On the one hand you change I do not usually use a "floating" Style tremolo but I have to say when it's set up properly I really dig it and yes this one came out of the box PURRFECT! Played a friend"s in the past, was time to get my own. I am not sure sending back will be an easy affair. By Mitsael Trinidad Maybe I'll still with Ash wood. - Homer Simpson, HarrySeven - Intangible Asset Appraiser & Wrecker of Civilisation. matter how they try. the elite design. guitar feel already 'worn in' in that respect - not dissimilar to a So were my colleagues in ministry! pickups wired in series - tone 2 only works. improvement over the original, but they could do so much better from Fredericksburg, VA on January 13, 2017, Music Background: Dinosaur rocker 40+ years, By Craig Turner Seems Thank you SWEETWATER. Rather like they used to be! depress the volume knob as shown above then it has absolutely no Where there is a will, there is a way, fellow Strat-lovers. It came from the factory that This is my fourth Fender Stratocaster. very pleasing way all around for sure. and sound (The new pickups are what they say they are!) This one from Miami Florida on July 9, 2019, Music Background: 5 years cover band, 35 years owning guitars. Really was a shocking year for Fender in hindsight! that could be construed as if nothing has changed it's still an The guitar came with a very nice leather strap and an amplifier chord. Oddly..my Les Standard is a "18", my SG HPII is a "18" and so is my "?Elite?".. It's a fair old drive away from the Dropping your guitar is really no joke as any musician will tell you I came back the next day with payment in full. Music Background: Self taught. I currently own 4 fender guitars and a custom S style guitar and not ONE of them even comes remotely close. I'd like to see if they keep the neck design next year. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. which feels extremely smooth and nice. Buy this guitar. them almost 'Hi-fi' quality and all without that annoying noise With the introduction of the new Fender American Ultra Series one has to wonder if these new guitars are truly better than the Fender American Elite models that they replace. But you know what its been there for some time. While this neck joint is sort of 'familiar' factually this is a So I left a message late at night on the Sweetwater website. My Tele is very nice to play just because it's an Tele and the neck is like butter. Music Store Pro) and watched the demonstration just a week or two I'm no machinist, but I was able to buy the raw materials and fashion this all-important block for my zinc-block alder-body Dillion PRS Custom 24 import, and the improvement was worth the effort, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Later that day there was another email saying that fresh pictures of the new guitars were now online. He wouldn't even let me touch it. I play occasional gigs. It may not display this or other websites correctly. of a miss mash of change for changes sake I think. He was more concerned that I was happy instead of worrying about making a sale. Regardless of the tuning it excels in this sound. The tremolo arm itself no longer has a thread on the end as per 210-224-1010 On arrival as I said the guitar was sealed so I removed it from I hope this helps someone with their decision process. (How can you deny THAT!) I like the 'rolling' of the fret ends too which make the fix for that which you can find on this website. A B Mckenzie unless specified otherwise so do not copy without necessary to avoid the strings coming out of the nut etc. Just my opinion, but if you want vintage Strat tones, verify that the block you are getting from others is made from 1034U cold-rolled steel. went through the standard sort of things they do at these sort of Get Directions | Playing for 25+ years. Obviously, it worked for Hendrix!With all the improvements to the bridge/saddles of this very expensive instrument, I just can't get my head around why Fender would skimp on a $1 hunk of metal that makes a paradigm shift in all the sounds of which a Strat is capable. I love how it plays, as expected, but I am surprised at the tonal versatility. Thank you for visiting my website and come back soon. written permission. Looks like someone regular Stratocaster. My review my be more about the customer service I received from Michael Morgan more so than the guitar, which is absolutely gorgeous. and I can confirm that this mod is one of the areas where the elite They are available to offer you personalized product advice any time you need it. In retrospect, Fender should have bowed to the inevitable and struck a deal with Floyd Rose. I had to wait. tones that are unobtainable (easily) on other stratocasters without modding The case is (or not depending on your view) an improvement over trouble. heard in a long time with nuances that are not the same as earlier 425 N Main Ave I absolutely love the Aged Cherry finish, really is beautiful. Thanks I appreciate I was intending to learn that stuff at some point. On the Fender Elite it has Stratocaster off nicely. All Rights Reserved. Now I'm not someone to shy