[pauliejay]

American Stratocaster Deluxe V Neck Guitar

[prienzo]

How much did you purchase this item for?
$950

Where did you purchase this item?
Alto Music, Monsey, NY

Is this item new or used?
New

Features:
S-1 Switching System, Cobalt Noiseless Pickups, Locking Tuners, Tremolo System, Hard Shell Case, Strap Locks, Leather Strap, 9 foot amp chord

The locking tuners make it very easy to change the strings. There is a knob that you turn near the tuners, but on the bottom side. They push a metal rod into the string to keep it from moving. It is supposed to keep the guitar in tune when using the whammie bar. I find that if you use the bar a little bit, it will stay in good tune, but of course, with heavy use, it is going to go out of tune. I find that it stays in tune a lot longer than a Mexican strat and a lot of other guitars I have played on.

Construction:
The guitar is solid. I feel that I could break a wall with this (although I highly discourage from such actions.)

Sound:
The sound on this is amazing. I am not running it through a great amp, just a basic 15W Fender. It's got that great jazz sound the strats are known for, but turn on the distortion and you won't be disappointed. The guitar stays even in its tone on the entire guitar, whether you're playing high on the neck or an open e. It has your basic 5 strat pickup settings, but then you get the S-1 switch, which is like adding another set of 5 pickups. With the switch down, you can actually have all three coils on at the same time. With the S-1 switch down, you get more of a lower full tone. With it off, your get a brighter tone. Somtimes when I am playing with the switch off and I am hitting the very high notes, they may sound a little tinny. However, this is eliminated with the S-1 switch down. Also, I might not be using the best of strings, so don't let that throw you off! This guitar can play anything.

Ease of Use:
It came out of the box with the action a little bit off, but after a quick setup it was ready to go. The way the S-1 switch is hidden also makes it easier to use. I know that other guitars like this have a mini toggle switch, but this has the button on top of the volume button. You just push down on the top of the volume knob and it goes over. It makes it very easy to switch over if you're playing in a song. For example, if you're going into a solo and you want a deep tone, you can easily put down the switch without delay. It is very handy.

Reliability:
I have not had the guitar for too long, but so far so good. I was very encouraged when as I picked up the guitar from the store, the salesman said to me, "Congrats. You'll have this guitar forever." I fully believe him. I am not here to doubt the reputation of Fender.

Overall:
This guitar can do it all, not to mention the fact that you look great doing it. It truly is a beauty. It was well worth saving up for and I highly recomend it to any serious guitar player.

This post has been edited by prienzo: 13 January 2006 - 05:51 PM