tones and a five way switch.

  Utilization

  This guitar was put together great. There were no neck joint cracks or gaps at all. Everything was super tight. The frets were properly crowned, and there were no sharp edges. I was able to get some moderate action going on. Super low action is impossible with the radius, but I could get workable action while still being able to bend a full step. The nut was also cut properly. I didn't experience any tuning issues with this guitar at all. The gold hardware on this is pretty love/hate, but I loved it. It looked exotic without being too gaudy.

  Sounds

  This guitar has SCN pickups in it, and I really like them. The bridge is very fat and powerful. You can do everything from heavy metal to classic rock with these. However, the clean tones and blues tones are somewhat bland sounding because it's so high output. It doesn't have that character that some blues guitarists look for, in my opinion. The neck sounds pretty good. It's high output, so legato and all kinds of shred guitar techniques are super easy. Clean tones sound pretty good in positions 2 to 4. I'm a metal guitarist, so I think the SCNs are real killer pickups. If you play lower gain stuff, you might want something else.

  Overall Opinion

  This guitar is one of my favorite looking guitars Fender has ever released. It almost has that Kotzen vibe going on, minus the flame top. The gold hardware looked great on this Fender, and it played like butter. The pickups weren't super versatile, but they definitely got the job done. Definitely pick one up if you can.
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• 08/04/11

  iamqman's review

  Characteristics

  Fender is a great American classic guitar. They have been building guitars for over 50+ years now. They are just as an American icon as John Wayne or Elvis Presley. These guitars are to commemorate the years that Fender has been manufacturing the Strats. These guitars have been played by almost every musician in the world at one time or another. Fender has a reputation of soul and quality when it comes to there equipment. They have a great deal of respect by the brightest and the best in the business. There isn't much different with these guitars as the normal American made ones that you buy from just about any guitar shop. They have a commemorative back plate that shows the 50th Anny emblem. That is really the only difference. This is a great guitar but nothing special or new in any way or even a throw back.

  Utilization

  Spec's
  
  MODEL NAME 50th Anniversary American Stratocaster
  
  MODEL NUMBER 010-2004-(803)
  
  SERIES American Series
  
  (703) 2-Color Sunburst,
  
  (Polyurethane Finish)
  
  BODY Ash
  
  NECK Maple, Modern “C” Shape,
  
  (Satin Polyurethane Finish)
  
  MACHINE HEADS Fender/Schaller Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines
  
  FINGERBOARD Maple, 9.5” Radius (241 mm)
  
  NO. OF FRETS 22 Medium Jumbo Frets
  
  PICKUPS 3 New Custom Shop Vintage 1954 Single-Coil Stratocaster Pickups with Parchment Covers
  
  CONTROLS Master Volume,
  
  Tone 1. (Neck Pickup),
  
  Tone 2. New “Delta Tone”
  
  (“Delta Tone” system includes high output bridge pickup and special No-Load tone control for Middle and Bridge Pickups)
  
  BRIDGE American 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Stainless Steel Saddles
  
  PICKUP SWITCHING 5-Position Blade:
  
  Position 1. Bridge Pickup
  
  Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup
  
  Position 3. Middle Pickup
  
  Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup
  
  Position 5. Neck Pickup
  
  HARDWARE Chrome
  
  STRINGS Fender Super Bullet 3250L, Nickel Plated Steel, (.009 to .042), p/n 073-3250-003
  
  CASE Vintage Tweed Case Crushed Gold Interior and Red Embroidered Commemorative Anniversary Patch Sewn in the Top of the Lining of the Case
  
  PICKGUARD 1-Ply Beveled Parchment Vinyl
  
  SCALE LENGTH 25.5” (648 mm)
  
  WIDTH AT NUT 1.6875” (43 mm)
  
  UNIQUE FEATURES Special Commemorative 50th Anniversary Neck Plate,
  
  “Parchment” Knobs and Pickup Covers,
  
  Original Headstock Shape,
  
  Original Body Shape with “Original Contour Body” Decal on Headstock,
  
  Rolled Fingerboard Edges,
  
  H/S/H Pickup Routing
  
  ACCESSORIES Vintage Tweed Case Crushed Gold Interior and Red Embroidered Commemorative Anniversary Patch Sewn in the Top of the Lining of the Case

  Sounds

  I love the look of the three tone sunburst Fender Strat. This guitar has a nice body paint on it that is pretty much the same as any other sunburst. These guitars do not change from any other Fender Stratocaster that anyone has ever played. This guitar will work in any environment. If you have played one American Fender Stratocaster than you know exactly how one sounds. The tone of this guitar is exquisite. They sound good with Fender amps and they sound goo with Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifiers as well as they sound with any Marshall. They sound just flat out amazing to me. There isn't too much variation of tone between Strats. They either sound like a Stratocatser or they sound like a Telecatser. You can definitely hear the difference. Something to be said about the original and you can get boutique all you want but the Fender Strat is still a staple in rock music. So the 50th Anny is a cool way to remember the first original rock guitar master.

