Diff between Am. Deluxe and American Strat?

[Easto]

Hello,

I'm looking at buying a Strat but it appears that they only make a hardtail (which I want) in the regular American Strat and do not offer one on the American Deluxe model. I've been reading the stats at Fender's site and other than them saying that the deluxe has better fretwork I can't tell the difference. Since I'll be replacing the pickups/electronics in it as soon as I get it the electronics really play no part in my decision. I'm going to be hitting several stores over the next 2 weeks and see if I can find one with the "right" feel and then make my purchase. What else should I be looking at with regards to the model differences/quality?

Thanks
Easto

[axeman69]

I'm not sure of all of the differences, but one of the big ones is in the tremolo. The std. has the stamped saddles and the deluxe has the machined saddles. But since you're getting a hardtail, that doesn't matter.

I think there is a difference in the electronics as well.

[jdier]

If you are planning to replace all of the electronics, I would strongly suggest a look at the standard line made in Mexico. I have been very pleased with the guitars from that line.

[Easto]

Originally Posted by jdier

If you are planning to replace all of the electronics, I would strongly suggest a look at the standard line made in Mexico. I have been very pleased with the guitars from that line.

I've just seen and read too many posts around the net and it seems like many of the MIM fenders have (wood) problems. Cracking, Splitting etc. I think the quality control on them isn't as good as the American models.

[Clive Hugh]

I have a Strat MIA, as it has saddles that "look" machined it is probably delux, I say that because I think they are actually precision invesment castings, and I am a machinist and they don't look machined to my eye whereas my other strat has the stamped saddles, the neck and fretwork on my MIA is beautiful to play, I call it the 'dream machine' and it certainly is, so it might be worth the extra few dollars, mine was made in '86.

[Easto]

I've been taking a closer look at the spec's of the 2 models over at Fender's site and the difference seems to be...

1. Pickups
2. Pickup Switching
3. The Non Deluxe model has a H/S/H pickup routing below the pickguard.