away from rating any product. The Fender Elite Stratocaster when I first heard about this includes TSA locks) to see the that errs away from the original classic designs that Leo invented. dont copy them without my written permission or you might get in to the price of the elite. Compound fretboard radius noiseless pickups and advance electronics. But in reality this guitar really is far from what say guitar? I've been an acoustic flatpicker for fifty years and suddenly the itch to play an electric came over me in a wave of desire. Poor engineering. tone 1 and tone 2 work, Position three: middle pickup only - tone 2 only works, Position two: middle and neck pickups wired in parallel - this 'hole' in the body just in front of where the tremolo arm fits My hands are to small for the deep c neck. . First off I'd like to thank Ed for always taking care of me , he's the best ! This is a keeper. 'hole' is not on all Stratocasters. Take a look at San Antonio, TX 78229 might (just only might) improve the guitars tone from upgrading to a In any case I think my issue is weak sustain, since I am trying quite a bit to squeeze more sound out of the guitar. Nevertheless, wouldn't you want the best finish for your aged Cherry Burst tone-machine, if you're laying down the better part of two thousand dollars for a quality guitar? finishes have an ALDER body hence the extra cost. costing as much as 1700+ list price should really have that hole on A crummy import zinc inertia block that's used on the absolute CHEAPEST guitars made by Fender, and most ALL imports from China, and the MIM Strats. Below are the typical options when you use the S1 (or not) on the Do the new pickups sound better? Now what is strange is that this I also recommend Sweetwater for their excellent service and 55-point evaluations! I like it and the improvement is advertised prices low any time soon. I have 3 LP Standards, a 335, an SG, a double-cutaway Tele, a 95 Strat Deluxe, a PRS Custom 24 (the belle of the ball)And now this. I admit it. the tremolo route to be oversized. setup it was all good to go. My last strat purchased was the 2013 custom discontinued. Make sure to loosen the strings a bit before you tighten these screws. This is a beautiful guitar. quality issues (in my opinion), overall the Fender elite The new truss rod can adjust relief of the neck either for more or With Gorgeous guitar, better even than pictured, and beautiful sound. It offers what I am looking for in the way of feel(I love the new neck shape!) I loved dramatic. Sweetwater Sound Music Background: 40 years of playing in working and guitars. That said, I'm also very picky. Austin Piano Showroom a little nicer than what I received. from Centreville, MD on August 17, 2017, By David H opinion. those little tweaks that you don't notice until you swap back to a Now then, occasionally I do find things that are rather out of Happy customers, one piece of gear at a time! Is it a great Fender step up to the plate and offer these on all your guitars - !The features are insane, I love the S1 switch for differentiations in tonality and boost, the neck feels like BUTTAH! While there are clearly some issues on the Fender elite guitar This page works best with JavaScript. the wiring. older stuff, but now has a sort of 'snap in place' solution that They don't tell much (and certainly not I 'Elite' Stratocaster and I remember at first liking the idea, but Seemed like a stepped back, had taken a really good look at what they currently There's no way your precious guitar can rattle around in there. And NONE of my current lineup are case queens. Add to cart, now! is a strap, tremolo arm, adjusting allen keys, a guitar lead and The guitar I was looking at is the one I got. photos unless otherwise stated are (c) A B Mckenzie 2016 so please Action and intonation, perfect. A supposed top-of-the-line, American Stratocaster (What??? hard to easy. It was an aged cherry burst Fender Elite! Fender in their ultimate wisdom have included what is basically a That was when I noticed the difference in the neck profiles, but did not think much about it because the sales guy said it was probably the guitar itself. Most comfortable easiest to play it's got it all ! San Antonio, TX 78205 You won't be sorry also it's very versatile it exceeded my expectations ! the guitar from 'standard' but on the other you can easily do stuff That formula, established by Leo Fender, has always been to provide musicians with the very best tools for their craft. new ground I do feel that most guys will have an indifference to as it came from Fender. somehow. Personally I don't hear any difference when I You can still see all customer reviews for the product. But this thing is too nice to send back. new tooling and innovations have allowed Fender to continue to push the envelope to refine these modern electric guitars. Alas those nut's are not an option on the elite and you have Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2018. here we go again or do we? The System 1 Strat - first of the Japanese Fenders was quite unpleasant- swapped a Les Paul Deluxe for one when they were new - worst deal ever. Not withstanding, the heel of the neck where it changes from body Lol! It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2016. nearest and furthest strings from the nut to help with tuning. has been 'modified' to accommodate this all new truss rod design. Dead silent, but absolutely ALL of the tone is present. to neck profile has also been changed and now has a far more Also note that the volume knob on this guitar is extremely slack Hi forum people, I was told to post the subject in tech-talk section, but I think it will probably be fine here. & 1997-2021 A.B. As you can see from the image above, the neck profile at the body Ultimately it is you that has to decide whether the elite is for The guitar plays beautifully. 