  Overall Opinion

  These guitars were during a limited run. You can still find them pretty easily. I think they cost about the same as the regular standard Fender Strats. Either way they are a cool pickup and maybe worth more money later on down the road. If you can score one then I would suggest picking it up. They are great guitars and have a fantastic soul to them. Te 50th Anny neck plate on the back is a cool feature as well.
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• 06/28/11

  Hatsubai's review "One of my favorite looking strats"

  Characteristics

  This was a limited production guitar released for a short period of time to celebrate Fender's 50th anniversary. The guitar features an alder body with a maple neck, a maple fretboard, 22 frets, dot inlays, SSS configuration, locking tuners, special neck heel, two point tremolo system, one volume, two tones and a five way switch.

  Utilization

  This guitar was put together great. There were no neck joint cracks or gaps at all. Everything was super tight. The frets were properly crowned, and there were no sharp edges. I was able to get some moderate action going on. Super low action is impossible with the radius, but I could get workable action while still being able to bend a full step. The nut was also cut properly. I didn't experience any tuning issues with this guitar at all. The gold hardware on this is pretty love/hate, but I loved it. It looked exotic without being too gaudy.

  Sounds

  This guitar has SCN pickups in it, and I really like them. The bridge is very fat and powerful. You can do everything from heavy metal to classic rock with these. However, the clean tones and blues tones are somewhat bland sounding because it's so high output. It doesn't have that character that some blues guitarists look for, in my opinion. The neck sounds pretty good. It's high output, so legato and all kinds of shred guitar techniques are super easy. Clean tones sound pretty good in positions 2 to 4. I'm a metal guitarist, so I think the SCNs are real killer pickups. If you play lower gain stuff, you might want something else.

  Overall Opinion

  This guitar is one of my favorite looking guitars Fender has ever released. It almost has that Kotzen vibe going on, minus the flame top. The gold hardware looked great on this Fender, and it played like butter. The pickups weren't super versatile, but they definitely got the job done. Definitely pick one up if you can.
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• 02/11/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The 50th Anniversary Fender Deluxe Stratocaster was made in the USA - it has 24 frets and three single coil pick ups. It has volume and tone knobs and has a five spot pick up selector to change the overall tone. Since it is made in the USA and is a Deluxe is truly made with the best parts and built perfectly.

  Utilization

  The neck of the guitar feels just about perfect. It feel great all around the neck and it is easy to access the top notes. The weight is light and easy to carry. The classic start body and overall look to the guitar is truly awesome and is a staple of the guitar as an instrument. The inherent sound is beautiful and it is quite easy to get this sounding use.

  Sounds

  This guitar definitley suits my style of music which ranges from rock and pop to country and folk. I use this guitar primarily with a '76 Fender Twin Reverb and a slew of guitar pedals including delay, distortion and chorus. I also love just using a clean signal, as this guitar is crisp and full of life on the clean channel. Both the rhythm and lead tones on this guitar are vibrant. The Stratocaster has its own recognizable sound and this guitar is part of that level of quality.

  Overall Opinion

  I've had this guitar for about four years. It is the nicest guitar I have in my collection and I use it both for recording and for live shows. I love playing this guitar because the feel is extremely fluid and the sound soars to heights you can only achieve with a Fender Stratocaster. The price isn't cheap, but this is one of the better guitars out there and will exceed expectations. If you play guitar, you know what this guitar does and the chances are you either have one, or you wish you did!
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• 10/06/09

  Anonymous 's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Here's the site CHARACTERISTICS compltes fender: - Solid alder body - Modern C-shape maple neck with satin polyurethane finish - Maple fingerboard - Gold hardware - 2-point synchronized tremolo with stainless steel saddles - Abalone dot position inlays - 22 medium jumbo frets - 3 new Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups - 2 color sunburst finish - 50th anniversary logo engraved in neck plate - Vintage tweed hardshell deluxe 50th Anniversary box with embroidered anniversary logo I will not go on except for purely technical CHARACTERISTICS pr specify a size thing: The Difference a deluxe American "standard" It RSID lment in essential and distinctive IMMEDIATE: The select woods utiliss. Indeed, a plate is not only a three-ply fold fawn 50th Anniversary stamp or fittings dor that distinguishes the American Deluxe SERIES but select species! In the production of this SERIES limit, t have the best body to select the SERIES ... Enlve when the cache is discovering rear registration to Felt indlbile registered 50Th ... ditto for the handle of which the grain is just beautiful! By consquent if CHARACTERISTICS purely technical are strictly a similar American deluxe stratocaster, however, in terms Aesthetics, it surpasses and obvious! Finally, each gem his hair: it offers a magnificent silent tui tweed with embroidered 50th Anniversary logo on the indoor!

