« Fender American Series Standard Stratocaster »

I paid less than $800 for this fine axe through Musicians Friend. They matched another companies lower price for me. I have other older Strats but wanted to try the American Series as they've been advertised as a better playing improved Strat.

It's typical Amerian Fender. High quality and flawless. The factory setup was typical too. By that I mean Fender is trying to make these guitars cheese slicers with the high action setup. It only took about 30 minutes to get it to play like butter. Fenders are bar-none the easiest guitar to setup for low action and fast playing. The tone is vintage fender and what else can I say. The vintage temolo is a no hassle affair and the strings stay in tune longer than any other guitar brand I've owned. Nothing beats a well setup Strat for comfort and long hours of playing standing up. No wonder it's the top choice of so many Pro's. Damn nice guitar for the money whether you're a bedroom player or a Pro doing nightly gigs!!!

I'd like Fender to get more creative with pickguard selections. The nice thing about a Strat is the ability to personalize it with a simple pickguard change. We need more variety under the Fender brand name.

I've had and have several other brands but I'm always amazed at the fine fit and finish of American Fenders compared to other guitars that cost much more. The new American Series Strat is a fine instrument.

I've said it all I guess. I believe there is no comparable guitar for under $1,000. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to beat it in the higher dollar categories too.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com