Fender American Special HSS Stratocaster

[infrared72]

So I've been looking around for a good, reasonably priced Fender Strat. Originally, my plan was to find a used Highway One HSS, but it seems Fender just released this American Special HSS Stratocaster at NAMM:

http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0115700306

I got to try one last week at GC, and I was very impressed. It's kinda like a new take on the Hwy 1 strat - big frets, the oversized headstock, an Atomic Humbucker and Texas Special Single Coils, and the 9.5" radius C-Shaped neck. The only part I'm having trouble with is deciding on what color to get - Black w/ Black pickguard or Sunburst w/ Black pickguard. They did drop the Hwy 1 nitro finishes, which isn't a deal breaker for me.

What do you all think of these new Strats? The one I got to play last week was GREAT, so I may pull the trigger on one really soon.

 

[Kosh Naranek]

Re: Fender American Special HSS Stratocaster

I guess these just came out. I saw them for the first time in the Musician's Friend catalog which I just got a few days ago. They're made in USA and priced right. Certainly worth checking out.
I think I'd get sunburst.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Fender American Special HSS Stratocaster

Apart from the pickups, I like the Highway One strats (post upgrades) better than the American Standard Series. I like the thinner finish, the neck radius, the large frets, the narrower string spacing (Don't need F-spaced pickups). If you find a good one, the Highway Ones are fantastic. The two I have sound better than my American Deluxe, which was also the best of dozens that I looked at before buying.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Fender American Special HSS Stratocaster

I never liked the huge headstocks but it looks like great buy fir the price.
+1 Sunburst rocks