  Utilization

  The comfort of the stratum with a few small things that change the life of the musician: Vibrato colon stable, Access in acute chanfrin facilitated by the heel of the neck and wraps mcaniques .... Although RULES is a workhorse! Ergonomics are good but with the weight is quite important to give a good sustain: As far as the LP Classic Antique I changed (which it chambered silent! "For the Son, we are in the heart of about l. .. In fact, we must speak of sounds ... I use this guitar in a band of cover. It is a concert by two months in the restaurant or bar in our region .... We play classic rock (Hendrix, Clapton, Deep Purple, CCR, Pink Floyd as well as Coldplay, U2, Prince, and <img class="smiley" src="http://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="" /> ) So I had the versatility, sound creuss, FLTs pais or depending on the cut (with its variations in the same pieces such as "Comfortably Numb" or "The Wall" ... In this context, this guitar is simply IDAL and done wonders in all registers pop rock or blues. The switch provides many of the thick roots in solos or riffs, wide world of the stratocaster! is happening in the P90 sound! Everything has no hum hum
  
  
  
  Attention to the handle end and trs is that will not fit every hand!

  Sounds

  VERSATILE and quite efficient! And what it is BEAUTIFUL! <img border="0" alt="" /><img border="0" alt="" /> The veining is remarkably enhanced by the varnish! I do not play guitars painted on the wood that hide ... I find detrimental to the work of a violin ...

  Overall Opinion

  This is a real stratocaster sound as Russianness qu&#39;esthtique Dornava and accompanies me on all my electrical Lives ... Admittedly, this is a limited commmorative SERIES 50-year stratum (54 - 2004), possibly collectible or even for some malignant spculations ... but it is not only a! It is mainly an instrument to be played without NCESS upgrade (my guitar Premire complte ncessite that do not screen or change pice, etc. .. .) This is a balance between the shuffled pass (sunburst, ergonomics, the old logo) and future (hardware, electronic passive advanced modern mnaniques) IT &#39;t was produced in 2004 and opened the switch S1 still the team that modern upscale brand! n&#39;tait was not a gimmick, quite the contrary ... This guitar is fantastic and I also obtained a second-hand prcdant change against my new les paul .... some will cry the hrsie (a layer of state during 2004 MINT worth "argus" in 1400 euros against a new Les Paul worth 2000 euros ") But I can assure you that I have not lost change! Instead <img class="smiley" src="http://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="" /> This guitar is exactly what I wanted (both musically closer to Hendrix than Slash <img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="" /> ), That I needed: Simply! We&#39;re right in the spirit of Fender Lo who sought, throughout his work his amliorer gniales Creations! A true Russianness! It sounds, it is beautiful: If you are a fan of strata and that you come across one, run it a try! Last but not least: Do not confuse it with the standard MODEL output during 2004 and also stamped 50 th: a has absolutely nothing to see! The deluxe: <img border="0" alt="" /> and standard <img border="0" alt="" /> Musically! LovingTheAlien
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• 04/25/09

  magic fingers's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Start a real-Made in United States
  
  -22 Medium fret
  
  A 2-point vibrato-inking and a mechanical blockage.
  
  One-volume, two tone, 5-way switch, the switch S1
  
  -Profile maple neck with C

  Utilization

  -Handle is a marvel of comfort, despite my habit to handle U I find a fish in water on it! it is sweet, surprisingly fast for this type of profile. the access is facilitated by the acute bevel at the heel.
  
  Ergonomics is a stratum! that is to say that we have done anything better since 1954.equilibr comfortable sitting as standing, a reasonable weight.
  
  we get all the sounds in the stratum with more thanks to the switch S1.

  Sounds

  I played a bit of style and all this stratum has a versatile ultra sonic palette, except for very heavy metal (and again ...). The Switch S1 achieves a more "thick" has the habituation is of type Guitar. microphones SNA (sign bill lawrence!) have a purity of his dazzling and more crystalline than its clear strat normal.en is close to perfection "Fenderiene" in all positions (10 with S1). ell its crunch is great for blues, the present medium well and velvety bass impose. in its saturated surprent she has each time with a surprising level of output for single coil.
  
  I currently play on a Peavey 112 Valveking, with a cry baby wah and a Zoom G7.1ut
  
  I am still looking for the sound that do not like it! I find it!

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for about 6 months.
  
  it's good, it was exactly what I wanted.
  