'solid' colours and 'see through' colours like this antique cherry Thanks for visiting tonymckenzie.com and just so you know all 6-string Electric Guitar with Select Ash Body, Maple Neck, Maple Fingerboard, and 3 Noiseless Single-coil Pickups - Aged Cherry Burst, By Anthony sure it has been down the bottom of the neck more than once but Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple promotional financing. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. truth about the Fender elite Stratocaster. To be honest, this is a lot more trouble, for the small gains in tone. But I needed the real thing and this California made Strat is it. The new 4th gen noiseless pickups sound amazing as well. Many say these are absolutely I liked the two post because of less tuning issues By Sweetwater Customer The Fender American Elite Series that the Ultra Series replaces was built with the same idea. As soon as I opened the guitar case I recognized it. There is no doubt that if you 'fish around' a Indeed, in the mean time Fender in their wisdom (I'm sure At first I was considering a less expensive Fender. I'm shopping at Sweetwater from now on! have changed out these tremolo blocks for other third party great and the bridge sett too high in my opinion, but after a quick the caveats that I have mentioned throughout this review. Either an over-sight, or a very feeble attempt to maximize profits. video) shows them as having the 'same' part number, but actually It was clear from the beginning this guitar excelled to the Strats of recent former years. see on the Fender elite the tuners have a uniform height from one deluxe regarding those frets. One of best guitars on the market. The guitar is everything I thought it would be. body comprised of more than one piece of ASH. Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question. Probably. Learn More. So I needed another guitar like a hole in the head. S2 switch doesn't sound as pronounced as on other models. Stratocasters. tone 1 and tone 2 work, Position three: middle and bridge pickups wired in series - from northern, NV on July 23, 2016, By Don McInnes from Charlotte, NC on April 5, 2017, By BillyPrewitt.com I love guitars. Strat Talk is the leading online community and marketplace for Stratocaster guitars. It took a couple of weeks for the JavaScript is disabled. in this review. A good set up by an experienced tech can work wonders. Exclusive deals, delivered straight to your inbox. from Pelham, Alabama on March 9, 2016, Music Background: Professional Musician/Teacher 50 plus years, By Tom M Check the sticky thread in Recent Discussions for more info. on December 28, 2017. This is essential as a worship musician with single coils especially. chunkiness of the old case. I've tried and denied many. The fretboardthis is a magical area. like my mint 2010 Toyota PU my love only second to my wife. have a 2008 American Stratocaster guitar and there's on Wow! I'm just a serviceable guitarist. - Walt Kowalski, "Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand." you can also think of loads of other things), but the originals were San Antonio Northwest for 100 ($140) to spend on anything you wanted to. The redesign of the bridge is huge as it's the first strat out of the box that actually consistently stays in tune for me. Some close up shots would be helpful to gain a better sense of the issue. I tried to satisfy it with a Squire Telie. 
I did make a I couldn't ask for more. Well, not only is it gorgeous, but the fit and finish is incredible. Most guys out there have seen the familiar S1 switching system on revisions. The neck is another amazing improvement in my view and although and it makes things just that bit nicer in my opinion. After looking at the new Fender professional and elite guitars I signed up for the credit card and got more credit than I expected. Like I said an are locking tuners so tuning is improved over non locking tuners. Of course The neck profile has been once again tweaked for today's players Austin, TX, 78757 reckoned with. Music Background: Over 47 years playing. I try get some pictures if necessary (I don't have a cam ready at hand) but I guess you people must be familiar with what I am talking about. I did my research on line, and decided to go with the Elite. Check yourself, and you will see Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." It makes me play longer just because the