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Made in the USA (do you think the name "American Standard" might be a clue?) This one was made in 2000, and so it has the "modern," two-pivot-screw tremolo- a better tremolo, IMO, as it allow for more movement, and holds a tune as well (also as poorly!) as the "vintage" 6-screw design. 3 single coil pickups of the "American Standard" level (there's that name, again!) 5-way switch, Volume/tone/tone knobs.

UTILIZATION

Of COURSE it's got easy access to all frets. Very ergonomic, too- that's one of the hallmarks of Strats. Nice sound, as long as you accept that single coils sound like, well, single coils.

SOUNDS

Play it through a good tube amp, and you will never have a complaint.

OVERALL OPINION

Best thing about it: It's an American Standard Strat. I'd had SEVERAL strat-ish guitars prior to this one- Westone HSS, brand-X strat copy, Squier Standard Strat. Mexican and Japan Strats are almost as good, and probably better values, but if you can afford it, or a good used deal comes your way on an American Standard, step up, if for no reason then you can stop worrying about upgrading, and concentrate on your playing.