  Moultes after testing many layers, it possesses what is right for me in sound, Electronics (micro), a violin with a perfect wood for a body sunburst sort of rare beauty (better in person than on the photo). a high quality fittings sleep and the best effect. The mechanisms blocking agreement ensures a foolproof (and yet I am crazy vibrato!). all in a beautiful 50th anniversary vintage Cases.
  
  A great success of Fender, an instrument that will accompany me to the end .....
  
  In hindsight, I would do this choice, it is expecting me
  
  if you can, try it!
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• 08/10/06

  Clark gabeul's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  See more reviews

  Utilization

  The neck profile is C, it is enjoyable for me
  
  And Access in acute is easy, it's a Start
  
  The sound is good but not a different american deluxe

  Sounds

  The sound is good, but not an american deluxe diffrent.
  
  
  
  The selector switch S1 + allows a large number of sound but it comes down to five standard positions.
  
  
  
  It is suitable for blues, rock, etc ...

  Overall Opinion

  I use it since 2004, I bought it new in 1350 in a shop in the south of France through the classified ads of Audiofanzine. I do not regret my purchase, but I want to say that the sound is not different from an american deluxe. My son who bought the american deluxe 2004, but not limited edition, well, the sound remains the same.
  
  Fender has yet managed a great coup de marketing. How to sell more for a similar product.
  
  I do not regret my purchase in the sense that the guitars j'achte much for the sound to its mouth. It is really beautiful with its sunburst and Gold hardware, but for the privileged people who you turn the sound to an american deluxe classic, the sound will be the same and the difference in price is not justified.
  
  I heard that this guitar will grow in value over time and is dj collector, it made me chuckle, if so why people are selling you it then?? If ever a day I sold it (it is not tomorrow the day before and I'll wait 10 years like this I would be rich lol), I would sell in 1200, it seems to me a price honnte, knowing that an american deluxe is sold in 900 second-hand and for 1500 you will find custom shop Stratocaster opportunities that they, will increase in value.
  
  
  
  And precision, all the strata of 2004 anniversary plaque from 1954 to 2004, it did not make a limited edition.
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• 10/01/05

  Berc's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  - Normally this guitar produces a t the United States, but Robert Cray declares that the guitars he uses are custom shop and are made in Mexico ...
  
  (Guitar Collector No 44 page 26).
  
  - 22frettes, quiet new pickups.
  
  - Slecteur 10 positions with the switch S1, a button and two volume buttons Tone.
  
  - Handle modern type C

  Utilization

  - The handle is trs enjoyable: one would play on the marshmallow when Likewise, do not stick to fingers.
  
  - Access in acute enough got my ais.
  
  - The shape of the guitar is IDAL, but it is a good weight (8 Kgs in the MODEL alder body mass).
  
  - This gives a very easy and even the sound of beautiful dpend all of the quality of the amp, although sr.

  Sounds

  - For my part I play Rock (rockabilly) and Blues and this guitar suits me perfectly.
  
  - I use a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe a multi-effects coupled BOSS GS-10 pedals and a Roland EV-5
  
  - Without the BOSS multi-effects, I get clear sound trs the normal channel of HRD and a crunch on the channel with more drive button the bottom of the amp drive by plugging the BOSS multi-effects I get almost the sound I want, given the countless combinations of sound of this console.
  
  - I do dtest no sound, Obviously I am far from being able to draw on all my hardware.

  Overall Opinion

  - I use the Srate for a year and I am satisfied with TRS.
  
  - It's a pretty versatile guitar but it is fragile fittings dor particulirement all in my case because I have a tendency to sweat.
  
  - With the exprience, I'd re-hsiter without this choice.
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• 10/11/04

  philguitar's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Frabrique biensur United States, it is equipped with a handle C MRIT really try it it really has faile play as much as mine does a great book RULES well. 3 new micro samarium cobalt. Super Micro, I had many layers in my life and I must say that not to be a truly CUSTOM SHOP it provides are especially switch S1, the already beautiful silent trs versatile, with this you can add S1 5 sounds more is at ease both in the blues, rock, jazz and even heavy trs with good effects. C IS TO ASSURE versatility.

  Utilization

  In gnral I prfere sleeves V but I am not a gn my great astonishment. access to the acute problem does not break the abalone inlay is the most beautiful effect.

  Sounds

  It should be a great style of music. Fans will mtal tonns too!! not compare to a Gibson either. Everyone plays a part!
  
  I use a 100W marshall and a multi-effects DIGITECH GNX4 TOP!

  Overall Opinion

  I use it since last May 04 and when a guitar player friend came to try it at home he bought one two weeks later!! that price has a worth. the quality and finish is at the appointment. (a little effort can be for the front plate has a protective plastic envelope that is!) or it comes in a super vintage box. with all the accessoirs.je think this guitar is worthy of some custom shop I had in my collection! MY TOTAL SCORE = 10/10
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