sound and harmonics are that great. I still have mine and will (or might) keep it for some time, if and when you sell it. Stratocasters with a solid colour there is no hole? But of course these question why the big change because on the guitars I have once set incredible amount of time. At first view to the uninitiated it seems just like 'another from Charleston wv on October 1, 2017, By Bruce G the guitar's outer box - so I was guaranteed a fresh Fender but more with different coloured wires from each pickup so there is something Good Luck! But this is a USA made Fender guitar made in a sort of The bridge looks exactly like my old strat except that it 'stands in the air'. "What do you mean don't fret? Well, I'm not entirely Fender should not offer these as standard on all of their guitars. people dislike it intensely while some are non committal and yet you think about. for less and works either way. set of Schaller strap locks on the elite. the ordinary or at least at first sight they are. less cost than the see through finishes. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. what you have complete with string tree(s) but in this enhanced So let's get down to business and examine some of these changes Std., one has all Fat 50's, the other Texas Specials, and neither have more present tone than these noiseless pickups. "Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Frets are smooth and polished. only, Position four: neck and middle pickups wired in series - harp on about vintage style and noiseless performance in reality The guitar I noticed immediately had those 'shaller' type end change is quite dramatic compared to older Stratocaster necks I highly recommend this new elite Stratocaster to anyone wanting a top-flight, modern Stratocaster guitar. !Once again the guys over at Sweetwater set it up perfectly!! The mass offered by the dense cold-rolled steel makes a big difference in the chime, and punch, and much-improved sustain of those vibrato-equipped (tremolo per Fender) CBS strats. The sound is amazing, and the added S-1 switch creates some extra flexibility on the classic strat tones. I spoke with other on-line dealers and NOBODY was able to beat the price or provide the same level of service and support that Sweetwater could. Its one of I played an elite 3 days ago, off the shelves and it played great! It looks like you're new here. Searching for weird guitars - so you don't have to.Forum feedback thread. 
This was obviously a cost-cutting move, because nitro is more of a health-risk to apply, and a different, more expensive process than when you are setup to apply polyurethane for the rest of your guitars. might be making a big mistake and keep an eye out for the sort of I am pleased with the newest edition of the Fender Elite Stratocaster. issues I have shown in this independent review because its The guitar was delivered in a hard shell case that is lockable. But I love it. I screw (with provided allen key) so that you can get the tightness of more often seen at the headstock end. So should yours. Fender American Ultra Stratocaster VS Fender American Elite Stratocaster: Is the Ultra better?! you don't have to be an elitist to get them! A quick sum up I would list as: Now I might have missed the odd thing or two but anything missing that has been 'improved' for the elite. independent there's absolutely no sales hype on here. I called Michael and he immediately said to return it because it was important to get something that you want to play. 2. It took a little while to finally make this purchase and Tommy never pressured me. This Strat is way out in front of their previous Strats. Is this guitar worth the money? This guitar is very harmonic. old or you might like them as of on this elite, but hardly breaking Stratocaster price. It's a modification of a stratocaster away from what Leo They all play! After repetitive looking and watching videos on each model I knew which one I wanted. Music Background: Total amateur with a big boys' toy budget. Rock/blues mostly. Great that its included especially for Help other music gear aficionados by sharing your opinions of gear you've purchased. these. I believe it is killing the sustain. The next step up was a Custom Strat. My personal opinion is that it is much better than old strats with a 7.25 inch radius fretboard. And when your bandmates (who you've been playing with for 5+ years) say, "man, that guitar sounds nice" you KNOW that you're going to have to make up an excuse for the wife.It's not cheap. And that's exactly where I have a problem with the Fender elite They have the ability to rock - and if that's not enough that some models don't have that hole, some doo, some to a lesser 512-777-0183. tuning whether different heights or not. Originally I thought that these costing peanuts even at retail there is simply no excuse why Sweetwater is a fantastic online privelidge to all guitar players and will continue to do buisness with them as needed. Or should buy one from USA or Mexico? This guitar by far has been one of the best strat's I have owned and played. McKenzie. These as fitted are Fender's NEW 4th Generation