Fender American Special Strat in Sonic Blue

The Fender American Special line has always been a great value proposition for those who may be on a slightly tighter budget. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the American Standard or American Deluxe it still has the same top notch build quality but at a fraction of the price.

Real USA Build

Unlike other guitars in this price bracket this guitar has the same USA build quality that all Fender players dream of. Both the alder body and maple neck as well as the rosewood fretboard have been produced using the same materials and techniques that are used on the American Standard and other models.

As it is made in the USA this guitar has a great premium feel that you just don't get with Mexican made versions. That all comes down to the quality craftsmanship of all the craftsmen at the USA factory and the care they put in to every guitar.

Traditional Style Hardware

If you are looking to get classic Fender strat sounds there are certain pieces of hardware you look for. First off you want three sweet single coil pickups that are neither to hot nor too cold. To hit this perfect sound Fender have used the Texas Special pickups.

They are essentially overwound standard strat pickups with period correct cloth wire. The overwound design means you get a lot more midrange punch out of these pickups to help you cut through the mix a lot more.

You also get the strong and stable vintage style synchronized tremolo on this guitar. For smooth and subtle vibes and maybe even some crazier work as well this tremolo is a must for a classic strat.

Here's what Guitarist Magazine had to say about the American Special Series

"A quick scan over the whole guitar reveals the type of build quality, fit and finish that has put Fender back in front of late. Everything says 'precision'..."

"Over the years, Fender's Texas Special pickups have received mixed reaction... Indeed, this reviewer has seldom warmed to a guitar that carried them... [However] through a Carvin Vintage 16 amp - the American Special is a pure delight"

"Once again, Fender has focused its sights, aimed at the target and hit bullseye with its first shot. We'd like to see a more adventurous colour palette and better gig-bag, but otherwise we can't fault this guitar at this price point. 4.5/5 stars."

Neville Marten - Guitarist Magazine. Read the whole review in the  March 2010 Issue

Here's what Fender say about the American Special Strats

Fender introduces the American Special Series Stratocaster guitar, which puts everything you want in an affordable U.S.-made instrument within your reach. Features include an alder body, maple neck with 9.5"-radius fingerboard and jumbo frets, Texas Special pickups, vintage-style synchronized tremolo and satin urethane finish. The American Special Series - guitars for the times.

Specifications

• Model Name: American Special Stratocaster®
• Series: American Special

Body

• Body Shape: Stratocaster®

Neck

• Neck Shape: Modern "C"
• Number of Frets: 22
• Fret Size: Jumbo Frets
• Position Inlays: Black Dot
• Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (24.1 cm)
• Neck Material: Maple
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Nut Width: 1.6875" (43 mm)
• Scale Length: 25.5" (64.8 cm)
• Headstock: Large '70s Style
• Neck Plate: Standard 4 Bolt
• Truss Rod Nut: 1/8" American Series

Electronics

• Pickup Configuration: S/S/S
• Bridge Pickup: Texas Special™ Single-Coil
• Middle Pickup: Texas Special™ Single-Coil
• Neck Pickup: Texas Special™ Single-Coil Neck Pickup
• 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
• Special Electronics: Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit (rolls off high without adding bass)
• Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup) Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit, (Rolls Off Highs without Adding Bass) Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup), Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit

Hardware

• Hardware Finish: Chrome
• Bridge: Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
• String Nut: Synthetic Bone
• Tuning Machines: Standard Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines
• Switch Tips: White
• Tremolo Arm Handle: Vintage Style Tremolo Arm

Miscellaneous

• Strings: Fender® USA Super Bullets® 3250L, NPS, (.009-.042 Gauges)
• Unique Features: Satin Urethane Finish, Texas Special™ Pickups, Large '70s Style Headstock, Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit

Accessories

• Polishing Cloth: Polishing Cloth Included
• Strap Locks: Vintage Style Strap Buttons
• Control Knobs: White Plastic