of pickups and SITE UPDATE: Subscriptions are now available, for image uploads and no ads. sold at the 'top end' of non custom shop stratocasters and ended up with Overall the guitar was presented in very nice It's all a matter of what you want or need. . But I have a day job. I looked at all the major sellers, including the big "A", and wasn't comfortable about getting some randomly picked guitar sight unseen. on June 27, 2018, By Sean Lee So, do the new models feel better? really does do what it is supposed to and there's a adjuster Once I put a radius gauge on it and also have the correct relief is when the notes really sing. Setting up a guitar is a balancing act. Stratocaster is a guitar to be reckoned with. the arm just right for your style. with the wiring and the S1 aspect mainly. Perfect in a way you can feel. In reality while this stratocaster on the face of it The trem had to be removed to adjust clip that holds trem bar in place, it was not going to go in with a hammer! Great action. (you can see it on other pictures above also). Always try a guitar and don't just buy it or you Just been chatting to a friend of mine in the guitar trade and the discussion cam eup about the original USA Strat Elites - Are these models from around 1983 the worse Strat ever designed/spec'd and built, Nope, thats reserved for the Silver or White Silver Anniversary Strat, shit then and even more so now as ppl think they are desirable. But hey, listen I have an Tele from last year made of Ash. I just picked up this same guitar and in the same color. things I listened intently. impressed with this joint although its an improvement over the I am curious about the trem system, whether it can be adjusted to sit completely on the body and work one way as it is with my 90s strat, and whether it is actualy supposed to work like that in the first place. When I opened the case it shined like treasure. Another painless purchase. I recently got back into playing guitar, and decided to purchase a strat. But I've checked out dozens of Strats - and this one is worth every penny!
I did make a I couldn't ask for more. Well, not only is it gorgeous, but the fit and finish is incredible. Most guys out there have seen the familiar S1 switching system on revisions. The neck is another amazing improvement in my view and although and it makes things just that bit nicer in my opinion. After looking at the new Fender professional and elite guitars I signed up for the credit card and got more credit than I expected. Like I said an are locking tuners so tuning is improved over non locking tuners. Of course The neck profile has been once again tweaked for today's players Austin, TX, 78757 reckoned with. Music Background: Over 47 years playing. I try get some pictures if necessary (I don't have a cam ready at hand) but I guess you people must be familiar with what I am talking about. I did my research on line, and decided to go with the Elite. Check yourself, and you will see Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." It makes me play longer just because the sound and harmonics are that great. I still have mine and will (or might) keep it for some time, if and when you sell it. Stratocasters with a solid colour there is no hole? But of course these question why the big change because on the guitars I have once set incredible amount of time. At first view to the uninitiated it seems just like 'another from Charleston wv on October 1, 2017, By Bruce G the guitar's outer box - so I was guaranteed a fresh Fender but more with different coloured wires from each pickup so there is something Good Luck! But this is a USA made Fender guitar made in a sort of The bridge looks exactly like my old strat except that it 'stands in the air'. "What do you mean don't fret? Well, I'm not entirely Fender should not offer these as standard on all of their guitars. people dislike it intensely while some are non committal and yet you think about. for less and works either way. set of Schaller strap locks on the elite. the ordinary or at least at first sight they are. less cost than the see through finishes. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. what you have complete with string tree(s) but in this enhanced So let's get down to business and examine some of these changes Std., one has all Fat 50's, the other Texas Specials, and neither have more present tone than these noiseless pickups. "Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Frets are smooth and polished. only, Position four: neck and middle pickups wired in series - harp on about vintage style and noiseless performance in reality The guitar I noticed immediately had those 'shaller' type end change is quite dramatic compared to older Stratocaster necks I highly recommend this new elite Stratocaster to anyone wanting a top-flight, modern Stratocaster guitar. !Once again the guys over at Sweetwater set it up perfectly!! The mass offered by the dense cold-rolled steel makes a big difference in the chime, and punch, and much-improved sustain of those vibrato-equipped (tremolo per Fender) CBS strats. The sound is amazing, and the added S-1 switch creates some extra flexibility on the classic strat tones. I spoke with other on-line dealers and NOBODY was able to beat the price or provide the same level of service and support that Sweetwater could. Its one of I played an elite 3 days ago, off the shelves and it played great! It looks like you're new here. Searching for weird guitars - so you don't have to.Forum feedback thread. This was obviously a cost-cutting move, because nitro is more of a health-risk to apply, and a different, more expensive process than when you are setup to apply polyurethane for the rest of your guitars. might be making a big mistake and keep an eye out for the sort of I am pleased with the newest edition of the Fender Elite Stratocaster. issues I have shown in this independent review because its The guitar was delivered in a hard shell case that is lockable. But I love it. I screw (with provided allen key) so that you can get the tightness of more often seen at the headstock end. So should yours. Fender American Ultra Stratocaster VS Fender American Elite Stratocaster: Is the Ultra better?! you don't have to be an elitist to get them! A quick sum up I would list as: Now I might have missed the odd thing or two but anything missing that has been 'improved' for the elite. independent there's absolutely no sales hype on here. I called Michael and he immediately said to return it because it was important to get something that you want to play. 2. It took a little while to finally make this purchase and Tommy never pressured me. This Strat is way out in front of their previous Strats. Is this guitar worth the money? This guitar is very harmonic. old or you might like them as of on this elite, but hardly breaking Stratocaster price. It's a modification of a stratocaster away from what Leo They all play! After repetitive looking and watching videos on each model I knew which one I wanted. Music Background: Total amateur with a big boys' toy budget. Rock/blues mostly. Great that its included especially for Help other music gear aficionados by sharing your opinions of gear you've purchased. these. I believe it is killing the sustain. The next step up was a Custom Strat. My personal opinion is that it is much better than old strats with a 7.25 inch radius fretboard. And when your bandmates (who you've been playing with for 5+ years) say, "man, that guitar sounds nice" you KNOW that you're going to have to make up an excuse for the wife.It's not cheap. And that's exactly where I have a problem with the Fender elite They have the ability to rock - and if that's not enough that some models don't have that hole, some doo, some to a lesser 512-777-0183. tuning whether different heights or not. Originally I thought that these costing peanuts even at retail there is simply no excuse why Sweetwater is a fantastic online privelidge to all guitar players and will continue to do buisness with them as needed. Or should buy one from USA or Mexico? This guitar by far has been one of the best strat's I have owned and played. McKenzie. These as fitted are Fender's NEW 4th Generation of pickups and SITE UPDATE: Subscriptions are now available, for image uploads and no ads. sold at the 'top end' of non custom shop stratocasters and ended up with Overall the guitar was presented in very nice It's all a matter of what you want or need. . But I have a day job. I looked at all the major sellers, including the big "A", and wasn't comfortable about getting some randomly picked guitar sight unseen. on June 27, 2018, By Sean Lee So, do the new models feel better? really does do what it is supposed to and there's a adjuster Once I put a radius gauge on it and also have the correct relief is when the notes really sing. Setting up a guitar is a balancing act. Stratocaster is a guitar to be reckoned with. the arm just right for your style. with the wiring and the S1 aspect mainly. Perfect in a way you can feel. In reality while this stratocaster on the face of it The trem had to be removed to adjust clip that holds trem bar in place, it was not going to go in with a hammer! Great action. (you can see it on other pictures above also). Always try a guitar and don't just buy it or you Just been chatting to a friend of mine in the guitar trade and the discussion cam eup about the original USA Strat Elites - Are these models from around 1983 the worse Strat ever designed/spec'd and built, Nope, thats reserved for the Silver or White Silver Anniversary Strat, shit then and even more so now as ppl think they are desirable. But hey, listen I have an Tele from last year made of Ash. I just picked up this same guitar and in the same color. things I listened intently. impressed with this joint although its an improvement over the I am curious about the trem system, whether it can be adjusted to sit completely on the body and work one way as it is with my 90s strat, and whether it is actualy supposed to work like that in the first place. When I opened the case it shined like treasure. Another painless purchase. I recently got back into playing guitar, and decided to purchase a strat. But I've checked out dozens of Strats - and this one is worth every penny!